Unlocking Growth and Liveability: The Critical Interplay Between Precinct Delivery and Housing

The headline that council wants to enable 2 million houses in Auckland, is understandably, terrifying for your average resident. Not all of us are housing enthusiasts and significant change is universally accepted to cause angst. However, the key message that should accompany such headlines could explain that the likelihood of this number of housing being delivered is low to impossible (for a multitude of reasons we won't go into now). However, the point that the plan will enable significantly more housing remains. So if we are going to build more homes within existing neighbourhoods, how can we do that in a way that is respectful of what exists but also ensures that the future environments are suitable and fit for purpose?

This article brings together two of our greatest passions here at The Urban Advisory - housing and precinct delivery! Firstly I will explore the interrelationship between the two, and why we consider them to be two sides to the same coin. A second article will follow in the coming days that outlines the challenges with bringing these two critical elements of built environments together, and ideas for overcoming those challenges, which, in our view, are in fact not insurmountable. The third article will explore the proposed mechanisms for overcoming the challenges to integrated precinct and housing delivery using three examples from the New Zealand context.

To start with: Why are Housing and Precinct Delivery worth talking about?

The creation of vibrant, functional neighbourhoods hinges on a delicate balance between two fundamental elements: precinct delivery and housing. Often discussed separately, their interrelationship is not just significant, but absolutely critical to building truly liveable towns and cities.

Precinct delivery encompasses the broader infrastructure, public spaces, amenities, and overall design of a defined urban area. It is also about the processes, systems and structures that are required to enable it. It's about creating the framework – the streets, parks, community facilities, transport links, and the intangible sense of place – that underpins daily life. Its about bringing the right players together to get agreement on the critical elements and establishing a process for achieving those. Housing, on the other hand, provides the individual homes where people live. While seemingly distinct, the success of one is deeply intertwined with the success of the other.

Think of a new housing development built in isolation, without thoughtful precinct delivery. Residents might have a roof over their heads, but they lack convenient access to shops, schools, green spaces, or public transport. This can lead to car dependence, social isolation, and a lower quality of life. Conversely, a beautifully designed precinct with excellent amenities will fall short if it doesn't offer a diverse range of housing options that are accessible and affordable to different segments of the community. A thriving precinct needs people from all walks of life to contribute to its vibrancy.

Of course not all housing needs to be designed in a precinct concept, but where we are talking about large scale urban renewal and regeneration, or mass intensification in a concentrated area the likes of which the proposed plan will enable, such as Kingsland or Morningside in Auckland (the Minister's favourite example), we need to take a macro view and consider the key issues of interconnectivity and accessibility, as well the right mix of housing. This process should serve both those those living in the existing community and those that we want to attract to that area, such as key workers that enable our cities to operate and function effectively, or families, who currently can't live in apartments because most of them are not suitable for larger family units.

The magic happens when precinct delivery and housing are planned and executed in a coordinated manner. This integrated approach, often seen in well-executed master-planned communities and urban regeneration projects, ensures that new housing is seamlessly integrated into a supportive and enriching environment. The question I find myself asking is how do we do this where land ownership is varied and there are multiple public sector entities, organisations, business owners and residential property owners to consider? We get more into this in the second article, but for now, here's why this interrelationship is so vital:
‍

• Enhanced Liveability: Integrated planning creates neighbourhoods where residents can easily access everything they need, fostering a higher quality of life and reducing reliance on private vehicles.
• Stronger Communities: Well-designed precincts with accessible public spaces and community facilities encourage social interaction and build a sense of belonging among residents.
• Economic Vibrancy: A mix of housing types within a well-delivered precinct attracts a diverse population, supporting local businesses and contributing to economic growth.
• Sustainability: Coordinated development can lead to more efficient use of land, resources, and infrastructure, contributing to more sustainable urban environments.
• Adaptability and Resilience: Planning for both housing and precinct infrastructure together allows for greater adaptability to future changes and builds more resilient neighbourhoods.

For urban developers, planners, policymakers, funders and financiers and communities alike, recognising and actively managing the interrelationship between precinct delivery and housing is paramount. It requires a shift from siloed thinking to a holistic, integrated approach that prioritises the creation of complete, connected, and liveable neighbourhoods.

By focusing on this critical interplay, we can unlock the potential of our urban spaces and build towns and cities that truly serve the needs and enhance the wellbeing of their residents.

What are your thoughts on the connection between precinct delivery and housing?