A series of factors are converging to create global opportunities for Transit Oriented Developments (TODs) that are city-changing in scale according to a new major report from CBRE.
The One North development in Singapore was one of the studied projects in the report.
Transit oriented development involves higher density, mixed use projects that are adjacent to, or integrated with, public transport hubs. These projects are typically master-planned to create interfaces with transport services and have the ability to revitalize underutilised precincts while bringing significant economic and social benefits to the wider community.
CBRE’s report examined a range of successful TOD projects around the globe, including Perth City Link in Western Australia; the King’s Cross regeneration project in London; the Hong Kong Station redevelopment; Transbay Transit Centre in San Francisco and One North Precinct in Singapore.
The report highlighted a range of factors that are creating opportunities for TOD projects, including increasing rates of urbanisation, declining productivity linked to increased travel times, a growing government focus on public transport/decentralization and greater sophistication in project and infrastructure funding.
Key findings included the critical role that government bodies play in successful TOD outcomes, the appeal these developments have for both residents and the business community, and the opportunities inherent in these types of projects.
Henry Chin, Head of Research, Asia Pacific, CBRE, said: “TOD projects have the capacity to address many of the challenges facing major cities in developed economies as a result of a rapid increase in urbanisation.
A successful TOD will achieve a substantial shift from private vehicles to public transport, while improving liveability and local employment opportunities.”
CBRE’s report highlighted that government vision and sponsorship is crucial in facilitating TOD projects given the role that public transport plays in addressing the long-term sustainability of major cities – specifically issues such as traffic congestion, travel times, housing affordability and pollution.
Chin added: “While TOD projects are more complex than conventional brownfield or greenfield mixed-use projects, the benefits clearly warrant the effort in addressing the challenges.
“Government facilitation is critical and can take a number of forms, including the provision and rezoning of appropriate sites, providing development certainty, directly funding transport infrastructure and coordinating issues with the relevant authorities. “
The ability to attract business occupiers is another key element of a successful TOD project, hence the critical need for linkages to public transport.
“Businesses are requiring work environments which both attract and retain employees. The mixed-use nature of TODs creates activated precincts with retail and entertainment services for employees.
TOD locations also reduce business demand for car parking, which in turn reduces project construction costs and leasing costs for occupants,” Chin added.
However, CBRE’s report also highlighted that incentives may also be required to attract tenants, as illustrated by the long-term tax incentive schemes and rental subsidies offered in Singapore to facilitate the One North Precinct.
Another finding is that TODs in established markets within inner and middle ring suburbs have a greater chance of success.
Chin concluded: ”Going forward, TODs will have a dramatic impact on shaping cites, in Asia and at a global level, as governments focus on critical public transport infrastructure initiatives.”
Andrew Batt, International Group Editor of PropertyGuru Group, wrote this story. To contact him about this or other stories email andrew@propertyguru.com.sg
