Perth's Northbridge Could Accommodate 57,000 More Dwellings at Melbourne CBD Density, Research Finds

New research has revealed that the Northbridge area in Perth has the potential to accommodate up to 57,000 additional dwellings if it were developed to the same density as the west end of Melbourne's central business district. The findings highlight the existence of underdeveloped areas in Perth that could support a significant increase in housing.

The research, conducted by urban planning experts, compared the current housing density in Northbridge to that of Melbourne's CBD west end. By applying the same density standards, the study determined that Northbridge has the capacity for tens of thousands of new dwellings without expanding its geographic footprint.

Why this matters: The findings have important implications for addressing housing affordability and availability in Perth. By identifying underdeveloped areas with the potential for increased density, the research provides valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers seeking to optimize land use and meet the growing demand for housing in the city.

According to the researchers, the study acts as a starting point for discussions on how to strategically develop Northbridge and similar areas in Perth. They emphasize the need for careful planning and consideration of factors such as infrastructure, amenities, and community needs when pursuing higher-density development.

The potential for 57,000 additional dwellings in Northbridge alone underscores the untapped housing capacity within Perth's existing urban areas. As the city continues to grow and face housing challenges, the research suggests that increasing density in underdeveloped areas could be a viable solution.

Urban planning expert Dr. Sarah Thompson, who led the study, stated, "Our findings demonstrate that Perth has significant opportunities to accommodate population growth and address housing needs by optimizing the use of land in areas like Northbridge. By looking to cities like Melbourne for density benchmarks, we can envision a more compact and sustainable future for Perth."

Key Takeaways

• Northbridge in Perth can accommodate up to 57,000 more dwellings at Melbourne CBD density.
• The research identifies underdeveloped areas in Perth with potential for increased housing density.
• Increasing density in areas like Northbridge could address housing affordability and availability in Perth.
• Careful planning is needed to balance higher density with infrastructure, amenities, and community needs.
• The study suggests Perth can accommodate growth by optimizing land use in existing urban areas.