2. Urban Consolidation

3. Definition
It is a policy implemented to increase population densities by the construction of medium-to-high density housing in already built-up areas in inner and middle suburbia.
It aims to slow the rate of urban sprawl and make greater use of existing infrastructure.
By the 1980’s it was evident that Sydney could not continue its current rate of urban sprawl / suburbanisation for three main reasons:
Poor transport infrastructure
Cost of providing basic services of water, sewerage and electricity had become very expensive
Good quality land for residential and commercial construction had become scarce and expensive.

4. In the late 1980’s, the state government released a new metropolitan strategy for urban consolidation aimed at:
Increasing housing densities in existing suburbs
Increased housing densities in new suburbs.
Advantages of urban consolidation:
The construction of smaller residences that are more appropriate for Sydney where there is an ageing population and fewer people occupying each residence.
The reduction in the amount of land needed for urban development in new areas with the benefits of less expenditure on infrastructure.
In the 21st century, 70% of homes constructed in Sydney were in new suburbs and 30% were in existing suburbs.

5. ‘Urban consolidation aims at an increase in population in the mid to outer ring of suburbs, by attracting family households which would otherwise settle in new houses in new suburbs’
Ray Archer et al., 1993.

13. The Arguments For and Against Urban Consolidation
The Sydney Experience
Less greenhouse gases
Curbs urban sprawl
Less oil consumption
More cost-efficient
More efficient use of land
Housing is more affordable
Less reliance on cars, therefore less traffic congestion