Developers are increasingly forking out for community facilities for the country's growing population.

Under NSW legislation, all councils can request developers partly fund local infrastructure that will be used by people who will live in the developments. And developers themselves are recognising the appeal to buyers of green space and good quality facilities.

The City of Sydney Contributions Plan 2015 details how contributions from developers will help the city provide critical infrastructure for local communities.

A works program will be funded in part by developer contributions, and will include approximately $752 million worth of projects for development up to 2030.

The works include $478 million for open space, $102 million for community facilities, $124 million for traffic and transport, and $48 million for stormwater drainage.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said investment was essential to meet the needs of people who live and work in new developments.

“The new developer contributions will go to priority projects, including Gunyama Park, a new civic plaza and aquatic centre in Green Square, and five new childcare centres. They will also fund 11.3 hectares of new open space with priority given to large sites for new sports fields,” she said.

Developer Mirvac is also investing more in community facilities in recognition of the fact that open space is a key to development success. The development giant has announced it will invest more than $34 million in parklands and community gardens over the next five years. Head of Residential John Carfi says these sorts of assets are essential in masterplanned communities to attract buyers, but also to help create a sense of community.

Mirvac has earmarked a total of 210 hectares of parkland across four projects in Victoria.

Mirvac’s Head of Residential John Carfi said open space was essential to creating a vibrant community and were a must for developers to invest in.

“Community parklands, veggie gardens and open space aren’t a luxury in masterplanned communities - they’re a necessity when creating a connected community,” he said.

“They offer not only environmental benefits but also invaluable social advantages by fostering a strong neighbourhood feeling that can’t be replicated," he said. "We find customers look for this in-built commitment to community when purchasing – they absolutely recognise the value.”

Director of MDG Landscape Architects, Simon Smith, said innovation was top of the list when designing a park, with layouts and features constantly assessed to ensure they perform well, are durable and stimulating for children.

“One of the major trends in community parks is taking it back to basics. It’s about building the energetic and lively parks of 20 or 30 years ago – bringing back challenging play but in a new way,” he said.