Nightingale Village

The Nightingale model is an alternative development framework for medium-density housing that promotes active public transport use and human-centric design. When the proposed Nightingale Village in Brunswick—a cluster of six adjacent mixed-use developments—needed a transport impact assessment, our team came in to help. The goal? Identify how to make best use of nearby transport facilities and leverage existing transport infrastructure to avoid private vehicle use.

At the time, Nightingale Village would have required approximately 280 parking spaces for residents. We lobbied Moreland City Council for only 20 parking places—14 of which were car-share only—and succeeded. As part of that significant dispensation, the Village offers residents unique opportunities to cycle, with direct access to the Upfield Bike Path and provision for over 400 bicycle parking spaces.

The team also prepared designs for the carpark and provided input to improve and activate the public realm along Duckett Street. These improvements will close Duckett Street to vehicles and include a new landscape parklet created for the local community and Nightingale Village residents.

The project aligns with the Moreland Integrated Transport Strategy, minimising private car usage and prioritising active and sustainable travel options. For residents, Nightingale Village means playing a vital role in an industry-leading concept that will radically influence residential development and medium-density housing in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.