The Hidden Issue of Empty Parking Spaces
In Melbourne’s CBD, Jennifer Muir often sees vacant parking spaces in her apartment building, while residents in her local community struggle to find parking.
This reflects a broader issue in Australia’s high-density urban areas, where many residential car parks remain unused.
Research by Elizabeth Taylor, a senior lecturer at Monash University, reveals that at least one in four car parks in Melbourne’s CBD is vacant.
This underutilization of space is common in cities worldwide, where parking spaces could be better utilized to ease congestion and reduce housing costs.
Urban planner David Mepham argues that Australia’s parking policies, which mandate a minimum number of parking spaces for new developments, are outdated and contribute to rising housing prices.
Each underground parking spot can add about $100,000 to the cost of a unit.
Mepham suggests moving towards a model where developers decide on parking provisions, giving homebuyers the option to purchase parking separately.
While this idea faces resistance, especially from those concerned about parking availability, it’s a necessary step to make housing more affordable and cities more livable.
As Australia aims to build 1.2 million homes by 2029, rethinking parking policies could play a crucial role in achieving this goal.Read More