BS O INSIGHTS Planning for high quality and well used public open spaces Posted More and more people are recognising the importance of open space for liveable, productive and sustainable cities. This article exploressome of the opportunities in a new metropolitan open space strategy for Melbourne. Delivering open space across Australia. In Vict open space, including r age, gender, ability or a includes an action to pr new metropolitan open MELBOURNE METROPOLI”public open space an Economies and Planning acknowledge the First Natio Australia and on v try V ork, borigin never ceded neir sovereignty, and are o: continuing living cultures 0 arth, have one of the ol st conti land tenure s the ld, and have one of the oldest continuing land management Proud mer Uluru. SOURCE: SGS ECONOMICS AND PLANNING 1, Moving beyond basic quantity and proximity metrics The starting point to plan for open space typically uses two key metrics: quantity and proximity. While these aim for equitable access to open space across a community, they neglect to consider the quality of open spaces [1] that is needed to meet the diverse needs of local communities. The simple application of these two metrics does notadequately consider the quality of the spaces and importantly, the experience people have within these spaces. This diversity of needs is recognised in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities includes a Target to “By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in partic disabilities.’[2] New tools are needed t important in the contex Australian cities. In Mel mix of greenfield, majo redevelopment results open space. Open spac 2. Integrating open space pranminy wien pranminy ior acuve uanspore corridors Open space strategies are often separate initiatives to cycling and walking strategies, despite the overlaps in the ways that users interact with these spaces. Open space planning has a lead role in contributing to more active transport. Identifying existing and potential open space corridors at a regional scale would improve links between open spaces. This would foster local and regional connectivity, and enable the use of open space as functional transport networks and corridors rather than just destinations. The integration of corridors into relevant planning schemes would enable developers to contribute to and support open space and regional linkages and could form part of the decision making process, It would also ensure greater connectivity across local government boundaries. 3. Improving guidance on typologies of open space for higher density locations There is currently limited guidance in the literature and policy on how to deliver open space in higher density areas that meets local community needs. Commonly used typologies of open space provide little detail on how to respond to the specific needs of communities in higher density development, and rarely consider the role of small spaces.This could be addressed through the development of a more nuanced open space typology, with a series of quality indicators associated with each typology for assessment purposes. Potential indicators could include the presence of shade trees, seating, lighting, accessibility, connectivity and maintenance. These indicators could be used for individual site assessments wher open spaces, dependin Networks of smaller sp streetscapes/nature sti overlapping uses with + shaping the ‘lived expe recognise the cumulatit Understanding the curr allow for a greater dive could firstly be mappec of small spaces could be improved, and how they can be given consideration in planning and capital works programs, e.g. Median strips and parklets. 4. Improved knowledge sharing and collaboration on community needs The specific needs of various user groups for open space are, at times, inadequately considered in current open space planning. For example, the elderly, young children, young adults or active recreational users have specific demands which should be integrated into planning and delivering open space. A needs-based assessment approach to identifying open space provision that considers the demands of specific community groups is required. A better understanding of variations in community need for open space, based on updated demographic profiling, would assist in guiding investment to the most appropriate open space interventions and upgrades, and would also provide guidance on suitable types of open space in new developments and improvements in existing developments. 5. It’s time for a consistent and integrated approach to open space planning and provision across MelbourneAmetropolitan open space strategy is an exciting opportunity to revitalise the approach to open space planning in Melbourne. This would provide greater assistance to local councils to ensure consistent provision of higher quality, connected public open spaces that respond to the changing needs of local communities. A needs-based assessment approach and developi improving the consiste! planning guidance, thre case studies of best pri would do well to better economic and environn greatest needs. [1] Jason Byme and Nei review of the literature [2] As contained in Ann - Sustainable Development Goal Indicators (E/CN.3/2017/2) and agreed upon, including refinements on several indicators, at the 48th session of the United Nations Statistical Commission held in March 2017 Connect with us on Linkedin Share: Facebook Twitter Linkedin Sectors: Open SpaceTypes: Local government INSIGHTS. Shifting det populationINSIGHTS. EMPLOYMENT, TRANSPORT Making Melbourne more polycentric: an economic caseINSIGHTS. HOUSING New Rental Affordability Index exposes nationwide record-low rental affordabilityGS Economies and Planning acknowledge the First Nations Peoples of SUBSCRIBE Australia and on whose Country we live and work. We acknowledge that . |__ the Aboriginal and Torres Strat Islander peoples of Australia never ceded Receive Our i teir sovereignty, and are one of the oldest continuing living cultures on Earth, have one of the oldest continuing land tenure systems in the world, and have one ofthe oldest continuing lend use planning and management systems in the world First Name Proud members of the Allies for Uluru. 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