Placemaking Economics Group

The group is committed to providing insight into spatial decision-making and policy development through an economic and social lens. In particular, our research focuses on developing a deeper understanding of the benefits of the public and private assets that attract households to live, work, play and learn in particular locations.  As a group of academics we continue to forge strong relationships with external stakeholders.

Our research, recognising three main dimensions of placemaking, can be summarised as follows:

1. Strategic placemaking: Local Governments recognise that placemaking builds capacity and resilience in sustainable manner. Previous research into this topic includes whether creatives are attracted to regions that are more diverse.  
2. Creative placemaking:  Arts and culture are central to place-livability.  The investigation into the economic value of the City of Melbourne’s arts program is a key example of our skills in this area.
3. Generalized placemaking:  Understanding the value and importance of local assets.  Past research includes analysis of issues relating to ‘ageing in place’ as well as the importance of being close to public infrastructure such as railway stations.

Further information can be found here.