This DEM Planning and Urban Design study was required to determine possible land uses, densities, scale and open spaces to evaluate site rezoning options and what might be realised at sale. The existing hospital had reached its ‘use by date’ and was moving to a new facility.
Before any rezoning could be resolved, a full scale urban design study was essential to determine where the proposed rezoning might occur and return on investments they might yield.
The original essence of the project was to prepare a planning report and rezoning application to change the site from the existing hospital use to that of residential use within the site, with predominantly commercial use along Oxford Street and a public park fronting Glenmore Road.
The purpose of the rezoning was to realise the value of the existing hospital facility at sale if zoned for alternative uses. The actual realisation at sale was well beyond the most ambitious expectations, aided no doubt by the housing potential alone. We had calculated the site could accommodate 144 residential units over a mix of: terraces, apartments and commercial apartments. However, as other architects have developed some of the residential sites this figure, with Council approval, may have further increased. One press article indicated a figure of 176 units.
The objective was to keep the proposed development in scale with the surrounding terrace housing, and the site itself. Higher buildings were to be retained in the core of the site.
The study was commenced in 1993 with the final report delivered in 1995. I was involved in a lead role in this project with input in the initial winning of the commission, the design evolution, the community participation studies and in the preparation of the final report.
This study received a PIA (Planning Institute of Australia) award for community consultation. It was one of the most fulfilling projects I have had the privilege to be involved with. It was the complete regeneration of a very significant area of Paddington.