THG

New Beith Urban Community

Creating an urban community within unique environmental constraints was the challenge facing THG when we were approached to offer strategic planning advice to Intrapac on the New Beith project. Representing a major growth area that had been recently added to the Urban Footprint, this residential development was characterised by endangered vegetation, a future railway corridor and topographical feature ‘Round Mountain’ right in the middle of the development.

THG were able to create an urban village that demonstrates modern urban design practices and achieves sustainable living and environmental outcomes. Employment centres and Community facilities including education campuses and sporting facilities are also included in the design, resulting in the development of a master planned locality close to the proposed Flagstone Rail Station. Identifying and analysing the site through strategic planning advice, master planning, constraints assessment, vegetation management and infrastructure planning were just some of the elements that THG was called to consult on in the creation of this space.

The eco friendly concept included limited development on Round Mountain surrounded by a band of recreation and eco-based developments, incorporating endangered vegetation types. An urban and ecological link has been incorporated into the design to allow for wildlife and pedestrian activity and a natural stormwater treatment area is proposed at the North-eastern boundary of the site in line with the existing natural flow paths.

THG have played an active role in the structure planning for the region, looking beyond the current development by reviewing the site in the context of the greater Flagstone area. Impacting approximately 30,000 people, this structure planning is vital in creating a self-sustaining locality.

THG were also able to evaluate the impacts on housing affordability of delaying a large master planned project. Through our Urban Economics unit, THG were able to prove the New Beith area should be developed concurrently with other areas in the region, as opposed to sequentially to have the best effect on housing affordability.