It opened November 2018, where the former Brickpit site originally was built. Steven Lerche, national director of retail investments told Inside Retail that history has taught people to live closer to the city where public transportation is easily accessible. Living closer helps commuters reduce the stress that comes with travelling to work and mixed use developments allow residents to enjoy a good living environment closer to the CBD, with public areas that have everything that they need from recreation, entertainment to other essential stores. “Mixed use development is not a new phenomenon; they are just morphing and providing more social infrastructure. Their popularity will continue, but perhaps to a lesser extent now that workers see the benefits of working from home. With Covid-19, there has certainly been [a] move to rural living and this may slow mixed use development,” said Lerche. Covid-19’s impact on mix use space Lerche added that mixed use development is not entirely new in the APAC region, as establishments are “just morphing and providing more social infrastructure”. “Some countries, particularly in Asia, take mixed use to a whole different level, incorporating elements of retail, commercial, residential and serviced apartments in the one development,” he said. “This allows for diversity of user profile, and overall adds to the vibrancy of a project. This trend will continue to accelerate, particularly for assets that presently exist, but which are currently obsolete or heading that way.” According to Lerche, integrating residential and commercial is important for a property to be successful. There should be retail spaces for non-discretionary shopping including food and liquor; gyms and medical as well as restaurants and bars. It should also have both commercial offices and community uses including public libraries and day hospitals. Local shopping flourishes in Sydney Local shops are flourishing as they adapt to consumers’ changing work patterns as a result of the pandemic. The city centre may need to be transformed to lure back in more than just the city workers. Moreover, people working from home may begin to return to the CBD area after some time. According to Lerche, the CBD will go through “a lower plateau period of utility”. Sydney has a less dense population compared to other capital cities, potentially making it easier for the Government to transform existing locations into alternate spaces, such as old offices into hotels or residential complexes. But as businesses worldwide collapse, rent is a major concern for many retailers.  However, as social distancing relaxes and people return to their pre-Covid life, companies may be encouraged to rent new spaces again. As Lerche pointed out, humans are social beings who require interaction with others, so shopping at bricks-and-mortar stores will continue to be a favourite pastime, while retailers adapt and reinvent themselves to attract customers.  However, landlords need to get the right tenancy mix at shopping precincts to bring in customers and consider adjusting retail rent, as supply and demand dictate what a retail space can offer.