TOD, volumetric TOD, Destination, Public Space and Community Cohesion

Abstract

Transit Oriented Development (TOD) has become an urban planning and design policy and practice approach to deliver sustainable transport through the world. TOD as infrastructure contributes to urban liveability in determining way of life and well-being of the inhabitants of a city. Urban liveability can be understood as a perceived notion of well-being and social cohesion among residents of an urban area. TOD has been hypothesised to create gentrification. Does gentrification impact negatively on social cohesion in high density TOD-led cities? We address this question by deploying an exploratory difference in differences qualitative analysis of the relationships between measures of involuntary residential displacement and ‘built environment’ indicators. These are proxies for ‘gentrification’ and ‘social cohesion’ respectively. This investigation examines displacement indicators before and after the opening of three new MTR stations in 2014, using a control neighbourhood which has an existing station. It also analyses BE dimensions related to social cohesion such as ‘destinations’ and ‘public space provision’. The displacement indicators have variable trajectories when details are compared. There is limited evidence of systematic displacement, although there are other more prominent and dynamic changes in those destinations. The provision of new public space is associated with the most dynamic changes. From a placemaking point of view, further detailed study to better understand the role of development drivers of gentrification is required.