Utilising urban digital twins for sustainable urban regeneration: Melbourne’s Greenline planning and assessment framework
Mark Allan, Abbas Rajabifard, Benny Chen, Greg Foliente
Abstract
• Framework integrates local SDGs & KPIs for systematic PCUR design & analysis. • Framework covers holistic criteria to address gaps in UDT implementation. • Using Melbourne’s Greenline Project, study examines UDT challenges in PCUR. • Results provide insights that support local governments’ digital transformation. Quality public urban open spaces are crucial for vibrant, resilient cities. This study developed an innovative, practitioner informed assessment framework that utilises Urban Digital Twin (UDT) technology to enhance planning, design, and management of sustainable, People-Centric Urban Regeneration (PCUR) public open space projects. Focusing on Melbourne’s Greenline Project as a case study, the framework identifies critical environmental, social, economic, and governance metrics explicitly aligned to localised Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Employing a robust mixed-methods approach – including an online questionnaire, focus group workshop, and in-depth stakeholder interviews – the study revealed strong consensus among practitioners regarding the innovative capabilities of UDTs. Participants identified significant barriers and constraints, including data availability and governance arrangements that must be addressed to recognise the potential of UDTs. Overcoming these challenges can transform data management practices, enhance situational awareness, and the ability to conduct simulations and advanced analytics. Furthermore, addressing these barriers can foster collaboration and enable the use of visualisations to enhance PCUR sustainability. To facilitate effective UDT implementation, the study underscores the importance of clearly communicating project benefits and emphasizes proactive government leadership to align technological innovation seamlessly with policy objectives and community aspirations. Despite identified socio-technical barriers, practitioners expressed growing confidence in UDT’s critical role in advancing urban sustainability and enhancing the health and wellbeing of urban dwellers.