In response to rising property prices and construction costs, Fulton Trotter Architects held a Forum at the Queensland Cricketer’s Club on Wednesday, 22 May, for industry insiders looking to learn more on unlocking land potential.
With rising property prices and construction costs, Fulton Trotter Architects held a Forum at the Queensland Cricketers’ Club on Wednesday, 22 May, to tackle the topic alongside industry insiders looking to learn more on unlocking land potential.
Guests from various-sectors including education, faith-based organisations and not-for-profits came together to discuss the topic and discovered new ways to generate income and maximise land potential.
Key topics and common threads on the day included Queensland’s large population growth, and discussions around zoning regulations, as well as devising strategies for undervalued sites.
Hearing from industry experts, guests learnt valuable insights from Fulton Trotter Architects Director, John Ward on design-led solutions for unlocking value. John suggested Forum attendees wanting to maximise their assets, to firstly determine at the function and identify the potential uses and developments of a project first, before identifying a goal of either social or financial impact.
He also advised to consider the integration of the design and whether it would be co-located or fully integrated, for maximum potential.
Lavinia Dack, Group General Manager Property at UnitingCare Queensland encouraged guests to consider the “why” and to focus on the intention for unlocking land potential through a community lens. Lavinia also discussed the role partnerships play in helping people live life in all its fullness.
This Forum emphasised the importance of collaboration. Regardless of industry or occupation, chances are, we’re all navigating this issue, so coming together and discussing it helps us learn and grow.
Town Planner and Managing Director at Reel Planning, Greg Ovenden took a regional approach and looked into the value of rejuvenation. Using examples of a country pub as the “lifeblood” of a regional town, Greg provided a new perspective on attracting investments and interest away from large cities.
Senior Consultant at Urban Economics, Joshua Binkley provided Forum attendees with market research and economic data around the current property market. Joshua looked at the role of development potential and forecasted what to expect in the next two decades.
In the afternoon, a panel discussion shone more light on the topic as well as providing guests with answers to their burning questions, ranging from sustainability and Net Zero, to CBDs and the role working from home plays on a city’s vacancy and potential.
Fulton Trotter Architects Director, Justine Ebzery, hosted the day and said the Forum was a great chance to unpack and devise solutions around the topic.
“Capital expenditure and land scarcity are some of the key pressures for many organisations at the moment, so it was essential that we create a day to come together and tackle the issue head on,” she said.
“This Forum emphasised the importance of collaboration. Regardless of industry or occupation, chances are, we’re all navigating this issue, so coming together and discussing it helps us learn and grow.”
The Fulton Trotter Forum is held twice a year by Fulton Trotter Architects for industry personnel to promote emerging ideas and thought leadership.