I disagree about the value of narrow streets.  Narrow streets are the best parts.  This guy makes the case far better than I can be bothered in a comment http://newworldeconomics.com/archives/tradcityarchive.html

The problem is perhaps the lack of public transport and a mistaken belief in the value of cars in cities.

I wish Australia would uses its money on building up its public transport and densifying its cities.  The more I live in the dense urban parts of the world, the more I appreciate them.