SRA responds to the urban water challenge

As the international community united to celebrate World Water Day, the 2011 theme of ‘responding to the urban challenge’ is being played out in Subiaco.

Subiaco Redevelopment Authority CEO Tony Morgan said international events such as World Water Day highlighted the importance of sustainable water management in urban design.

“Subi Centro has become a living demonstration of how a new ‘urban village’ can successfully integrate with an existing, well-established neighbourhood while delivering economic, social and environmental benefits to the community,” Mr Morgan said.

“Throughout the Subi Centro project, sustainable water and energy use initiatives have been a key focus.”

In one of the final Subi Centro development sites, the Australian Fine China (AFC) precinct on Hay Street, the SRA has set very high targets to reduce water use and recycle greywater and rainwater.

“The AFC project is targeted to achieve approximately 55 per cent reduction in scheme water use,” Mr Morgan said.

“Future developers in the precinct will be required to incorporate a combination of sustainability initiatives to manage water demand, including 5-star rated fittings and a centralised approach to rainwater storage and reuse in all buildings on the site – the first of its kind in WA.”

Expert sustainability design consultant, Dr Kathy Meney of Syrinx Environmental, said the precinct-based approach to managing water use at AFC would set a new standard of environmentally sustainable development for the Perth metropolitan region.

“This project will combine a range of innovations and existing technology to generate impressive results,” Dr Meney explained.

When complete, the AFC development is expected to be home to more than 550 residents and provide and provide opportunities for 2,300 new workers.

Subi Centro has built on the rich history and cosmopolitan atmosphere of Subiaco to transform more than 80 hectares of former industrial land into a popular mix of townhouses, apartments, parkland, commercial and retail space.

By incorporating water sensitive design initiatives into subdivisions and open space, including maximising ground water-recharging and harvesting rainwater for reticulation, the SRA is delivering a model of excellence in sustainable design and development.