We design and build neighbourhoods that help connect people with place, with each other and with the environment. We call this Placemaking.
Placemaking is a collaborative process
The Placemaking process use many disciplines and draws on the unique qualities of both people and place. It helps us understand the needs of the community and the environment. So we can create a shared vision for connected, sustainable and thriving people and places.
This evolving place-led approach has been recognised in a range of industry awards. It drives actions across Suburban Land Agency from design through to activation. Guiding our approach to community engagement initiatives as well as our Mingle program.
We have a solid framework
Placemaking will allow to us understand the needs of the communities that will live in our new neighbourhoods. To help us use placemaking better, we’ve created an internal Placemaking Framework.
The Framework steps out how we’ll implement placemaking by:
- building a placemaking team and upskilling staff
- understanding place identities by listening to communities
- implementing place strategies to ensure urban and greenfields developments are built for people
- creating place activation plans to support creation of great new places.
We know the value of place
Good placemaking can create value through:
- beauty
- civic pride
- community health and safety
- connection
- public amenity.
There are 4 areas which placemaking can increase the value of a place:
- social
- economic
- environmental
- cultural.
We link the 4 areas to our sustainability strategy objectives. This ensures that sustainability and placemaking go hand-in-hand when creating new places.
We encourage contribution
Community engagement is an important aspect of placemaking. By listening to diverse views about what makes a great place, we’re able to benefit from the existing characteristics, inspiration and potential of a place.
We commence our key projects with community engagement to co-design and develop a vision for each new place. This vision is included in something called a ‘place design brief’ or ‘place ambition’ and acknowledges that every site is different and unique.
We then apply the place brief or ambition to the future land sales process so future developments have community vision at their core.
We build community with Mingle
Activating our new places is a critical step in realising the benefits of placemaking. The benefits people get when they move into their new homes.
In our new suburbs, Mingle helps build community through development programs. These programs and events help to:
- connect neighbours
- activate new spaces
- make places where communities thrive.
Mingle events are a great way to get outside, do something active with your family or household. You may get to meet some of your neighbours too.
