The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA WA) has welcomed the introduction of a WA State Design Review Panel that will provide independent advice on the design of buildings and infrastructure projects, however advised that strong State-led policy was needed to support the panel’s mission.
“UDIA WA is very supportive of ensuring that we are achieving excellent design outcomes for our new buildings and infrastructure, this is particularly important as Perth grows and we see a move toward more medium and high density buildings in both new and existing areas,” UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck said.
“One of the key elements to achieving quality design outcomes is to ensure that there is a clear vision in place for an area from the outset,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“Where there has been a failure to clearly articulate the design intent, this has created uncertainty for the community and the development industry alike,” Ms Steinbeck said. “This leads to poor outcomes, or, as we have seen on many occasions, a lack of progress on many potentially fantastic projects due to a lack of leadership from decision makers.”
“Therefore, we are keen to see the government progress a Medium Density Housing Code that will guide the delivery of a more diverse range of medium density housing options to the WA market,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“That type of clear policy, in conjunction with ensuring that local governments have appropriate precinct plans in place, will provide greater certainty for all stakeholders and much better outcomes for local communities,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“Our members are dedicated to delivering a range of product to the market so that we are meeting the needs of a growing population that is also evolving in terms of lifestyle, household size and type,” Ms Steinbeck said. “We have more and more singles, couples and families that are looking for smaller, easy care homes that are in close proximity to activity centres.”
“A current lack of clear policy in this area often leads to less desirable outcomes and we need to show the community the real benefits of what sensible density can bring to certain areas, particularly in activity centres and around transport nodes,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“Good design should not be the exclusive domain of those who can afford it and it is vitally important that development is able deliver benefits to all Western Australians,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“We are looking forward to working with the State Government in the coming months to ensure that the medium density housing code is delivered, that the Draft Apartment Design policy is geared toward the right outcomes and that these policies, as part of Design WA, are progressed to support positive outcomes from the new design panel .”
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For more information:-
Gemma Osiejak
UDIA WA Executive Manager Communications & Marketing
E: gosiejak@udiawa.com.au
M: 0421 506 819