Creating liveable, sustainable neighbourhoods

As Australia’s population grows and becomes more diverse, and as living needs change, it’s important to make sure you make your home in a neighbourhood that is designed with ongoing quality of life in mind.

Nerida Conisbee, Chief Economist of realestate.com.au, says new neighbourhoods are increasingly attracting ‘families who might have older children who are staying at home or elderly parents planning on moving in. An increasing number of people are living on their own, too, so communities will need to cater for people who don’t need as much space.’ 

For Stockland, meeting the evolving needs of current and future residents means ensuring our communities are designed to deliver liveability, belonging, walkability, connectivity and sustainability. 

Liveability 

To Nerida Conisbee, liveability is about giving people what they want. ‘People want a good retail precinct,’ she says. ‘They want good public transport, because it’s increasingly hard to get around by car. And people want access to good schools, community events and plenty of open spaces.’

Put simply, Nerida says people simply want ‘nice places to live in.’ 

Stockland is able to deliver that quality of life in its master-planned communities by drawing on extensive research and feedback from residents, and by applying the principles set out in the Stockland Liveability Index. 

Belonging

Stockland focuses on creating a sense of space, so people can feel part of something bigger than themselves. 

‘We create a distinct arrival, like an entry feature or a boulevard of trees or a community facility close to the entry of our communities, so there is a sense of arriving “home”,’ says Robert Graham, Co-Head of Design at Stockland Residential. 

The sense of belonging is also achieved through community events and spaces like parks, cafes, community centres and retail areas where people can meet and mingle. 

Walkability

Stockland communities are being designed with health and environmental benefits in mind. Walkable neighbourhoods, with parks, walking tracks and  easy access to shopping centres, encourage people to walk more and leave the car at home.

Connectivity

‘We follow the 30-minute city principle, which means people should have no more than a 30-minute commute,’ explains Robert. To keep car use to a minimum, Stockland communities are also developed with excellent access to public transport. 

There are also neighbourhoods, like Cloverton in Melbourne’s outer north, that have been designed as standalone regional centres, with employment, healthcare, education and housing opportunities on the doorstep. 

Sustainability

Stockland communities embrace quality landscaping and houses that are connected to outdoor spaces, include durable interiors and make the most of the available space. They are also designed to help residents build sustainable homes.

‘We look at the orientation of our lots for the most effective sunlight exposure,’ says Robert. This helps keep homes cool in summer and warm in winter.