The following are services and projects undertaken by Hirst Consulting Services (HCS). DFP was not responsible for these services or projects but the experience and expertise of HCS is now available through DFP.
Economic Impact Assessmen≠ts
HCS undertook numerous site-specific economic impact assessments of retail and commercial developments, including shopping centres, supermarkets, bulky retail goods and factory outlets. Typically, these studies included analyses of population, trade area, existing facilities, demand and supply, and potential economic impacts.
Clients included:
Professional Reviews
HSC was regularly requested to undertake reviews of economic impact assessments of other consultants in order to assist clients (often Councils) in appreciating the strengths and possible weaknesses of such assessments. The purpose of these reviews was to examine the other consultant's assumptions, methodologies, and conclusions.
Clients included:
Town Centre Studies
These studies were typically undertaken for a local government authority and examined the existing role of the centre(s), their population catchments, demand for retail and office services, and the future functioning potential of the centre(s).
The largest and most significant of these studies examined the major centres of Western Sydney and was prepared for Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC). Other reports were prepared for Sutherland, Singleton, Baulkham Hills, and East Maitland.
Urban Planning
Urban planning studies provided modelling for both demographics and economic activities.
HCS undertook four studies examining retail and commercial requirements for new town centres in Sydney's South West Sector and the initial studies to establish retail and commercial needs for the North-West sector. HCS has advised on retail, commercial, economic and employment aspects of new urban areas in Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Lake Macquarie and Wollondilly LGAs and for large-scale private development initiatives at North Raymond Terrace (5,000 lots), South Grafton (750 lots) and Glenmore Park South (1,200 lots)
Transport Planning
HCS undertook initial planning demand and economic impact studies for both the Sydney Airport Rail Link and the 'Macquarie' Rail Link, identifying opportunities and constraints. HCS also provided economic and demand analysis input to broader studies concerning the initial justification for the Leppington Rail Link in 2001, and for a preliminary assessment of a second Sydney Harbour rail crossing in 2002. Such studies combined approaches to transport planning with urban economic development potential assessment.
Precinct Planning
HCS (advising on economic, employment and retail issues) was a member of consultant teams which developed an integrated Masterplan for the WELL Precinct in Penrith and a Masterplan for the Westmead Health/Research Precinct in Parramatta.
