Fortress Australia? (In)security and private governance in a gated residential estate

Abstract

Part of a broader trend towards all-inclusive master planned developments, gated residential estates are an intensely private form of residential development with a degree of securitisation. Gated residential estates have been the topic of intense debate in urban planning and policy circles and the target of fierce criticism for potential exclusionary outcomes as fearful residents lock themselves away from the ills of wider urban society. Crime, a fear of crime and the need for security dominate discussions and understandings of gated residential developments in Australia without much empirical validation. This paper poses two key research questions: does fear of crime and need for increased security drive residents towards gated estates; and what are the lived experiences of security, gates and crime once residing within a gated estate? Based on in-depth research in Macquarie Links (one of Sydney's largest gated estates) this paper offers insights into the lived dimensions of gated estates. The paper explores the attractions and realities of security services and infrastructure, private control over the residential environment and the importance placed by the residents on the ability to protect the nature of their neighbourhood and to protect themselves from any 'unwanted' activities or groups. The discussion in this paper demonstrates that for the residents in the study, residing in a secure residential neighbourhood is less about the role and place of physical security and security services, and more to do with protection afforded by the private governance structure of the neighbourhood.

Studentification in Ireland? Analysing the impacts of students and student accommodation on Cork City

“…Indeed, a number of parallels can be drawn between the marketing of this development and the marketing and development of exclusive gated communities and private estates globally (Glasze et al 2006, Kenna 2010, demonstrating how the student accommodation market is very much part of broader residential development trends towards privatism and exclusivity (see Hubbard 2008, Chatterton 2010.…”

Residential satisfaction in gated communities

“…Kenna (2010), Grant (2005) and Clement and Grant (2012) acknowledged that property appreciation potential influences residents' decisions to live in gated communities. Gated residential properties with strong security systems and features have progressively become a lucrative segment in the real estate industry with its homes fetching higher prices (Almatarneh, 2013).…”

Experiences of ‘Community’ in a Gated Residential Estate

“…As reported elsewhere (see Kenna, ), the protection of the neighbourhood and its facilities and lifestyle occurred through the Community Association, which enforces decisions regarding inclusion or exclusion and the acceptability or otherwise of certain types of behaviours and activities. For example, the Community Association deemed the young people's use of the swimming pool within the estate to be ‘unacceptable’, and a decision was made to monitor the pool using CCTV.…”

“…These estates are master planned to coordinate the supply and development of physical and social infrastructure and ensure consistency of design. Developed by private companies, gated estates incorporate a form of micro‐urban governance usually known as a ‘community’ or ‘homeowner’ association, which is often responsible for determining the nature of the estates as well as overseeing their ongoing management (Glasze et al ., ; Kenna and Stevenson, ). Research on the development, management, and lived experiences of residents within gated estates is growing, but given their proliferation and hence significance, there is a need for continued research into the complexities of life within them in different international contexts.…”