Getting it Right !

 It seems that the " working from home "  edict forced by COVID-19 has gained an unexpected permanency and we now have a glut of office space in central Sydney. This will substantially change the graphics of the city in respect of traffic flow, both in the streets and on public transport.

It will also have a vast financial impact. Empty offices contribute no rental money to building owners and there is talk of converting the upper floors of some buildings into housing.  It is suggested that this could solve the problem of finding accommodation for the low wage citizens who maintain inner city services and who presently must commute from the outer suburbs.

That notion opens an opportunity for " developers " to control this conversion trade and that could be a disaster unless strict quality guidelines are firmly in place to regulate standards.  It would be tempting to pack older and unsightly buildings with cramped and poor quality living quarters that evoke the reputation. of " upper floor slums ".

There would also be a tendency to exploit the marvellous harbour and city views offered  by many city buildings to create luxury penthouses to provide a new living style for the wealthy.  It could quickly become the vogue to maintain a luxury country home, but live in an upper floor penthouse for the days their presence is required in the city.

That is a lifestyle quite common in Manhattan and it could easily become a feature of Sydney where a view of the harbour brings the highest prices.  In fact, conversion of office space could be very divisive unless strict legislation is in place to regulate standards.

If inner Sydney becomes a mix of commercial and living floors of city buildings many other aspects of the city will need change.  More and more families are bringing up children in apartments and inner city living brings the question of getting them to schools.  That traditional morning commute could become a two way flow of kids going to school and other family members going to suburban jobs.

Conversion of excess office space could rejuvenate the inner city, if it is handled properly and it is very important that this is not left in the hands of developers whose main aim is to make a profit.  It would be a tragedy if shonky conversions created living areas with a high fire risk and inadequate escape measures.  Good planning and tight controls could create a building boom that makes the centre of the city a creative place to live.

Circumstances beyond our control thrust this pandemic on the world and there may be many more changes still in the pipeline.  If the government puts in place the right guideline standards, these conversions can be a happy experience of inner city living.