Repurposing of brownfield sites

At the Irish Council for Social Housing conference a couple of weeks ago they covered the topic “creating communities in places of dereliction” which focused on creating homes from derelict buildings or on brownfield sites. The session provided some great examples of the repurposing of buildings and sites to create higher densities.?

Working in the AHB sector for several years and delivering a number of projects on brownfield sites I’ve become extremely passionate about addressing the challenges of creating higher densities within existing urban neighbourhoods.

Drawing on my learnt experience, I want to explore the practical, detail-oriented, and community-based approach to creating new homes on what can be challenging sites.?

Community-Centric Development

The heart of creating a successful development lies with making sure the finished project integrates well within the existing community. It’s important to begin by engaging closely with residents, community organisations, and public stakeholders. Listening and involving them in the design process is important. Tailoring project specific solutions to the unique needs, history, and aspirations of the local community.? I have learnt the hard way on this one that not engaging with the community before planning is more likely to create problems down the line.

Engaging with residents throughout the development process by Holding community information walk in sessions, workshops, and design sessions ensures their voices are heard, and their inputs are reflected in the final project.

Repurposing brownfield sites

To promote sustainability, we must prioritise the repurposing of brownfield sites within existing urban areas. These sites which maybe were overlooked in the past can be transformed into vibrant, higher-density communities, ensuring that spaces are created while revitalising the urban landscapes. Cork street, Dublin 8 has some great examples of medium rise brownfield regeneration which has helped to create a higher residential density on one of the main transport routes into the city.

Inclusive Mixed-Use Design

Its important to foster inclusive mixed-use design that celebrates the diversity of urban living. Developing housing alongside essential amenities such as shops, schools and places of employment can create walkable 15 minute neighbourhoods where residents can access facilities and services with ease.

Located near forms of public transport

Ireland has the potential to grow its public transportation network. Whilst we wait for these projects to come into operation its important to Identify sites that are near existing and future key transit hubs and corridors for the development of public transport orientated communities. By concentrating housing and services around these locations, we can reduce the need for the car being the preferred mode of transport and improve overall mobility.

Different Tenure types

Social housing remains a cornerstone of sustainable communities. However its important to ensure that affordable housing such as Cost rental and Affordable purchase play a part of large scale higher-density developments. This ensures a broad mix of tenure types and addresses housing affordability challenges.

Respecting our existing built heritage

In the past the only way urban regeneration in Ireland progressed has been through the whole scale demolition and replacing of existing buildings. Where possible we need to consider promoting the adaptive reuse of buildings within urban areas . By repurposing buildings and embedding it within new developments, we can remember the past while embracing the future.

High quality public spaces

As part of urban intensification its important that we provide high quality open spaces with sustainable practices at their design. Creating spaces such as community gardens, playgrounds and public parks enhances the quality of life while aligning to environmental sustainability.

Summary

Creating higher densities within existing urban locations throughout Ireland, especially within the context of social housing, is both a challenge and an opportunity to enhance the lives of existing residents and neighbourhoods. With a focused and detailed approach we have the opportunity to reinforce the fabric of our communities while accommodating growth.

In the midst of a housing emergency its important we embark on a journey to build stronger, more resilient neighbourhoods that respect our existing built heritage, listens to residents, and pave the way for new homes to be integrated into existing communities.