For the first time, local residents in Orange are being asked to help shape a new housing estate.
Orange City Council and Landcom are partnering to build a new housing precinct on the city's eastern outskirts.
The project aims to deliver diverse and affordable housing in Orange. The 25-hectare residential precinct, located at Redmond Place, will contain more than 300 homes. At least 20 per cent will be designated as affordable housing.
HOUSING: Orange residents are being asked about their views and hopes for a new housing precinct
A range of community consultation is being planned with the intention of building a sustainable, liveable place that meets the needs and aspirations of the Orange community, now and into the future.
Orange Mayor Jason Hamling believes the extra opportunity for community engagement will set a new standard for new suburbs in Orange.
"Usually, a property developer will do their own market research in a bid to determine what will sell. This is Orange's first example of a developer trying to measure up to a new industry standard," Cr Hamling said. "At Redmond Place we're not just boosting housing supply, but building healthy, resilient and positive places for people to live."
There will be a number of opportunities for the community to have their say about what's important to them as the design comes together.
Residents can complete a quick online survey and opportunities for face-to-face consultation are being planned for the new year.
"As well as meeting engineering and environmental criteria, Landcom and Council want to listen to the local community to learn what's important to them," Cr Hamling said
"The Orange real estate market has been good at delivering three and four bedroom, two car garage homes in subdivisions. But there are gaps in the market that I'm hoping our approach can help meet, to give more housing options to the local community."
Landcom CEO Alexander Wendler said Landcom is excited to be working with the community to help shape the future development at Orange.
"The community's ideas and comments will be used by the project team's planners, urban designers, sustainability and community development staff to inform all aspects of the development," Mr Wendler said.
"There is a gap in the delivery of quality housing on smaller lots that contribute to overall housing diversity, meet the increasing demands of smaller households, improve the sustainability of communities and deliver improved housing affordability. This development will help to overcome those issues."
"I encourage all stakeholders to actively engage in the consultation process - your views are central to progressing this key housing project."
Community feedback may be incorporated in several ways.
For example, if the community believes living somewhere green and leafy is highly important, designers will consider the importance of trees and tree species. If energy efficient homes with low running costs are a priority, Landcom will consider implementing design guidelines to include minimum sustainability targets and insulation standards. If the community are looking for more compact and diverse homes that have minimal maintenance in exchange for access to high quality public spaces and lower cost of entry,
