The Goal
As part of Main Roads WA’s Low Cost Urban Road Safety Program, TBB worked with Phil Jones Associates (PJA) to trial the Healthy Streets approach across selected streets in Cottesloe and the Maylands Activity Centre. The program responded to growing recognition that local streets must do more than move vehicles—they must support safety, comfort and everyday movement for people walking and cycling.
The two study areas were deliberately chosen to test the approach at different scales: a suburban residential context in Cottesloe and a more complex activity centre environment in Maylands.
The program responded to growing recognition that local streets must do more than move vehicles.
Our Role
Working alongside PJA, TBB led spatial, connectivity and street-level assessments using the Healthy Streets Design Check Tool for Australia. The work examined how well existing streets met basic human needs, from safety and ease of crossing to comfort, shade and opportunities to stop and rest.
TBB’s Eric Denholm and PJA’s Tim Judd worked directly with Lucy Saunders, founder of Healthy Streets in the UK, to adapt the methodology to the Western Australian context. Together, the team facilitated workshops with stakeholders in both local government areas to test findings, build understanding and embed the approach in future design thinking.
TBB’s Eric Denholm and PJA’s Tim Judd worked directly with Lucy Saunders, founder of Healthy Streets in the UK, to adapt the methodology to the Western Australian context. Together, the team facilitated workshops with stakeholders in both local government areas to test findings, build understanding and embed the approach in future design thinking.
The Outcome
The assessments provided clear, evidence-based insights into where and how streets were falling short for people. Most streets scored in the 20s and 30s against the Healthy Streets metrics, highlighting a strong case for change.
The findings are now being used by Main Roads WA to inform future design briefs and funding priorities. Importantly, the work broadened the range of design responses available to local government—supporting street upgrades that improve safety while creating more walkable, welcoming and people-focused places.
Relevant specialisms
Policy, Strategy & Schemes TBB team involved
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