Transit Oriented Developments to transform global cities: CBRE

HONG KONG, May 27: A series of factors are converging to create global opportunities for Transit Oriented Developments (TODs) that are city changing in scale according to a new major report from CBRE. TOD involves higher density, mixed use projects that are adjacent to, or integrated with, public transport hubs. These projects are typically master-planned to create interfaces with transport services and have the ability to revitalise the underutilised precincts while bringing significant economic and social benefits to the wider community. CBRE’s report examines a range of successful TOD projects around the globe, including Perth City Link in Western Australia; the King’s Cross regeneration project in London; the Hong Kong Station redevelopment; Transbay Transit Centre in San Francisco and One North Precinct in Singapore. The report highlights a range of factors that are creating opportunities for TOD projects, including increasing rates of urbanisation, declining productivity linked to increased travel times, a growing government focus on public transport/decentralisation and greater sophistication in project and infrastructure funding. Key findings include the critical role that government bodies play in successful TOD outcomes, the appeal these developments have for both residents and the business community and the opportunities inherent in these types of projects. Henry Chin, Head of Research, Asia Pacific at CBRE, commented “TOD projects have the capacity to address many of the challenges facing major cities in developed economies as a result of a rapid increase in urbanisation. A successful TOD will achieve a substantial shift from private vehicles to public transport, while improving livability and local employment opportunities.” CBRE’s report highlights that the government's vision and sponsorship is crucial in facilitating TOD projects given the role that public transport plays in addressing the long term sustainability of major cities – specifically in issues such as traffic congestion, travel times, housing affordability and pollution. Chin added “While TOD projects are more complex than conventional brownfield or greenfield mixed-use projects, the benefits clearly warrant the effort in addressing the challenges. Government facilitation is critical and can take a number of forms, including the provision and rezoning of appropriate sites, providing development certainty, directly funding transport infrastructure and coordinating issues with the relevant authorities. “ The ability to attract business occupiers is another key element of a successful TOD project, hence the critical need for linkages to public transport. “Businesses are requiring work environments which both attract and retain employees. The mixed-use nature of TODs creates activated precincts with retail and entertainment services for employees. TOD locations also reduce business demand for car parking, which in turn reduces project construction costs and leasing costs for occupants,” Chin said. However, CBRE’s report highlights that incentives may also be required to attract tenants, as illustrated by the long term tax incentive schemes and rental subsidies offered in Singapore to facilitate the One North Precinct. Another finding is that TODs in established markets within inner and middle ring suburbs have a greater chance of success. Chin concluded; ”Going forward, TODs will have a dramatic impact on shaping cites, in Asia and at a global level, as governments focus on critical public transport infrastructure initiatives.”