On August 28, the Mixed Use Precinct and Placemaking Summit, hosted by Future Place, convened in Sydney, gathering experts and industry leaders to discuss the future of urban spaces. This summit delved into the intricacies of creating sustainable, culturally enriched mixed-use developments and their impact on real estate value. The summit brought together over 200 delegates from across the development value chain to discuss strategies for activating mixed-use precinct placemaking, improving functionality, providing value to communities, and delivering commercial returns to developers and owners.
The summit featured a pivotal panel discussion titled "Developing Operational Model for Activating Sustainable Engaging Mixed-Use Precincts," exploring the challenges and complexities around balancing tangible value generation and return on investment with creating precincts that operate vibrantly and sustainably over the long term, and the panel included:
Fiona Jones, Development Director – Mixed Use Origination at Stockland
Andrew Coward, Co-Founder of Reactivate and ULI Chair of Sydney
Marianna Southwick, Principal at Southwick Advisory Pty Ltd
Alex Belcastro, Senior Vice President at Northwest Healthcare REIT
Victoria Moxey, Director of Programs at Office of 24Hr Economy Commissioner
Susan Skuodas, Director of Place Management at Sydney Olympic Park Authority and Board Member at Place Leaders Asia Pacific
The panel shared their expertise on creating developments that not only draw people but also enhance community and economic value, our Co-Founder and Director, Mr. Andrew Coward, also provided insights into the strategic planning necessary for successful placemaking. His discussion highlighted how such projects contribute to real estate value by fostering communities that are vibrant, sustainable, and culturally engaging. His presentation covered crucial topics such as:
Principles, strategies, and challenges of placemaking in Sydney.
Roles of stakeholders in placemaking initiatives, including the public, private, and community sectors.
Innovative practices for placemaking using case studies from recent projects.
Metrics and indicators used to measure the outcomes of placemaking initiatives, highlighting the long-term benefits to the community.
The panellists explored various strategies to ensure that mixed-use precincts remain operationally viable and appealing. Discussions emphasized the importance of integrating art and culture to create distinctive spaces that attract visitors and residents alike. The need for robust operational models that support long-term sustainability and community engagement was also a critical topic.
Following the presentation, Andrew led a short guided walk, showcasing nearby placemaking initiatives that exemplify successful urban design and community engagement. This hands-on approach provided a real-world context to the theoretical aspects discussed in his talk.
The panel at Mixed Use Precinct and Placemaking Summit
The feedback from the session attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Andrew’s deep understanding of the intricacies of placemaking and the ability to relate Sydney’s urban challenges to broader global contexts. The session was not just informative but also highly engaging and thought-provoking, offering a deeper appreciation of the substantial work that placemakers do to activate spaces and build vibrant communities.
The insights from the summit underscored the potential of mixed-use developments to redefine urban living. By focusing on sustainable practices and cultural enrichment, such projects promise to transform cityscapes into more inclusive and dynamic environments. The success of the summit sets the stage for ongoing discussions about the evolution of urban spaces. As cities continue to grow and change, the principles discussed at the summit will likely influence future developments across the globe.
If you are interested in learning more about the summit or upcoming events, please visit Future Place.
