In 2012, Urbis generated a vision and master plan for the redevelopment of the former Shenton Park Hospital – envisioning the creation of a dynamic urban village that balances the conservation of State heritage listed buildings and retains significant portions of the existing mature vegetation, blending them with new dwellings and spaces to create a vibrant urban community.

Urbis’ design approach ensures the project conserves the historical and environmental values of the site while meeting State planning requirements for residential density and market demand, as assessed by the Urbis Property Economics and Research team.

Urbis’ master plan aims to transform the 16ha site, offering a range of housing options to accommodate at least 1,100 dwellings, a retail and community hub, a number of community spaces and public open spaces that provide links to surrounding urban areas.

To unlock the site, Urbis prepared the State’s first metropolitan Improvement Scheme to ensure the development shapes a new urban community, embodies great design, uses land wisely, provides high amenity and attracts investment.

LandCorp, Western Australia’s land development agency, commissioned Urbis to provide planning, urban design, economic and market research, and landscape architecture services for Shenton Park. Urbis still remains closely involved in the project through preparation of both private and public realm design guidelines and a suite of Improvement Scheme policies, as well as an ongoing advisory role to LandCorp.

This is a benchmark project that will set the standard for infill redevelopments, and is a key initiative that will help balance environmental, heritage and cultural requirements with quality development.