The Solution
WSP used a future-focussed approach to provide a fit-for-purpose solution, appropriate for tomorrow’s world while aligning with today’s code. WSPs recommendations to Council integrated key future inputs of climate, society, technology and resources. The proposed solutions were developed by back-casting from the Council’s 100-year vision, and focused on fine-grained mixed-use development, inclusivity, integrating the catchment, and incorporating open and public spaces and nature.
WSP’s long-term vision transformed highly impervious areas to enhance natural infiltration of the catchment, and reduce urbanised peaks in runoff, which contribute to down-catchment flooding. The team identified three key developments in the catchment’s ‘Possible Future’, to ensure it was adaptive, resilient and regenerative.
1) Creek linear park
- Aesthetic open green space for people and ecology to thrive
- Establish biodiversity links and improved permeability to enhance infiltration for healthier levels of aquifer recharge
2) Light rail corridors
- Reinvigorate the existing transport network
- Improve connectivity and ease of access to parks and educational facilities
3) Residential and mixed use
- Facilitate a mixture of high-density population with ‘Smart’ urban design
- Community rainwater harvesting and green roofs to increase flood resilience
- Solar roofing and community gardens to reduce district level energy and food requirements
By reshaping the urban form of this typical Creek catchment, dead-zones between residential and industrial areas were minimised., and connectivity throughout the catchment established.