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Recent experiences in facilitating urban change in Victorian activity centres

Abstract This research collects intelligence and documents of emerging best practice in facilitating urban change for Victorian activity centres. Urban change facilitation, in this research, refers to the proactive activities undertaken by a dedicated public sector individual or team in support of an ‘agreed vision’ for a specific activity centre. Importantly, the defined activities are over and above the regulatory roles and capital expenditure programs traditionally delivered by local government. The research finds that the facilitation approach taken depends heavily on the policy priority afforded to a particular activity centre, as well as the centre's inherent barriers to urban change. The case study results indicate that the ‘legitimacy’ afforded to dedicated urban change teams supports their effectiveness. Often this is further enhanced by their enhanced access to key organisational decision makers. Interestingly, formal urban planning skills are considered to be subservient to the ability to communicate, to be politically sensitive and to operate effectively in private and public sector environments. The research suggests that urban change facilitation activities underway in Victoria could be more effective if: - Expectations and responsibilities of government and non‐government stakeholders are further clarified; - Government infrastructure funding commitments are better used to attract private sector redevelopment resources; and - Leverage funding is incorporated into operating models, enhancing the ability of urban change facilitators to influence catalytic investments.