re/create space for better place

Share your ideas for projects in NSW that can deliver public and environmental benefit, timely economic stimulus and importantly jobs for architects and the industry.

Images_ Web banner feature 3000x500_Recreate Space Maitland

The NSW Chapter, in collaboration with the DPIE, sought suggestions for new or existing built environment projects that you would like to see state and/or local government support as COVID stimulus initiatives.

Proposed projects must satisfy ALL four of the following criteria:

  1. Deliver strong public benefit
  2. Generate significant positive environmental outcomes
  3. Create/support jobs – including creating work for architects!
  4. Be suitable for quick assessment and determination and able to be commenced (for DAs) or proceed to DA (for planning proposals) within 6 months.

In particular, the Institute is interested in projects that advance the following:

  • Living streets – projects that support active transport, active and passive recreation and social participation, healthier environments etc
  • Affordable housing – projects to upgrade and create quality, sustainable affordable housing, in particular for essential workers and those with health and/or mobility issues
  • Community activation – projects that deliver shared spaces and facilities, and public domain interventions that support/revitalise local economies and community.

Why did we collect these ideas?
All projects were reviewed  for submission to NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) as well as relevant LGAs for consideration. DPIE is keen to consider a variety of proposals for fast tracking, including DAs where council has an assessment role, and we are also calling on them to provide funding support as required.

This program is now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted a project idea. We received many interesting projects through the program and have presented a number of Institute endorsed projects to the DPIE and relevant local government authorities. Following the NSW government announcement of $250 million funding for the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program, we hope to see some of the recreate space projects secure funding.

Image: 2019 Award for Urban Design | Maitland Riverlink | CHROFI with McGregor Coxall |Image Simon Wood

This form is now closed.