The Global Greyfields Transition: Why Urban Redevelopment in Low-Density, Car-Based Middle Suburbs Needs a New Model

Abstract

This chapter provides the framework and rationale for Greening the Greyfields and its two new models for greyfield precinct regeneration (GPR): place-activated and transit-activated GPR. They provide a basis for regenerative urban redevelopment in the middle-ring greyfield suburbs of fast-growing, low-density cities. Place-activated GPR advances a new development model for the ‘missing middle’ in cities: new medium-density housing at precinct scale. Transit-activated GPR extends new sustainable modes of mobility into car-dependent suburbs. Both processes are required for retrofitting suburbia to fix the shortcomings of mid- to late-twentieth-century urban planning and development.

Net Zero Corridors: A Case Study Approach from Perth, Australia to Decarbonize Urban Power and Transport

“…The future is now rapidly emerging around very cheap solar, batteries and electric vehicles of all types including e-micromobility, e-transit and e-cars [3,8]. At the same time net zero buildings have been developed using new materials, solar design and new appliances such as induction cookers and heat pumps for an all-electric building that is then linked into renewable power, often in net zero precincts where solar can be shared [11].…”

“…3. The middle and outer suburbs of the automobile era are very good for solar PV, as demonstrated in Australian cities where most of the poorer outer suburbs installed PV first [16]; but these areas are likely to require EV cars and buses due to their car dependence along with some new transit activated corridors helping overcome automobile dependence [11]. 4.…”

“…WGV features a range of building types, including two-, three-, and four-storey apartment clusters and attached and detached homes. They all rely on leading energy strategies including climate-based design, a high energy rating, solar power of 3.5 kW or more, strata-owned solar panels and batteries on apartments using peer-to-peer energy sharing, shared electric vehicle for use by the community, and public open space created by regenerating an old stormwater sump into a neighborhood park [11,29].…”

“…Local governments are seeking to circumvent development that involves single lot infill as this results in highly sub-optimal outcomes with the loss of mature trees and without the density for new services. The new model being sought is called Greening the Greyfields [11,34] and it is based on how net zero corridors could be created along main roads using the ideas outlined above to help create precinct-based net zero developments. Hence, Figure 3 (above) suggests that the net zero transition starts in the 'greyfields'.…”

“…Choose the station precincts where an area could become a 21 st century net zero development. The precinct area could be 'greenlined' as suggested by Newton et al [11] so that a process could begin with the owners of buildings in the area. This process should involve full community engagement to enable partnerships to be formed with the residents, businesses, developers as well as design professionals.…”