Partnerships can power urban progress

Imagine a city where residential developments are considered more than just buildings and are instead seen as an integral part of the urban fabric enhancing the lives of its inhabitants.

A city where apartment complexes feature vibrant public spaces, sustainable design and a strong sense of community – this is the vision we leaders in the development industry strive for as we shape the future of Perth.There are many challenges we face today – from climate change and housing affordability to social inequity – driving change requires an integrated, holistic approach.

Strong public and private partnerships are crucial for creating liveable cities balancing growth, sustainability and community needs.

These collaborations enable integrated planning, aligning residential projects with broader city goals such as reducing emissions, enhancing public transport and promoting greenspaces.

By sharing resources and knowledge, developers and governments can create more innovative and sustainable urban solutions.

Effective partnerships also ensure new developments cater to diverse community needs, promoting social cohesion and inclusion.

This involves providing affordable housing options, ensuring access to essential services and amenities, and engaging with local communities to understand their preferences.

Early and positive collaboration results in developments which are better suited to the

local context and more widely accepted by residents, while also delivering significant economic and environmental benefits.

Residential development drives local economies by creating jobs and boosting real estate markets, while strategic partnerships can ensure large projects are well integrated with existing infrastructure.

Joint efforts can lead to the implementation of sustainable building practices, reducing the environmental impact of developments and enhancing the long-term liveability of cities.

Recent apartment developments in Applecross, Subiaco and Claremont exemplify a collaborative approach, activating and lifting vibrancy in each suburb.

In Applecross, a new residential complex being built features a ground-floor public piazza showcasing the potential to create vibrant community-oriented spaces.

ONE Subiaco – built on the old Subiaco Pavilion Market site – features a lively ground floor with cafes, restaurants and pocket parks, creating a people-centric place enhancing the area’s character.

Meanwhile, in Claremont, the Claremont on the Park project has reconnected the community through improved amenities, including state-of-the-art clubrooms, a cultural hub in a historic railway building and Western Australia’s first basement park-and-ride facility.

Developers must be proactive in engaging with local authorities and the community, understanding their concerns and priorities.

Local and state governments, in turn, need to be receptive to innovative ideas and work with developers to find creative solutions which balance private and public interests.

By working together to create sustainable, community-focused residential developments, we can build equitable, resilient cities bringing people together and contributing to the long-term prosperity of our communities.