- Connectivity is becoming a priority for home buyers
- Top five locations are Bayswater, Burswood, Cottesloe, Leederville and Maylands
- Leederville is leading the charge with a place indicator score of 377
The Property Council (PCA) recently released a comprehensive study into transit oriented development (TOD) in Perth, lifting the lid on where the best locations for TOD were.
TODs can comprise high-rise mixed-use developments or small-scale infill projects, ultimately creating a sustainable way to manage urban growth.
Transit Precincts: Perth, Get Onboard was prepared in collaboration with Taylor Burrell Barnett and SMEC, and delves into the ideal locations for creating mixed-use spaces that improve connectivity, boost public transport usage, and provide diverse housing options.
Locations were assessed and scored against multiple criteria including housing, movement, amenities, employment, and urban ecology; Leederville, Cottesloe, Maylands, Bayswater, and Burswood were found to be the top five for transit oriented development.
Sandra Brewer, executive director of Property Council WA, said the report emphasises the importance of constructing housing and amenities around existing public transport systems to accommodate population growth and meet residents’ preferences for desirable suburbs.
“It comes as no surprise that locations like Leederville and Maylands, surrounded by high-quality amenities, are the preferred choices for transit-oriented developments.
“These vibrant mixed-use precincts offer convenient access to public transport, activity centres, parks, and open spaces,” she said.
The METRONET rail project is also expected to increase the number of TOD opportunities in Perth, but not all will become successful in the short to medium term, particularly where amenity and desirability are yet to meet the mark.
Quality over quantity
Brewer said TODs play a critical role in shaping and enhancing suburbs. A quality, high-value, mixed-use development benefits the greater area, creating an urban precinct with a strong hub that is desirable for those within a five kilometre radius.
“The delivery of TODs will improve connectivity in suburbs, increase public transport use and create diverse housing options, making housing more affordable overall,” said Brewer.
Thoughtfully developing around stations can also deliver both a buzzing community and housing where it is most desired.
Cedar Woods managing director, Nathan Blackburne, said, “TODs are crucial in creating vibrant mixed-use precincts that lift the liveability and amenity of our suburbs.”
Blackburne also noted that buyers are increasingly prioritising connectivity when deciding where to buy property and being well located in relation to public transport is important, especially for apartment buyers.
“The convenience of being able to walk to a train station improves lifestyle and liveability and accordingly these dwellings tend to experience better capital growth over time.”
Nathan Blackburne, Cedar Woods
Further benefits include reducing the broader carbon footprint of society, not only by shrinking the number of cars on the road due to public transport usage but also increasing walkability and alternative transport options like bicycles or e-scooters.
Leederville
The thriving locale in Perth’s west took the top spot with a place indicator score of 377. Home to many cultural and dining institutions, Leederville had the right ingredients to stimulate further high density development, including existing high density examples and plenty of amenities.
Bayswater
Established in 1896, the historic suburb has access to both the Midland and Airport lines. Bayswater is also set to become home to Perth’s second-largest train station after the Perth CBD; this is was a key indicator for TOD potential.
The locale is home to a retail and commercial high street, along with other amenities such as large amounts of public open space.
Cottesloe
High scores in amenities and high demand for the locale were among the boxes ticked for TOD potential.
Lower levels of housing diversity have left a gap in the market which higher density development will potentially be able to meet.
Maylands
An equally high amenity with Cottesloe was among the factors putting Maylands in favour of becoming a TOD, with the report noting that Maylands, “is one of the sites most ready for TOD.”
With access to both Midland and Airport lines, the suburb has an existing commercial activity centre surrounding the station, and medium density dwellings in the surrounding catchment.
Burswood
While the suburb scored lower for amenity and urban ecology, the report found that much of Burswood is close to ready for development.
The area is served by the Armadale line, and of course, has easy access to Perth Stadium and surrounds.
The land use mix currently comprises a mixture of higher density apartment housing, commercial uses, and remnant industrial uses.
