Charter values
The Charter is built on core values that resonate strongly across all the principles. These values should always be considered when applying the principles to your project or place design.
Identified through extensive research and consultation. The principles are summarised below and in the Three core values and ten principles (PDF, 1.2 MB).
Connection to Country
All public space in NSW is on Country, which is at the core of identity; the place from which Aboriginal languages and cultures are derived, which determine families, kinship and communities. Aboriginal peoples are the Traditional Custodians of all public space in New South Wales.
Equity and inclusion
Public space supports a civil society in which people can meet, gather, participate and prosper. This inclusion should extend to the process of planning, designing and building public spaces through engagement and co-design. All public spaces should feel safe, be accessible and have amenity and be comfortable to be in. All public spaces should feel safe and welcoming to all cultures and be flexible and adaptable to change.
Community engagement
Engaging the community through active participation and co-design, to decision-making, when planning designing and managing public space will help ensure that it reflects their values, needs and aspirations. Participatory processes, collaboration and co-design in public space projects help build trust, and ownership which then increases people’s use of and attachment to the space. Ensuring that vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities are engaged in these processes leads to more welcoming and inclusive public space.
The 10 principles
1. Open and welcoming
Everyone can access public space and feel welcome, respected and included.
2. Community focused
Public space brings people together and builds strong, connected and resilient communities.
3. Culture and creativity
Public space provides a platform for culture and creative expression that makes places more colourful, animated and thought provoking.
4. Local character and identity
Public space reflects who we are and our diverse stories and histories.
5. Green and resilient
Public space connects us to nature enhances biodiversity and builds climate resilience into communities.
6. Healthy and active
Public space allows everyone to participate in activities that strengthen our health and wellbeing.
7. Local business and economies
Public space supports a dynamic economic life and vibrant urban and town centres.
8. Safe and secure
Everyone feels safe to access and use public space at all times of the day.
9. Designed for place
Public space is flexible and responds to its environment to meet the needs of its community.
10: Well managed
Well-managed public space functions better and invites people to use and care for it.
