URBAN CONSOLIDATION
Urban consolidation: refers to a diverse set of planning policies intended to make better use of existing urban infrastructure by encouraging development within existing urbanised areas rather than on non-urbanised land, thus limiting urban sprawl.
Located in the north shore region of Sydney, Chatswood is an example of a Sydney suburb undergoing urban consolidation through government initiatives.
History
Originally the home of Indigenous Australian tribes (the Cammeraygal and Wallumedegal people), Chatswood began experiencing its first influx of European settlers in 1876. Using timber and farming as their main industries, Chatswood was able to develop and attract higher population numbers. During the course of the following 20 years, Chatswood flourished as a retail centre with aid from the development of the Northshore Railway Line and low-priced properties were constructed to cater for the population rise along with small businesses providing goods and services. By 1930 Chatswood became even more populated with the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the suburb began moving to the next level in terms of catering for the public with the establishment of three major movie theatres (The Kings, The Arcadia and Hoyts). However the growth was temporarily stunted by the Great Depression in the mid 1930's and WW2 which spanned from the mid 1930's to the late 40's. It wasn't until 1959 that Chatswood authorities decided to begin developing on the suburb's eastern side by opening major malls including Grace Brothers and Walton's. However despite its commercial success, Chastwood's low density residences have presented a problem to governing authorities.
Reasons
In recent times, the Willoughby council in corporation with the NSW State Government have identified the issue of hit population numbers and insufficient low density housing in Chatswood. Instead of promoting urban sprawl, projects have been proposed and implemented to create higher density units of housing within the suburb to contain the increasing population. Another reason why the process of urban gentrification was given the go-ahead was for economic purposes. By developing higher density housing, the government would be able to fully utilise public services, specifically transport, instead of having to face further expenditure on the same features if Chatswood was allowed to expand (urban sprawl).
Impacts
Urban gentrification has influenced a range of factors in the human and physical environment in Chatswood. For the public, financially speaking, gentrification has resulted in lower taxes because public services are being used to such a high capacity by so many people. Also, Chatswood inhabitants are able to save money and energy on transport due to the close proximity of a vast range of services and employment. Due to urban gentrification, Chatswood has become known as a fairly well off suburb and attracts many middle and upper class citizens. This has consequently resulted in a high number of wealthy individuals and families of Chinese descent; they constitute approximately 26% of the total population according to the 2011 Census. In regards to the physical environment, urban gentrification's most obvious impact on Chatswood is the increased development of high-rise buildings. Accompanying changes include improved quality of public transport because of their increased use, regularly maintained infrastructure (particularly roads) and lower emphasis placed on the preservation of the natural environment.
Located in the north shore region of Sydney, Chatswood is an example of a Sydney suburb undergoing urban consolidation through government initiatives.
History
Originally the home of Indigenous Australian tribes (the Cammeraygal and Wallumedegal people), Chatswood began experiencing its first influx of European settlers in 1876. Using timber and farming as their main industries, Chatswood was able to develop and attract higher population numbers. During the course of the following 20 years, Chatswood flourished as a retail centre with aid from the development of the Northshore Railway Line and low-priced properties were constructed to cater for the population rise along with small businesses providing goods and services. By 1930 Chatswood became even more populated with the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the suburb began moving to the next level in terms of catering for the public with the establishment of three major movie theatres (The Kings, The Arcadia and Hoyts). However the growth was temporarily stunted by the Great Depression in the mid 1930's and WW2 which spanned from the mid 1930's to the late 40's. It wasn't until 1959 that Chatswood authorities decided to begin developing on the suburb's eastern side by opening major malls including Grace Brothers and Walton's. However despite its commercial success, Chastwood's low density residences have presented a problem to governing authorities.
Reasons
In recent times, the Willoughby council in corporation with the NSW State Government have identified the issue of hit population numbers and insufficient low density housing in Chatswood. Instead of promoting urban sprawl, projects have been proposed and implemented to create higher density units of housing within the suburb to contain the increasing population. Another reason why the process of urban gentrification was given the go-ahead was for economic purposes. By developing higher density housing, the government would be able to fully utilise public services, specifically transport, instead of having to face further expenditure on the same features if Chatswood was allowed to expand (urban sprawl).
Impacts
Urban gentrification has influenced a range of factors in the human and physical environment in Chatswood. For the public, financially speaking, gentrification has resulted in lower taxes because public services are being used to such a high capacity by so many people. Also, Chatswood inhabitants are able to save money and energy on transport due to the close proximity of a vast range of services and employment. Due to urban gentrification, Chatswood has become known as a fairly well off suburb and attracts many middle and upper class citizens. This has consequently resulted in a high number of wealthy individuals and families of Chinese descent; they constitute approximately 26% of the total population according to the 2011 Census. In regards to the physical environment, urban gentrification's most obvious impact on Chatswood is the increased development of high-rise buildings. Accompanying changes include improved quality of public transport because of their increased use, regularly maintained infrastructure (particularly roads) and lower emphasis placed on the preservation of the natural environment.