Talk of TODs (Transport Oriented Developments) has amplified as councils and governments across Australia look for ways to ease housing shortages. On paper, the concept is simple – by developing and reinvigorating the areas immediately surrounding transport hubs, an increased number of dwellings can be supplied. With housing shortage at a crisis point, it’s not as simple as increasing density in these areas. To create livable, sustainable neighbourhoods with thriving communities, it’s important that stakeholders ensure there is a diversity of amenity included in these new town centres.
Arcadia’s landscape architects and urban designers have contributed to a number of strategies and projects that play a part in delivering livable new neighbourhoods. This includes the St Leonards Precinct, pictured above in the NSW Govt St Leonards TOD image, where the delivery of a number of projects under the St Leonards Strategy (2006) over the past five years has shown how successful forward planning is in precinct development.
In fact, in a recent survey conducted by Committee for Sydney and IPSOS showed that more people were open to apartment living with one of the most significant shifts in attitudes occurring in Sydney’s northern suburbs. 52 per cent of residents said they would consider living in a unit, compared to 40 per cent last year. Could this be that they’ve seen the benefits delivered to benefit the community alongside increases in density?
Planning is underway in NSW for the delivery of new TODs throughout the Greater Sydney region, from Wollongong to Newcastle, estimated to deliver more than 170,000 new homes in mid-rise dwellings. Planning for a diversity in open space and amenity will increase the livability of these new neighbourhoods, which should include:
Parks
Successful parks have access to nature, encourage movement, create resilience and provide a variety of community meeting places.
Play
To accommodate the growing number of families living in apartments, as well as a multigenerational meeting spot for all, playgrounds bring the community together and are beneficial to children by prompting them to move, imagine and socialise.
Activated laneways
Laneway activation, with retail, lighting, solar protection and clear lines of sight contributes to the vibrancy and safety of neighbourhoods, giving pedestrians alternative routes and contributing to the local economy.
Pocket parks
It is important to understand that people need respite from fast-paced, high density environments. Designing small-scale spaces for moments of respite and passive recreation, will give the physical and mental health benefits of connecting with nature, while creating the feeling of serenity and solitude.
Connections and links
Connectivity to Transport is the foundation of TODs, therefore making it easy for people to move around and between neighbourhoods is key to success. High-quality interchange between modes of transport, with clear, easily navigated connections to the wider precinct will contribute to the success of the community.
For more on projects delivered within the Crows Nest and St Leonards TOD Precinct please visit:
