Social

In inner city communities sustainability means much more than considering the always important environmental issues.

It represents the entire and intertwined approach of creating communities that are self supporting in all areas such as employment, waste reduction, delivery of services, social support, cultural identity and transit orientated development.

Social sustainability is achieved by encouraging housing diversity, equity of access, an activated public realm, citizen-orientated planning and the incubation of, and support for, community events.

Safety, security and good amenities are concerns of all communities. In EPRA’s project areas streets are well lit with new light poles and new off-street parking bays have been created.

Improvements also include the beautification of streetscapes, new paving, landscaping, the undergrounding of power, new street furniture, road surfaces and the installation of public artworks.

Other amenities include easily accessible public transport, a variety of shops, cafés and restaurants, parks and recreational environments, churches, temples, community centres and educational facilities within close proximity to the project area.

As part of the planning process 10-15% of all dwellings in new developments is set aside for affordable and social housing to encourage socio-economic and cultural diversity within the area.