Developer Typologies in Urban Renewal in Sydney: Recognising the Role of Informal Associations between Developers and Local Government

Abstract

Urban renewal is increasingly identified within Australian metropolitan planning strategies as central in accommodating housing growth. However, there is little understanding of those developers who are responsible for providing new dwellings in middle- and outer-ring urban locations. Using Sydney as an example, this article explores the types of developers operating in these locations, the types of developments they are developing and their tendency to interact with local councils in an effort to gain development approval. In reviewing the operation of developers undertaking urban renewal, it is apparent that informal associations are critical in facilitating development in middle- and outer-ring urban locations.

Keywords:

• Urban renewal
• Sydney
• development assessment
• negotiation
• informal institutions
• developers
• metropolitan planning

Acknowledgements

This research was undertaken while the author was at the City Futures Research Centre, UNSW, and is the product of an ARC Linkage Project with the NSW Department of Housing, Auburn Council, Bankstown Council, Fairfield Council, Penrith Council and the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (ARC LP0562419). The author would like to thank Bill Randolph, Simon Pinnegar, Raymond Bunker, Andy Tice, Jack Barton, Bruce Judd and Dana Quintal for their assistance in this project. The comments of two anonymous referees were invaluable in shaping this article.

Notes

1. It should be noted that this position put forward by the NSW Local Government and Shires Association is not universally supported by all councils. A number of councils made submissions to the review of the NSW Planning System which supported a more streamlined approval process.

2. Expressed through subregional dwelling targets.

3. The majority of interviewees were Managers or Directors in either Strategic Planning (seven interviews) or Development Assessment (seven interviews) departments. Two interviewees were Senior Development Assessment Officers.

4. With the exception of the real estate agents.

5. As part of the project, each council provided development application data (Auburn, 1997–2006; Penrith, 2001–2006; Bankstown, 2000–2006; Fairfield, 2000–2005).

6. Also observed in council development application data.

7. These changes would also be supported by the implementation of the Strata Management Legislation Amendment Bill 2008.