As one of Perth’s primary activity corridors connecting east with the south, Canning Highway in Kensington is a car-dominated environment consisting of fragmented commercial and residential development.

It is also set amidst a character neighbourhood of high value. The Kensington South Perth Character Study required a unique understanding of how to define and interpret community’s perceptions of ‘character’ beyond buildings – and to reflect this at a holistic place level, incorporating elements such as connection to the street, green spaces and public realm.

Building from the strong narrative set by City of South Perth’s #ShapeOurPlace project, element's role was to drill down to finer detail and continue to evolve the story for Kensington through land use planning and urban design. This included:

• A stakeholder and community engagement program to understand place character and key values beyond built form including connection to the street and green spaces;
• Urban design response and planning framework which supported the transition from existing conditions to future development; and
• Interpretation of the State’s Design WA Apartment Design Guide (which was in draft format at the time) and integration of draft controls.

A comprehensive two-part character study including:

• A narrative that identified elements of the existing built form that contribute positively to the character of the area;
• Case study analysis of medium density infill;
• Historic review of the study area; and
• Streetscape analysis.

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• A dynamic matrix that captured the rationale behind recommendations for the new planning framework;
• Inter Local Government workshop to discuss insights and challenges for infill and corridor development;
• Community Open Day as part of the engagement program; and
• Drafted planning controls (draft scheme amendment and complementary local planning policy) to reflect the considered strategy to delivering density along Canning Highway.

• Design guideline and policy development
• Statutory and land use planning
• Workshop design and facilitation
• Urban design