Out with the old In with the new

As the old saying goes, “Out with the old – in with the new”.

Urban renewal can bring density to our city if we are conscious about the benefits it can provide to the existing built form.

Let’s face it. Sydney’s population is forecast to grow to 6 million people by 2036. Although we might not want to admit this, density will accommodate for this predicted growth. This can be achieved by implementing strategies that will allow for urban regeneration by providing new housing, new and improved amenities, new jobs, new infrastructure and network hubs. Not forgetting the importance of pedestrian and cycling connections to the existing grids as well as the preservation and addition of open and green spaces. Recreational activities with the combination of open green spaces will promote good health and enhance the quality of life.

Urban renewal will do two things to the city of Sydney; address the issue of density that will inevitable happen, and revitalize precincts that would otherwise deteriorate and become derelict with time.

By addressing these two important factors, we can safely say that the revitalization of neglected sites will enhance Sydney’s urban fabric and provide better opportunities for future sustainability. It will provide new housing typologies that can be either privately owned or be public housing, as well as allow for improved and new transport connectivity to the existing grid. It will also create a new core of activities to surface within the built environment whether it will be social, cultural or recreational.

The majority of Sydney’s urban renewal precincts are old industrial sites, zoned for only that type of development. Land re-zoning is a highly contested aspect for urban renewal projects. It imposes constraints on mixed used developments thus restricting it to only one form of development within the site. But if we only allow one type of development to occur within those precincts, we are missing the point in connecting the residential areas with the recreational, commercial and retail areas that can be successful for high density living.

In other words, the city can “claim” back land and reap on the rewards for the future. Urban renewal can also reduce the pressure on new land releases and minimise urban sprawl towards the existing green belts and farming repositories. These are important factors that must be dealt with, if we are to provide Sydney with the growing population of 6 million envisaged by 2036. Furthermore, a sustainable city requires preservation of available resources for future generations and preserving those same resources will allow Sydney to be in a better position for the future.

By developing in areas designated for our food production and consumption, we are pushing it further away from the main urban areas. This will result in increased costs of living associated with the transportation, storage and supply of food.

The current urban footprint demonstrates that the population is moving out and away from the city centre, not because they want to, but because housing prices and affordable living have become a major issue in Sydney. To tackle this problem and provide equal opportunity to the population as a whole, we must allow density into established city centres where existing infrastructure and amenities can accommodate for the urban growth.

Potential sites like Green Square, Alexandria, Harold Park, Redfern Waterloo precinct and Riverwood North, are prime examples of the positive outcomes that could be achieved, through urban renewal of a city. Each of these sites has a unique character that must be preserved and respected, which will add to the individuality of the established neighbourhood. The dialogue between the existing fabric and the proposed new urban form must be coherent thus allowing connectivity between the new and improved existing built form.

It is understood that Green Square, Sydney’s major urban renewal precinct will provide approximately 40,000 new residents and attract approximately 22,000 new workers by 2030. It will also provide new transport and improved public transport connections to the existing system as well as cycling and pedestrian paths into the city. The site is approximately 278 hectares and it is one of the oldest industrial sites which through re-zoning, will allow for mixed used development. Green Square will become a new city hub with housing affordability opportunities, community based facilities and new employment.

Harold Park - Glebe is another important and major urban renewal project for Sydney’s future. It is geographically located in Sydney’s main CBD with 10.54 hectares of land. It’s flanked between City West Link and Parramatta Road, two major arterial roads, and is in close proximity to Rozelle Bay, Darling Harbour and educational institutions.  The site possesses a cultural significance to Glebe and Rozelle area and the urban renewal project has intentions on preserving that suburban individuality and character of the site. It is envisaged that the site will accommodate 3.8 hectares of new of green spaces, approximately 1250 new dwellings and up to 500 new employment opportunities to the area as well as 2km of cycle lanes.

Green Square and Harold Park are examples of the positive outcomes that density can be achieved through urban renewal.

By allowing urban revitalization of existing sites, we are enhancing the quality of our built environment with new and improved precincts. So rather than release new land, look at the positive outcomes that can be achieved through urban renewal and revitalization of our city. It will be far more rewarding to re-use what we have than start something new.

Sandra Mendonca, Masters of Architecture Student, UTS. To support growth of upcoming young talent within our industry, UDIA NSW has agreed to publish this opinion article submitted by Sandra Mendonca, Masters of Architecture Student, UTS. Please note, this article does not form the opinion of UDIA NSW itself. 

http://buildabetternsw.com.au/news/post/p/out-with-the-old-----in-with-the-new