Ensure developers build up to a standard and not down to a price

“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.”

- Winston Churchill

I won’t be telling you anything you don’t already know by saying that the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s were not a good time, architecturally speaking, for Fremantle. Freo is rife with examples from this period of what happens when developers are allowed to build down to a price, instead of up to a standard.

It is stating the obvious that redevelopment of these sites must occur, and this time with attractive, sympathetic and liveable buildings that take note of the style of neighbouring structures and are designed with care.

How?

• Understand the needs and expectations of the residents, landowners and traders, as well as developers.
• Through a community visioning and engagement process, establish minimum requirements for development. These would primarily focus on how the building presents to the street.
• A liveability criteria could be prepared to ensure that what is eventually built is liveable. Part of this would be talking with community experts like apartment dwellers and real estate agents about "what works", "what needs improving" and "what isn't working".
• As mentioned previously, a place making plan and built form codes that are clear, intuitive and workable for residents, developers, planning officers and Councillors are essential.