Overview

Project Background: Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and the City of Sydney teamed up to begin developing a shared vision for Sydney City Centre. This initiative was critical in the wake of substantial infrastructural evolutions, notably the advent of the light rail and new Sydney Metro rail lines and stations. Central to TfNSW & City of Sydney's approach was the application of the Movement and Place Framework, a pioneering methodology designed to balance the functional aspects of transportation with the experiential qualities of urban spaces.

Scope and Objectives: Anchored by the Movement and Place Framework, the project leaders' chief aim was to redefine urban mobility strategies by thoughtfully reallocating street space. This endeavor was geared towards bolstering the experience for people walking and cycling and crafting seamless connections to public transport hubs. Their objectives were deeply embedded in the aspiration to cultivate sustainable transportation modes and elevate the quality of urban life within the heart of Sydney, ensuring that every street serves its dual role as a conduit for movement and a hub of urban life.

Role

Andy's role was to lead technical aspects of the work and advise the project management team from TfNSW and City of Sydney. Here’s a detailed look at how he contributed to the project:

Mobility Data Analysis: His in-depth knowledge of mobility data analysis was crucial for understanding complex patterns of movement within Sydney's City Centre. By leveraging his experience, he was able to interpret and apply DSpark data, a novel approach in this context, to uncover insights how people accessed and traversed the city. For example, one City of Sydney's concerns was to encourage cars to take tunnels instead of using above ground streets

GIS Expertise: Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was central to our approach in assessing street space allocation and planning potential interventions. Andy's expertise in GIS allowed for precise mapping and analysis of urban spaces, facilitating a detailed examination of current uses and future possibilities. This capability was instrumental in visualizing project scenarios and outcomes, enhancing both analysis and stakeholder engagement efforts.

Technical Guidance and Support: Beyond analysis and application of technical tools, his role as an SME extended to providing guidance and support to the project team and stakeholders. This included clarifying technical concepts, presenting findings in accessible formats, and contributing to the development of a strategic case that was both technically sound and aligned with broader urban planning objectives.

Collaboration and Reporting: Reporting to project managers from the City of Sydney and TfNSW, I ensured that the technical aspects of the project were effectively communicated and integrated into the overall strategy. Regular reporting and presentations allowed Andy to share critical insights and progress, facilitating informed decision-making and ensuring that the project's technical foundation supported its goals.

Outcomes

Strategic Foundation for Future Planning: The project made significant strides in analyzing street space allocation and engaging with stakeholders to craft a strategic foundation. While direct street reallocation was not within this project's scope, these efforts helped set the stage for detailed future plans. By focusing on thorough analysis and strategic case development, the project team laid the groundwork necessary for taking these concepts into actionable planning phases.

Innovative Engagement and Analysis Techniques: A standout aspect of the approach was the innovative use of REMIX software for stakeholder engagement, marking a novel method in the context of urban planning within Sydney. This tool enabled an interactive platform for stakeholders to visualize potential changes and contribute their insights effectively, enhancing the inclusivity and depth of our engagement process.

Street Space allocation: Typically, analysis like this usually focuses on cross-sectional space allocation. However, this new work ventured into new analytical territory by focusing on aggregate street space allocation using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This approach allowed the project team to precisely map and analyze current and potential uses of urban spaces, providing a detailed understanding that was previously unexplored. The analyses were not confined to traditional metrics but extended to incorporate cutting-edge data sources.

Groundbreaking Use of DSpark Data: The project team utilized DSpark data to gain insights into how people move through and access the city. DSpark data, which aggregates and anonymizes mobile network data, offered the project team an unparalleled view of movement flows and transportation patterns. This analysis was pivotal in understanding the dynamic nature of city movement, informing our strategic planning with robust, data-driven insights.