Working from Home as a Catalyst for Urban Regeneration

Abstract

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home has become normalised and is likely to continue to gather pace. The adjustment in daytime population that this creates has implications for urban planning, as it can drive greater levels of localization and less car-dependent cities. In this paper, we describe how this shift changes urban daytime population density, a significant predictor of most measures of amenity, walkability, and liveability. First, we define a method for mapping access to amenity, applied to two cities: Melbourne and Sydney. Secondly, we analyse the two-way causal relationship between population density and amenity based on bivariate spatial mapping. Thirdly, we provide a method for estimating changes in daytime populations. Finally, the article provides a taxonomy of telework regeneration potential for different parts of the city based on the level of amenity and expected changes in daytime population (average changes in high job-density areas −14%, CBDs −30%, and +54% in residential areas). We argue that, if used as a catalyst within strategic planning, and for urban regeneration, increases could create higher levels of amenity in suburban areas, which can lead to improved sustainability outcomes, specifically greater levels of walkability, liveability, and reduced car dependence. We have calculated that opportunity areas account for 89% of the greater urban area and cover 49% of the population, which may well grow as the WFH trend continues. As such, and in conclusion, we outline a set of site-specific opportunities and challenges relevant to urban planners that aim for urban regeneration.