Sustainability

In inner-city communities such as New Northbridge, sustainability means much more than considering ever-important environmental issues. It represents the entire and intertwined approach of creating communities that are self supporting in all areas such as employment, waste reduction, delivery of services, social support, cultural identity and transit orientated development.

EPRA recognises that the creation of a sustainable city is about ensuring that social, economic and environmental settings are applied intelligently and in balance.

To measure its effectiveness in creating such an environment, EPRA  uses a triple bottom line scorecard that balances positive financial returns with wider economic, environmental and social responsibilities. 

Social
Safety, security and good amenities are concerns of all communities. In the New Northbridge, streets are well lit with the addition of new light poles and provision has been made for 550 new off-street parking bays in the project area. Improvements also include the beautification of streetscapes, particularly Newcastle Street, new paving, landscaping, the undergrounding of power, new street furniture, road surfaces and the installation of public artworks.

Other amenities include easily accessible public transport, a variety of shops, cafés and restaurants, parks and recreational environments, churches, temples, community centres and educational facilities within close proximity to the project area.

As part of the planning for the New Northbridge project, housing diversity and affordability outcomes will be delivered, in accordance with EPRA's Housing Diversity Policy.

Economic
For all of EPRA's project areas, economic sustainability, including investment attraction, is vital to a successful redevelopment project.

The East Perth Redevelopment Authority's investment attraction initiatives have already resulted in significant investment from the private sector, an example of which is the transformation of the former Perth Mail Exchange into the high-tech offices of Hatch Associates.

Planning protocols allow for mixed-use zonings such as apartments, single dwellings, shops and commercial areas to give the "buzz" and vibrancy that is sought after by new inner-city residents.

In all, some 70,000sqm of floor space has been created for office, retail, commercial, showroom, entertainment and other non-residential uses providing up to 3500 new employment opportunities.  Total expenditure by the East Perth Redevelopment Authority is estimated at $60million, while private sector investment on new developments will be in the order of $300million.

Environmental
The environmental challenges for the New Northbridge project included preserving and restoring many of its heritage buildings while at the same time creating new public open space and parklands, new residential and commercial developments, and creating an environment that is both pedestrian friendly and allows for easy movement of cars and public transport.

Three heritage precincts were identified and are now protected by Design Guidelines sympathetic to the existing environment.  Attractive streetscaping, underground powerlines, new car parking areas and four new parklands are other important initiatives in this area.