The 20-Minute Neighbourhood: Distinctiveness, Desirability, and Deliverability

This thesis examines the 20-minute neighbourhood, a planning idea that encourages meeting daily needs within a 10-minute walk from home. Although widely promoted, its real-world clarity, public support and practical delivery remain uncertain. Using a literature review, a resident survey and expert interviews, the research assessed how unique, desirable and achievable this model is, using Melbourne as a case study. The findings show strong support for walkable neighbourhoods but also highlight differences between what planners aim for and what people experience. By comparing resident and expert perspectives, the thesis offers practical design and policy suggestions to make 20-minute neighbourhoods more realistic, inclusive and achievable.