urban design - victoria street

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Victoria Street ctivity PrecinctUrban Design Framework Plan

Streetscape Design Plan

Prepared forCity of Yarra

byHansen Partnership

Planning Urban DesignLandscape Architecture Project Management

Daryl Jackson ArchitectsArchitecture Urban Design

Grogan RichardsCivil Engineering Traffic Engineering

Morris WalkerAccess Auditing DDA Compliance

Hellier McFarlandLand Surveying

July 2004


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Contentsictoria Street Activity Precinct Urban Design Framework

Figures

1. Aerial Photograph of Study Area2. Aerial Photograph of Study Area: 1960s3. Study Area Land Use Mix4. Study Area Figure Ground Study5. Study Area Building Heights6. Study Area Heritage Buildings & Precincts7. Study Area Propensity to Change8.

Study Area Landscape & Environment9. Study Area Visual Setting10.Study Area Active Frontages11.Land Use & Activity Framework12.Built Form & Scale Framework13.Access & Movement Framework14.

Framework Plan15.

Streetscape Design Plan. Part 1

16.

Streetscape Design Plan. Part 217.Streetscape Design Plan. Part 318.Streetscape Design Plan. Part 419.Typical Cross Section A20.Typical Cross Section B21.Typical Cross Section C

Appendices

1. Consultation2. Morris Walker Streetscape Access Audit Report3. Feature Survey4. Minutes of Workshop5. Summary of Questionnaire Responses6. Grogan Richards Traffic Engineering Assessment7.

Grogan Richards Proposed Framework Elements8. Project Brief9. Pride of Place Application10.Draft Local Planning Policy11.Streetscape Concept: Preliminary Cost Estimate12.Lennox Place: Preliminary Cost Estimate13.

Schedule of Immediate Streetscape Works14.

Stormwater Catchment Assessment

Victoria Street South Elevation


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Executive Summarictoria Street Activity Precinct Urban Design Framework

Executive SummaryThe Victoria Street Activity Precinct Urban Design Framework and Streetscape Design Plan has been prepared by HansenPartnership in association with Daryl Jackson Architects, Grogan Richards, Morris Walker and Hellier McFarland for the Cityof Yarra.

The Project

The aim of the Project is to establish a vision for the Victoria Street Activity Precinct which will enhance the street and the

surrounding area as an attractive, viable and functional commercial and community centre, reinforce the unique culturalidentity of the street and establish a preferred shopping, entertainment and lifestyle destination for the local and widermetropolitan communities.

The scope of work for the project has been separated into two distinguishable but integrated parts. These are an UrbanDesign Framework Plan communicating the future of land use, activity, built form and movement for the Victoria Street

Activity Precinct, incorporating the Victoria and Elizabeth Street corridors in North Richmond between Hoddle and ChurchStreet; and a Streetscape Design Plan outlining the proposed public domain enhancements and improvements to both sides

of Victoria Street between Hoddle and Church Street.

The Place

The Victoria Street Activity Precinct forms one of a suite of important strip centres that extend east of Hoddle Street fromVictoria Parade. The strip is a clear expression of the urban transition from Melbourne's generous CAD grids to the west andthe more confined and intimate urban fabric of inner city Richmond, reflecting a unique evolution from a Victorian era mainstreet to a diverse retail and dining hub and cultural destination.

The Victoria Street Activity Precinct fulfills an important dual role as a dining and tourist activity destination of regional ormetropolitan significance along the key Victoria Street/ Parade east-west corridor; and a retail, community, cultural andservice centre of value to a local resident community in North Richmond, Abbotsford, East Melbourne and Collingwood.

The existing zoning of the Victoria Street Activity precinct largely reflects its existing land use pattern. Key features include:

Victoria Street Comprises a mix of convenience retail and restaurant activities, with a strong focus on Asian food, in

particular Vietnamese food. The focus of retail and restaurant activity is on the south side of the street. Retail and


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Executive Summarictoria Street Activity Precinct Urban Design Frameworkcurrently working closely with other State Agencies to identify Partnership Projects in which infrastructure works of other

agencies can be coordinated with public works projects of Council. The City of Yarra, Vic Roads and Yarra Trams aredeveloping such a model for the Route 109 project.

Options to fund public works include: Council Funding from General Rates State Government Funds

Special Charges

Development Contributions

Following adoption by Council, a Planning Scheme Amendment should be sought to introduce a new Local Policy into theYarra Planning Scheme, with the Victoria Street Urban Design Framework Plan incorporated as a referenced document andthe recommendations contained therein being integrated into the Planning Scheme.

The recommendations contained within the Victoria Street Activity Precinct Urban Design Framework will strengthen the roleof Victoria Street as a thriving urban strip and define its surrounds as a consolidating mixed-use precinct with excellentaccess to public transport. The union of Victoria Streets main street culture and activity with integrated mixed-uses andimproved transit facilities, and a new and exciting public domain, has the capacity to regenerate Victoria Street as a

distinctive and thriving place.

The Victoria Street Activity Precinct Urban Design Framework recommends that:

The Framework be adopted as a long-term framework for change in the Victoria Street Activity Precinct.

Negotiations commence between all levels of government and private sector interests in the Activity Precinct in orderto define and realize key private and public sector development and transport opportunities.

Further detailed design in conjunction with individual stakeholder consultation be carried out for resolution of finedetails of practicable Streetscape projects.

Immediate Streetscape Works to Victoria Street and its adjoining junctions, including Lennox Place be initiated as the

first and important signal of progress within the Victoria Street Activity Precinct.


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The Projectictoria Street Activity Precinct Urban Design Framework

1.

The Project

The Victoria Street Activity Precinct Urban Design Framework and Streetscape Design Plans has been prepared byHansen Partnership, Planners, Urban Designers and Landscape Architects, in association with Daryl Jackson, Architects,Grogan Richards, Engineering, Morris WalkerAccess Auditors and Hellier McFarland, Surveyors for the City of Yarra.

The aim of the Project is to establish a vision for the Victoria Street Activity Precinct which will enhance it as an attractive

and functional commercial and community centre, reinforce its unique cultural identity, and define it as a key shopping,entertainment and lifestyle destination for the local and wider metropolitan community.

1.1 Intent

The Victoria Street Activity Precinct Urban Design Framework and Streetscape Design Plans articulate an agreed visionfor the Precinct that will:

Reinforce the interrelationship between the Victoria Street Activity Precinct and the North Richmond transport node

incorporating the upgraded route 109 tram and its link with the North Richmond Railway Station. Improve the linkages between the Public Housing Estate and the Victoria Street Activity Precinct. Expand and improve links and accessibility (especially walking and cycling) to the Victoria Street Activity Precinct

and within the Precinct. Provide a safe and functional environment for all visitors, residents and business owners to the Victoria Street

Activity Precinct and the surrounding areas.

Promote a mix of residential and commercial land uses that work harmoniously within the Victoria Street ActivityPrecinct.

Develop, enhance and complement the Vietnamese/Asian cultural identity of the Precinct with an innovative and

well resolved streetscape design. Improve access for all patrons and modes of transport including car, public transport, pedestrians, disabled

users and cyclists. Explore shared car parking schemes to service the retail and entertainment roles of the Victoria Street Activity

Precinct.

Victoria St Elevation


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1.2 Scope

The scope of work for the project has been separated into two distinguishable but integrated parts as outlined in theProject Brief (refer Appendices). These are:

1.2.1

Urban Design Framework Plan

An Urban Design Framework Plan communicating the future land use, activity, built form and movement for theVictoria Street Activity Precinct, incorporating the Victoria and Elizabeth Street corridors in North Richmond betweenHoddle and Church Street. The Framework Study area (Figure 1) includes the:

Victoria Street commercial strip; Elizabeth Street streetscape and North Richmond Public Housing Estate; North Richmond Railway Station; and Adjoining residential areas.

1.2.2

Streetscape Design Plan

A Streetscape Design Plan outlining the proposed public domain enhancements and improvements to both sides of theVictoria Street between Hoddle and Church Street and associated links with the North Richmond transport node onJonas Street.

Victoria St North Part elevation


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Figure 1: Aerial Photograph of Study Area


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1.3 Catalysts

The impetus for the Victoria Street Activity Precinct Urban Design Framework and Streetscape Design Plan has stemmedfrom a range of current and future projects, including:

Tram Route 109 upgrade; North Richmond Station Transport Node; Office of Housing Elizabeth Street Estate Improvements; Private commercial and residential development proposals;

Government emphasis on Transit Oriented Activity Centres; State Governments Melbourne 2030 Metropolitan Strategy

In recognition of its coordinating role, the project has been funded jointly by the City of Yarra and the StateGovernments Pride of Place Grant Programme.

City Skyline Views


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The PlaceVictoria Street Activity Precinct: Urban Design Framework

2.

The PlaceThe Victoria Street Activity Precinct, North Richmond forms one of a suite of important Main Street commercialcentres that extend east of Hoddle Street from Victoria Parade. Victoria Street, like other eastwest aligned commercialspines reflects the urban transition from Melbourne's generous CAD grid towards the more confined and intimateurban fabric of inner city Richmond.

2.1 Metropolitan Context

The Victoria Street Activity Precinct is identified as a Major Activity Centre under Melbourne 2030, fulfilling animportant dual role as a:

dining and tourist destination of regional or metropolitan significance along the key Victoria Street/Parade east-west corridor, and

retail, community, cultural and service centre of value to a local resident community to either side of the VictoriaStreet strip in North Richmond and Abbotsford.

The Victoria Street Activity Precinct is changing. In addition to its Activity Centre status, significant redevelopmentopportunities and relatively consistent shifts in demographic profile have seen the precinct evolve from a traditionalMain Street setting to a thriving cultural destination. Changes of this type are not uncommon in the precinct, whichhas undergone significant restructuring over the decades (refer Figure 2), summarized as follows:

Initial Riverside subdivision in late 1830s; Residential/ commercial subdivision of late 1880s;

Early 20thCentury industrial infill development;

Completion of the elevated rail line in early 20thCentury;

Deterioration of housing stock to slums in the early to mid 20thCentury; Slum clearance and the creation of the North Richmond Public Housing Estate in 1960s; Presence of Greek Community/ services in 1970s, and Asian influx in the 1980s.

Within the context of these metropolitan and local observations, the key place values relevant to the Victoria StreetActivity Precinct are identified below and examined further in the following text.

Victoria Street West Entry


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2.1.1

Land Uses & Ambience

The authentic, diverse and culturally rich pattern of Asian (primarily Vietnamese) retail, service and dining useslocated at ground level along both sides of Victoria Street;

The significant and recognisable public housing estate and associated community services to Elizabeth Street; The variety of local employment/ business/ studio activities located in side streets and lanes off Victoria Street; The bold patterns of trade, signage and advertising that represent an authentic Vietnamese sense of place; and The remnant examples of polite 19th Century domesticity.

Figure 2: Victoria Street study Area 1960s


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2.1.2

Urban Form & Structure

The traditional Victorian network of streets and the diversity of architectural/ building form and scales from manyeras, notably the 1 and 2-storey 19thCentury residential and commercial building forms and the post-1950s 3-and-4-storey public housing walk-ups and high rise towers;

The linear structure of the centre, layered from the traditional scale of Victoria Streets commercial stock to the

more diverse residential, commercial and warehouse forms occurring along Elizabeth and Butler Streets, whichdisplay varying scales, setbacks and frontage treatments.

The transition from Victoria Streets hard commercial edge of fine grained attached building frontages to the

more open and varied building configurations to the north and south, including attached and detachedresidential and commercial forms of varying scales;

The presence of the railway bridges and Hoddle Street as the Precincts western entry points;

The anomalous nature of the North Richmond Public Housing Estate and its resultant impact on the traditional

structure, scale and legibility of the Precincts 19thCentury urban network, and

Relatively low number of sites with recorded heritage significance, despite the origins of the area.

2.1.3

Street Setting & Environment

The long, linear views along the traditional Victorian streetscape and the presence of the public housing towersbehind the Victoria Street facades; The thriving sense of life, culture and activity inspired by the concentration of the Vietnamese and other Asian

communities within a relatively confined street environment; The coexistence of lively Asian street activity within the structure of the traditional Victorian commercial shop

front and the emergence of Asian replica or pastiche development (such as the Ben Thanh market tower) alongboth Victoria Street and in side streets;

Street trees within residential streetscapes to the north and south of the Victoria Street corridor; The consistent sense of traffic/ transport congestion along the street as a function of conflicts between through

traffic, trams and service/ delivery vehicles.

These existing attributes contribute strongly to the identity of the Precinct as a Major Activity Centre in Melbourne.

Traditional Urban Form


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2.2

Land Uses & Activity

The existing zoning of the Victoria Street Activity Precinct largely reflects the existing land use pattern (see Figure 3). Keyland use attributes of the Precinct include:

Victoria Street Comprising a mix of convenience retail and restaurant activities, with a strong focus on Asian,and in particular Vietnamese food. The focus of retail and restaurant activity is on the south side of the street.Retail and restaurant activities on the north side of the street are interspersed with a greater mix of other servicesand business.

North of Victoria Street Areas of intact residential activity, interspersed with a number of large industrial sites,particularly in Nicholson Street, Charles Street, Little Charles Street and Lithgow Street.

To the south of Victoria Street Industrial activities exist along the north side of Butler Street (between ShelleyStreet and Lennox Street), with residential uses opposite. Elizabeth Street (between the Shelley Street and LennoxStreet) is residential in nature, but with the intrusion of relatively small commercial establishments (oftenoccupying converted dwellings). Industrial and business uses predominate closer to the railway line. The easternpart of the street is dominated by public housing estate

Hoddle Street and the Rail Corridor A mix of industrial and office activities, with limited residential

development.

Implications

These findings highlight the particularly two dimensional pattern of land use across the Precinct and the need to encouragea more vibrant mix of land uses that are integrated vertically within and over sites. While there are many instances ofbusinesses above shops within the Victoria Street spine, there are relatively few successful examples of true mixed uses overmany levels. The staple use in the Victoria Street Activity Precinct and in North Richmond in general is and will continue tobe housing and as such, it will be critical to embed residential accommodation into all parts of the Precinct, in particularthose areas that are presently devoid of street life and activity, including the industrial areas to the south and west. While it

is likely that remnant industry and manufacturing in the Precinct has a limited lifespan, the role of service business andcommercial uses appears to be significant.


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Figure 3: Study Area: Land Use Mix


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The PlaceVictoria Street Activity Precinct: Urban Design Framework2.3 Built Environment

The urban form and structure of the Victoria Street Activity Precinct is determined in the main by the remnant network ofstreets, lanes and land subdivision from the 19 thCentury (refer Figure 4). The Precinct exhibits an urban pattern that iscommon to the east of Hoddle Street throughout Richmond, with the east-west aligned commercial corridor serving asthe primary Precinct spine and rear laneways providing the transition to residential stock behind. While this is theprevailing pattern to the north, the street and subdivision arrangement to the south is different due to the proximate andparallel alignment of Elizabeth Street. The location and size of this southern link has generated a particularly unusualconfiguration of parallel streets and lanes (such as Butler Street) to the south and defined a consolidated corridorbetween Victoria and Elizabeth Streets. The transition to residential stock is therefore located south of Elizabeth Street.

Figure 4: Study Area: Figure Ground


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Figure 5: Study Area: Building Heights


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A series of recognized heritage buildings located within the area, primarily along the Hoddle St and VictoriaStreet corridors also contribute to the image and effect of the Precinct. While the heritage attributes of thebroader context have been largely eroded through the mid-20th century terrace clearance and redevelopment,the primary retail streetscape retains a number of valued 19 thCentury heritage buildings. These illustrated inFigure 6 and listed below:

2 Hoddle St, Former Robert Reid Clothing Factory,

Lithgow St, Abbotsford Primary School,

1 Park St, Abbottsford,

11 Park St, Abbottsford, Glandmire House,

231 Victoria St, Former State Savings Bank,

261 Victoria St, Former National Bank, 275-277 Victoria St, Shops, 295 Victoria St, Shops, 279- 301 Victoria St, Shops,

371- 377 Victoria St, Shops, and

385 Victoria St, Former East Collingwood Hotel.

Most of the key heritage sites are located on the northern side of Victoria Street and commonly on or adjacentto corners with intersecting streets. This has the effect of exposing broad and often attractive traditional buildingfront and side elevations to the streetscape, bringing a particular quality to the Victoria Street north junctions.Other notable heritage forms are located on Hoddle Street and further north along Park, Albert, William andLithgow Streets.

While the structure and form of these buildings have remained relatively intact, more recent applications of

signage, colour and advertising reflecting the salient Asian culture of the place have eroded the heritageintegrity of some individual forms.

Asian cultural influence applied to buildings

Former State bank: Victoria St


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Figure 6: Study Area: Heritage Buildings & Precincts


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Figure 7: Study Area: Propensity to Change


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Figure 8. Study Area Landscape & Environment


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The Place


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Figure 9.Study Area: Visual Environment

The Place


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The PlaceVictoria Street Activity Precinct: Urban Design FrameworkNorth-south visual connections across the Victoria Street corridor also contribute to the visual permeability and

perceived interconnectivity of the Precinct. These connections occur at the following intersections:

Victoria Street / Shelley Street / Park Street

Victoria Street / Lennox Street / Nicholson Street

The existing elevated rail corridor, incorporating North Richmond Station,provides a substantial visual barrier and definitive edge to the Precinct. Withinthe Activity Precinct, breaks in this barrier occur at Victoria Street and ElizabethStreet only, where the roadway passes under the railway line, providing viewportals. These portals are an important part of the visual experience of thePrecinct, as they reinforce the notion of Precinct entry and exit and providefocused views into the Precinct from Hoddle Street and the west.

Implications

These findings highlight that the visual linkages between the Victoria StreetActivity Precinct and the Melbourne City Grid to the west are important inanchoring the Streetscape to its context. While there are important landmark

forms and features to the north and south of the Precinct, the valued views andvisual connections to the west, underneath the Railway line bridge or aboveand over the Station embankment are important in terms of local legibility andway finding. The significant visual impact of the High Rise towers to the southdemands an urban design response that can form a scale transition or steppingin form, which in due course can normalize Elizabeth Street and achieve amore harmonious visual relationship between the Estate and its surroundings.

2.4 Access & Movement

The manner in which people move around, through and to the Victoria Street Activity Precinct has a strong bearing onits sense of place and its ability to function as an accessible and viable Activity Centre. Victoria Street, as part of thebroader east west city link, forms a critical private and public transport corridor. It also serves a local community whichitself required the necessary standards of private/ service vehicle and pedestrian access.

The Victoria Street Bridge


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The Place


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Figure 10 Study Area: Active/ Pedestrian Oriented Frontages

The PlaceVi i S A i i P i U b D i F k


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The PlaceVictoria Street Activity Precinct: Urban Design FrameworkImplications

In general, pedestrian movement through the Victoria Street Activity Precinct should be a high priority. Pedestrianmovement along road corridors and streets should be reinforced in all situations with those unsafe off streetpedestrian links (such as those occurring within the Housing Estates Precinct) to be discouraged. All efforts should bemade to ensure that the Activity Precinct presents a clear, equitable and legible pedestrian network that is compliantwith the DDA and which fits within the image and character of Victoria Street, Richmond.

2.4.2 Public Transport

The study area is well served by many modes of public transport (refer Appendix 6), including North Richmond TrainStation, the Route 109 Tram route and various bus services along both Hoddle Street, Victoria Street and Victoria

Parade. A summary of public transport provision is provided in the following.

Service Location Route. Destinations

Trains Nth Richmond Station - Epping to City- Hurstbridge to City

Trams Victoria Street 23 /42 Mont Albert to City24 North Balwyn to City109 Mont Albert to Port Melbourne

Church Street 78 Prahan to North Richmond79 St Kilda Beach to North Richmond

Buses Victoria Street 684 Melbourne to Eildon via Lilydale246 Elsternwick Station to Clifton HillHoddle Street /

Victoria Parade 301, 304 City to The Pines302, 315 City to Box Hill Central303, 307 City to Mitcham Station305, 308, 316 City to Warrandyte306 City to North Ringwood309 City to Donvale313 City to Templestowe Village S.C.

350 City to La Trobe University

North Richmond station is located only two stops from the city centre and carries trains for both the Hurstbridge andEpping lines. As the Station is elevated from street level pedestrian access to the Station is only achieved via steeppedestrian ramps. During the morning peak hours from 7:00am to 9:00am, 24 trains stop at North Richmond Station.Of the 24 trains, 11 are city bound and 13 are northbound, with an average of 11 and 9 minutes respectively betweenarrivals. During the afternoon peak hours, 4:00pm to 7:00pm, 33 trains stop at North Richmond Station. Of the 33

Rail: North Richmond Station


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The PlaceVictoria Street Activity Precinct: Urban Design Framework/ Bridge Road and Queens Parade. The continuation of Hoddle Street to the south of Wellington Parade is Punt Roadwhich ends at St Kilda Road / Queens Way intersection.

Church Street is classified as a secondary arterial road aligned north south between the Yarra River in Abbotsford andthe Yarra River in South Yarra. The continuation of Church Street to the south is Chapel Street, which terminates atBrighton Road in Elwood. The Church Street cross section generally allows one lane in each direction, with centrallylocated tram tracks and parallel parking on both sides. Parking has been prohibited at the Victoria Street intersection toallow two traffic lanes to form at the intersection.

Nicholson Street operates as a sub arterial aligned north south between Victoria Street and Johnston Street. The crosssection of Nicholson Street generally allows one traffic lane in each direction with parking on both sides. Thecontinuation of Nicholson Street to the south is Lennox Street. The intersection of Nicholson Street / Victoria Street /Lennox Street has been modified to allow northbound movements from Lennox Street only. Additional traffic calmingmeasures on Lennox Street assist in maintaining Lennox Street as a local road.

2.4.4 Traffic Volumes & Movement

Yarra City Council has advised that the major roads surrounding the Victoria Street Activity Precinct have daily trafficvolumes as summarised in the Table below. The traffic volumes have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

Road Section between Date of survey Volume vpd)

Victoria St Hoddle St/ Church St Jan 2003 15,000Elizabeth St Hoddle St/ Church St Jan 2003 9,000Hoddle St Victoria St/ Elizabeth St Jan 2003 42,000Church St Victoria St / Elizabeth St Jan 2003 13,000Langridge St Hoddle St / Park St May 2001 7,000Gipps St Hoddle St / Park St May 2002 14,000

Albert St Victoria / Murray St May 2002 1,000

Church St Victoria / End of Street June 2001 6,000Lennox St Victoria St / Elizabeth St June 1999 1,000Victoria St Hoddle St / Shelley St Oct 2002 15,000Elizabeth St Church St / Lennox St Oct 2002 9,000Church St Balmain St / Adolph St Oct 2002 13,000Punt Rd Freeman St / Bridge St Oct 2002 43,000

Butler St, Between Victoria and Elizabeth St


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y g

Function

The real and perceived lack of security after hours behind the main Victoria Street spine, which limits thepotential of the Precinct to serve as an all hours active area;

The extent and quantity of above ground infrastructure and services which result in visual clutter and which willbe costly to relocate and/or underground within the Activity Precinct;

The volume and complexion of traffic movement through the main Victoria Street streetscape presents a barrier

to pedestrian movement and limits the potential of the retail spine to operate efficiently;

The volume and complexion of traffic movement through the main Victoria Street, which limits the efficiency oftram movement in either direction through the Precinct;

The extent of on-street car parking to either side of Victoria Street, which is highly valued by traders and

shoppers alike, but which severely limits the potential for pedestrian enhancement and footpath improvements; The limited potential for both on or off street parking areas that can be dedicated to existing retail and

residential development or new mixed use Activity Centre development; The unsafe, uninviting and inadequate existing Tram stop waiting areas on Victoria Street which do not

encourage public transport utilization; The visual and physical isolation of the elevated North Richmond Railway Station, which is separated from the

primary Victoria Street pedestrian movement network and difficult to access via ramp; The relatively limited number of options available for the circulation of vehicles freely around the Activity

Precinct, which are mainly focused to the south of the Activity Precinct; and

The potential for Victoria Street retail on-street car parking to overflow into the adjoining residential side streets,which may have a detrimental impact on the quality of local streetscapes and residential amenity.


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The Visionictoria Street Activity Precinct Urban Design Framework


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3.1.2

Built Form & EnvironmentThe built form vision for the Victoria Street Activity Precinct recognizes and respects the valued structure and scale of theprecinct and explores opportunities to enhance the urban form behind the traditional main street elevation and along theElizabeth Street corridor. The vision seeks to reinforce the experience of arrival to the Precinct from the west throughtreatment of the Victoria Street Rail Bridge and consolidation around the North Richmond Station. The landscape andenvironment vision for the Victoria Street Activity Precinct promotes improvement of the Victoria Street footpath and thecreation of a series of street side spaces as the primary forum for local culture, life and activity. Drawing on theconsiderable street tree contribution to the north, the greening of Victoria Streets intersections will create an order of

inviting street spaces and settings.

Built Form & Environment Objectives

Generating a built form that respects the traditional scale of Victoria Street,allowing for subtle increases in scale above the prevailing parapet that willnot dominate or alter the recognized street scale and patterns.

Encouraging building setbacks to the upper most levels of newdevelopment or additions to existing development along Victoria Street

which will retain ample solar access and daylight to the public streetsspaces.

Encouraging new infill development throughout the Activity Centre thatcreates a clear sense of address to the primary street frontage with active,attractive and pedestrian friendly interfaces.

Encouraging a medium scale form around the Housing Estate on Elizabeth

Street that can reduce the impact of the existing high rise and serve as atransition between different development types in the precinct.

Recognizing the opportunity for well designed feature forms and/or public

design elements that may exceed the traditional building scale at keyjunctions or in the vicinity of the North Richmond Station.

Defining a building scale and form that respects the character and amenity

of existing established residential areas, where direct abuttals or interfacesoccur to the north and south of Victoria Street and along Butler Street.

Reinforce Victoria Streets Traditional Scale


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Achieving a continuous east-west aligned linkage between North Richmond Station and Church Street (parallel toVictoria and Elizabeth Streets) via a sensitive road extension through existing Office of Housing land. Minimizing the number of vehicular crossovers on the Victoria Street footpaths so as to minimize the potential for

conflict between pedestrians and vehicles entering and existing car parking areas. Confirming the role of Elizabeth Street as a primary vehicular route through the Precinct as an alternative Victoria Street

without the potential congestion caused by on-street parking and the tram alignment. Resolving the junction of Elizabeth and Church Streets to the Precincts east to enable efficient passage from Elizabeth

to Victoria Street and avoiding the potential for rat running along Baker Street to the east.

Definition of a pedestrianised meeting place at the physical heart of the Precinct at the junction of Victoria and Lennox

Streets to serve as a primary people place and integrated tram stop achieved through street closures.

Encouraging basement and/or decked car parking in new large format development that is convenient and accessiblebut well concealed from public view and any adverse impacts on the public domain.

Providing safe and convenient pedestrian and cyclist links to surrounding residential areas in all directions.

Key Directions Introduce new local policy providing detailed guidance on

access and movement initiatives Formalize particular scenarios where car parking requirements

may be relaxed in order to entice redevelopment Undertake detailed design and documentation of closure of

Lennox Street and formation of Lennox Place

Negotiate with Vic Roads regarding status and effect ofElizabeth Street condition and junction with Church Street

Encourage public transport providers to enhance service withoutimpacts on the Victoria Street streetscape

These and other implementation factors are spelt out in Part 5.

Contained Car Parking Cells


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3 2 K Pl i D i El


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3.2

Key Planning & Design Elements

The key elements of the Victoria Street Activity Precinct Urban Design Framework are described below and include thefollowing key 20 initiatives.

1.

Victoria Street Traditional Scale2. Key Redevelopment Opportunities3. Defined Precinct Entries4.

North Richmond Station and Tram Upgrade5. Elizabeth Street Boulevard6. Primary Pedestrian Network7.

Intersecting Green Corridors8. Butler Street Extension9.

Community Garden10.Residential Hinterland11.Office of Housing Infill12.

Shop Top Housing13.Upper Level Building Setbacks14.Off Street Parking Cells15.

Heritage Respect16.View line Reinforcement17.Precinct Junction Effects18.Hoddle Street Consolidation19.

Industrial Fabric20.Lennox Place

These elements are listed on the Design Framework Plan tabled overleaf and discussed in detail in the following Part 3.2

Indicative Street Sections



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Figure 14


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3.4 Land Use & Development Guidelines


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The following precinct plans provide guidance as to a prospective land use, built form andaccessibility structure of the Study Areas 5 key precincts.

3.4.1

Victoria Street Corridor

The Victoria Street corridor represents the primary ribbon of the Activity Precinct and the low scaleof Victorian retail development. The Framework recommends a consolidation of the corridorsretail, dining and commercial service with an increasing role of integrated upper level of shop topresidential and commercial activity, which must be carefully set back to avoid interference with thetraditional streetscape scale. Restoration and coordination of the streets traditional elevation and

the simplification of often-cluttered footpaths underpin the Victoria Street corridor concept.

Possible Land Uses/ Activities

Encourage retail, dining, tourist activities at the ground level. Encourage a mix of uses above ground level including residential, commercial and

community related activities. Retail and dining uses may also occur above ground level.

Scale, Massing/ Height of Buildings.

Limit the height of buildings along the south side of Victoria Street to a maximum of 4storeys (14m), with upper levels setback behind the prevailing and traditional Victorianparapet line.

Limit the height of buildings along the north side of Victoria Street to a maximum of 3 (11m)storeys with generous upper level setbacks to protect solar access to Victoria Street.

Ensure suitable stepping of building height down to lower residential interfaces or wherethere are buildings of varied heights, infill development should step down (or up) asappropriate.

Encourage high quality, contemporary and innovative architectural expression that respects

the richness and diversity of the precinct. Encourage vertical division of building forms to express the prevailing subdivision pattern of

the Victorian streetscape. Encourage a high standard of architectural design to street frontages that incorporate the

key horizontal elements, including facade height and parapet, canopy and fenestrationeffects.

Overview of Victoria St Spine


Access, Parking/ Circulation

Encourage service vehicle access from the rear of buildings where possible. Enco rage pedestrian access to pper le els from a common entr with gro nd le el b sinesses along Victoria Street


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Encourage pedestrian access to upper levels from a common entry with ground level businesses along Victoria Street,or from rear lanes (or Butler Street).

Encourage parking for upper level activities to be accessed from the rear of buildings. Establish a series of pedestrian spaces on the north side of Victoria Street and on the southern side of Victoria Street at

Lennox Place. Improve linkages to and between the Office of Housing estate to the south and the existing local street network,

including at least 3 discreet pedestrian connections. Define a safe, legible and accessible location for taxis under the Victoria Street rail bridge, enabling convenient

interchanging of public transport modes.

The Public Environment

Encourage development that contributes positively to Victoria Street footpath areas and the public domain.

Upgrade the Victoria Street pedestrian environment through footpath widening, formation of key spaces at Lennox

Place and key northern intersections. Rationalization of street infrastructure, signage and visual clutter and application of footpath trading policy.

Introduce street tree planting wherever possible at junctions and intersecting streets.

3.4.2 Elizabeth Street Corridor

The Elizabeth Street corridor represents a new and consolidated mixed-use urban form in thetradition of East Melbournes recognized boulevards, bringing a greater intensity of diverseliving and working environments in close proximity to the Victoria Street commercial spine. TheFramework recommends significant consolidation of both sides of the corridor betweenHoddle to Church Streets, allowing for the integration of the Office of Housing Towers into thefabric of North Richmond. Bold landscape boulevard and public domain improvements to thestreetscape will define Elizabeth Street as an attractive and recognizable destination within the

Activity Precinct.


Encourage commercial and business uses at ground and upper levels. Encourage a mix of uses above ground level including a range of residential, community, health, leisure and recreation

related activities. Encourage employment generating activities which are compatible with residential uses.



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Scale, Massing/ Height of Buildings

Encourage buildings of up to 4-6 storeys on consolidated lots along bothsides of Elizabeth Street, with upper levels set back behind a new anddominant 4-storey frontage to the street boundary.

Encourage site consolidation / amalgamation to establish streetscape formsso that new buildings appear wider than tall in the streetscape, reinforcingthe sense of an urban boulevard.

Encourage all buildings to be setback 5m from the Elizabeth Street frontage

to accommodate for an improved public domain/ private realm interface. Ensure stepping of building height and form to lower residential interfaces

south of Elizabeth Street and north to Butler and Victoria Street to limitamenity impacts.

Establish three discreet development envelopes on the Office of Housingland to ensure clear north-south visual and physical links between Victoriaand Elizabeth Streets.


Establish a vehicle and dedicated bicycle lane access along Elizabeth Street in each direction, in association withboulevard planting and a pedestrian median refuge.

Encourage the primary address of buildings to be towards Elizabeth Street, with service and / or basement parkingaccess provided from north / south streets (i.e. Lennox, Shelley and Williams) or from the rear.

Establish a maximum of three (3) north-south vehicle linkages from Elizabeth Street on Office of Housing land toenable suitable access to redevelopment.


Encourage development that contributes positively to the Elizabeth Street footpath areas and the public domain.

Upgrade the Elizabeth Street streetscape through improved footpaths, defined cycle lane and central medianpedestrian refuge treatment.

Rationalization of street infrastructure, signage and visual clutter. Introduce street tree planting to verge and median to create a continuous Boulevard effect

Overview of Elizabeth Street


3.4.3

Butler Street Corridor


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The Butler Street corridor, consisting of the narrow existing streetscape and the proposed streetextension from Lennox to Church Street represents a critical transition from the traditional VictoriaStreet strip to the Elizabeth Street Boulevard. Butler Street serves as a feeder to new residentialand mixed uses and supports a new pedestrian/ vehicular circulation network. The Frameworkproposes sensitive consolidation of residential and commercial activities within the low scale andnarrow profile/ proportion of the street. As a former industrial streetscape, the conversion andrestoration of warehouse buildings is recommended, and may act as a design cue for new formsestablishing along the corridor. Breaks in the streetscape elevation will facilitate pedestrian links to

both Victoria and Elizabeth Streets.


Encourage apartment residential or studio / business activities at ground level.

Encourage mixed-use activities at upper levels including a range of residential types.

Encourage decked car parking cells discreetly integrated with mixed-use built forms.


Encourage a robust 3-4 storey building height to both sides of Butler Street, built to the front

boundary. Allow a maximum building height of up to 5 storeys along the south side of Butler Street, where

the upper levels are setback from the street frontage, to allow for integration with ElizabethStreet.

Encourage minor building projections at the intersection of Butler Street with key north-southstreets.

Require all buildings to be built to the Butler Street north property frontage, with subtlerecessive building entries. Buildings on the southern side of the street should be setback 3m

from the property boundary.

Encourage contemporary and innovative architectural expression of the traditional industrialstreetscape.

Ensure that the upper levels of building above the traditional 3 to 4 storey industrial scale,project an interesting roof form and skyline silhouette.

Overview of Butler St


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Allow a maximum building height of 6-8 stories to the Hoddle Street frontage, in particular at the Victoria Streetjunction, with the aim of creating a corner statement.


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j g

Allow a maximum building height of 4-6-stories fronting Regent and Jonas Street, where an interface with the elevatedStation is encouraged.

Support built form marking to reinforce station entry at Victoria and Elizabeth Streets (associated with bridgeupgrading), with integrated 3-storey forms set below Station platforms creating a defined street frontage.

Establish active ground level frontages along Victoria Street under the railway bridge batter / undercroft to establish acontinuous commercial frontage and improve natural surveillance.

Consider redevelopment opportunities on VicTrack land abutting North Richmond Station to incorporate activeundercroft uses with improved station access from Victoria Street.

Encourage contemporary and innovative architectural expression of the traditional industrial form, with ground andupper level transparent to the Hoddle Street frontage.


Encourage a new landscaped public space opposite the proposed western entry to

North Richmond Railway Station incorporating barrier free access to the platforms. Maintain Regent Street and Jonas Street as one-way streets with on-street car parking.

New development should have discreet access to car parking, preferably from therear.

Encourage pedestrian linkages (possibly upper level) from new developments inRegent and Jonas Street to the station.

Encourage vehicular access to Hoddle Street buildings from rear laneways such asLittle Hoddle Street only.


Encourage development that contributes positively to the amenity of Butler, Jonas andRegent Streets and the public domain of the Railway Station.

Encourage upgrading of pedestrian access to North Richmond Station via rampand/or lift access from Victoria Streets, but also from Butler, Jonas and Regent Streets. Upgrade the local pedestrian environment through footpath widening, lighting and

street tree planting wherever possible.

Overview of Station Precinct


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Streetsca e Planictoria Street Activity Precinct Urban Design Framework

4.1.2 The Movement Corridor

An unencumbered, low-maintenance, slip-resistant treatment designed to maximize the free flow of pedestrianmovement. The intent of this treatment is to provide the following:


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A dedicated pedestrian movement zone of a width not less than 1800mm, with vertical clearance not less than2000mm.

Replacement of existing pavements with bituminous concrete. Opportunities exist for elaboration of the standardfinish with additives, stenciling etc.

4.1.3 The Kerb-side Corridor

An allocated space alongside the existing kerb designed to accommodate all above-ground physical infrastructure,

including but not limited to street furniture, street signage, street lighting, tram wire poles and parking ticket machines.The intent of this treatment is to provide the following:

A designated space within which all above-ground physical infrastructure can be located, such that the degree

to which it impedes upon free pedestrian movement is reduced. Replacement of existing infrastructure with new infrastructure which has been specifically designed to be space-

efficient. Treatment of the face and top of the existing concrete kerb with a bold, monochromatic surface treatment. The

preferred colour for this treatment is red.

A defined space within which traders can display their goods or locate small tables and chairs for outdoordining, consistent with the City of Yarras Footpath Trading Policy.

4.2 Road Carriageway

Like the adjoining footpaths, the Victoria Street road corridor is subject to numerous pressures resulting from the needto provide for a range of users, each with their own specific requirements, within a finite space. The road carriagewaycaters for the movement of private motor vehicles, public transport in the form of Tram Route 109 and Bus Route 684

and cyclists. The road carriageway also provides parallel parking on both sides, alternating with clearway zones duringpeak periods.

It is important to note that the Tram Route 109 study, which is being undertaken concurrently to this project byVicRoads, will provide recommendations with regard to the preferred future configuration of Victoria Street, within theframework of a much broader study area incorporating the entire length of the tram route. In this regard, the


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Introduction of new deciduous canopy trees in association with the retention of the existing Plane Tree. Introduction of feature lighting and new street furniture to encourage people to spend time in the space rather

than to just pass through. However, the design of the space will still ensure free flow of pedestrians in

acknowledging its continuing role as a key pedestrian movement corridor


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acknowledging its continuing role as a key pedestrian movement corridor.

Further elaboration of Lennox Place, in association with possible Tram Route 109 upgrade works, includes kerbextensions to both increase the area of the plaza and facilitate improved access to trams, and the development of asculptural canopy structure to provide weather protection for commuters and pedestrians, either waiting in the space ormoving through.

4.6 Lighting

Street lighting within the Victoria Street corridor at present consists of utilitarian light fixtures mounted on posts whichalso support overhead electrical wires. Within the context of other electricity poles and separate poles supporting thetram wires, these fixtures all contribute to the visual clutter of Victoria Street, and have a detrimental impact on thegeneral amenity of the corridor.

The Streetscape Concept Plan recommends a comprehensive replacement program for street lighting, in associationwith aerial bundling of overhead electricity wires and any upgrading of the tram wires in association with the Route 109project. The result should comprise a coordinated system which minimizes the need for poles, through co-location oflighting and tram wires on a single post. Such a system provides the benefits of reducing visual clutter at upper levels as

well as reducing the physical clutter at ground level, through the removal of excessive numbers of existing poles.Examples include the Multi-Function Street Poles manufactured by Goldspar Pty Ltd, also known as Smart Poles.

4.7 Physical Infrastructure

The type and extent of physical infrastructure within the Victoria Street corridor strongly contributes to many of theexisting problems evident in the street with regard to congestion, visual clutter and amenity impacts. Physicalinfrastructure in this regard includes, but is not limited to, the following: Street furniture (seats and bins)

Parking ticket machines Street signage Overhead electricity poles Tram wire poles Traffic Lights

Service Pits


the number of physical structures within the Victoria Street footpaths, as a means of improving pedestrian movement,visual appearance and hence generally improving amenity. A designated kerb-side corridor will be provided, within

which it is anticipated that all necessary above-ground physical infrastructure will be located


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which it is anticipated that all necessary above ground physical infrastructure will be located.

In order to ensure that pedestrian movement is given priority, the kerb-side corridor is restricted in width. Therefore it isimportant that efficiency of space becomes a key consideration in the configuration of above-ground infrastructure.Examples of this include replacement of the existing bulky bin enclosures with sleek, streamlined fixtures which do notimpede free pedestrian movement; and replacement of existing poles with multi-function street poles, which can bespecifically designed to accommodate street lighting, traffic signaling, parking signs, parking ticket machines, bannersand security cameras in a single installation. Opportunities exist for coordination with the Route 109 project such that aseries of new poles could provide these functions as well as providing the support structure for new tram wires,

potentially reducing the overall number of poles within the street corridor to approximately one third of the numbers atpresent.

The Streetscape Concept Plan envisages the development of a coordinated suite of street furniture and fixtures for theVictoria Street corridor. In combination with new pavement treatments, the potential exists for a comprehensivetransformation of the pedestrian environment, which will provide a positive enhancement and contribution to theestablished urban character of the precinct.



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The Pro rammeictoria Street Activity Precinct Urban Design Framework

buildings and achieve a mix of uses, including residential; exploring opportunities to redevelop vacant orunderutilised sites.

Initiating appropriate rezonings (such as Mixed Use and refer to Part 5.9), rather than waiting for developers to

approach Council. Developing policies and guidelines that will help in overcoming impediments to preferred uses, i.e. such as shop

top housing


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top housing. Adopting a positive and supportive approach that seeks to facilitate and expedite proposals that are consistent

with the vision for the study area. Initiating funding schemes that may involve special charges or development contributions in order to generate

the funds necessary to realise the objectives of this project.

5.6 Partnership Projects

Other State Government agencies have a significant role in the study area i.e. the Office of Housing, VicRoads,Yarra Trams and VicTrack. Some, if not all of these agencies, are likely to undertake significant reinvestment within thestudy area in the future.

The opportunity exists for Council to realise some of its public works initiatives as part of the upgrading of infrastructureby other agencies (ie drainage infrastructure that would require excavation and repaving on the south side of VictoriaStreet). This may assist in defraying the cost of public works that would otherwise be the responsibility of Council.

Council is currently working closely with other State Agencies to identify Partnership Projects in which infrastructureworks of other agencies can be coordinated with public works projects of Council. The City of Yarra, Vic Roads andYarra Trams are developing such a model for the Route 109 project.

The concept of partnership projects can also be extended to the private sector. Council should explore opportunities forpublic infrastructure and amenity enhancements in conjunction with development proposals for key development sites.

Partnership projects include:

Enhancement of the Victoria Street Corridor, in association with works to be undertaken by Vic Roads and YarraTrams in relation to the upgrading of Route 109.

Upgrading of Elizabeth Street in conjunction with the possible redevelopment of land owned by the Office of

Housing and other private properties along that street. Upgrading streets and laneways associated with private development on abutting sites.


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5.7.3 Special Charges

The levying of a special charge is appropriate to use to generate funds where a benefit will be derived by existingproperty owners and businesses. A special charge to cover the cost of enhancement works along Victoria Street, for

example, would be an option for generating funds for works, as it is existing property owners and business that wouldbenefit. Political and equity considerations need to be taken into account in deciding to introduce a special charge.The process of initiating a special charge should be initiated by traders and considered by Council


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The process of initiating a special charge should be initiated by traders and considered by Council.

5.7.4 Development Contributions

Development contributions are appropriate to be sought from new development, where that development will generatea need for the upgrading of infrastructure or public facilities. An example is the upgrading of Elizabeth Street. Newdevelopment that occurs along the street could be required to make a contribution towards the cost of upgrading thatroad. For this to occur:

a fully costed plan for upgrading works would be required;

the portion of the cost allocated to new development would need to be clearly identified and justified;

the source of all other funds would need to be identified; and

a commitment would be required from Council that the funds collected will be used to implement the upgrading

works planned.

Other options include:

Contributions from major development on key sites such as the former petrol station site in Victoria Street andthe development site to the east of the station.

Contributions from development along the north side of Butler Street.

Contributions from major development that occur within the City of Yarra but outside of the study area includingthe Victoria Gardens Precinct, which has some considerable impact on Victoria Street.

A development contributions overlay would need to be applied to any areas in which development contributions wereto be sought.

5.8 Office of Housing Land

The Office of Housing owns a considerable area of land in and adjacent to the southern parts of the study area. Thepotential to upgrade existing public housing and to redevelop parts of that land, provides an opportunity to transformElizabeth Street and the southern part of the study area.


This land is presently zoned Residential 1 and no overlays apply. The opportunity exists for a mix of uses to beestablished along Elizabeth Street that could redefine the street as a high amenity, medium to high density mixed use

boulevard. Opportunities also exist to extend Butler Street through the northern part of the Office of Housing land, fromLennox Street to Church Street. The use of planning tools to assist in the implementation of these ideas could include:


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the rezoning of all land along both sides of Elizabeth Street to a Mixed Use Zone; and introducing a Development Plan Overlay to the whole of the Office of Housing Land.

Any changes to the planning controls that apply to this land should be negotiated further with the Office of Housing toconfirm their future plans for the area. The rezoning or planning scheme amendment processes provide theappropriate forum for Council to negotiate an appropriate urban design response to the site, including confirmation of

the critical site design factors of:

development form and building height. road and pedestrian links both east-west and north-south. land transfers necessary to achieve integration with retail uses on Victoria Street. likely dwelling mix (size and format) and split of private and public ownership, and

retention and expansion of the community garden.

It may be appropriate to defer any changes until the Office of Housing has identified possible future development

scenarios for all or part of its land holdings.

5.9 Planning Policies and Controls

Following adoption by Council, a Planning Scheme Amendment should be sought to introduce a new Local Policy intothe Yarra Planning Scheme, with the Victoria Street Urban Design Framework Plan can be incorporated as a referenceddocument, and the recommendations contained therein can be integrated into the Planning Scheme in the variousmanners described as follows.

5.9.1

New Local Planning PolicyClause 22 of the Yarra Planning Scheme provides the opportunity to insert local policies into the planning scheme. It isappropriate to insert a policy in that section that specifically relates to (and references) the Victoria Street Activity CentrePrecinct.


The policy need not replicate the objectives, recommendations and guidelines contained in this report. It should merelystate that the findings and recommendations of the report will be taken into account by Council in relation to allapplications for planning permits and all requests for rezonings, within the Victoria Street Activity Centre Precinct. The

incorporated Local Policy will have greater weight than the referenced report. A draft Policy is included in Appendix 10.

Consideration was given to including a Design & Development Overlay however this was seen as unnecessary because


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g g g p y ythe majority of significant land uses within the study area require a planning permit due to the underlying zoning, and aDDO is not required to trigger the requirement for a planning permit.

5.9.2 Zoning

Business 1 Zone

PurposeTo encourage the intensive development of business centres for retailing and other complementary commercial,entertainment and community uses.Key uses permittedShops and restaurants are permitted without the need for a planning permit. Dwellings and offices are also permittedwithout the need for a permit, but only if they occupy no more than 2m of the frontage of a site, otherwise they need apermit.Where is it presently used

Along both sides of Victoria Street, and extending into the southern end of Nicholson Street and Little Charles Street.Appropriateness for the futureThe Business 1 Zone is the most appropriate zone to apply along Victoria Street. Its application along Nicholson Streetand Little Charles Street is questioned.Suggested changes

Rezone land fronting Nicholson Street and Little Charles Street to a Mixed Use Zone.

Business 2 ZonePurpose

To encourage the development of offices and associated commercial uses.Key uses permitted

Offices are permitted without a permit. Accommodation, industry and shops require a permit.Where it is presently used

At the south-east corner of Hoddle Street and Victoria Street.Appropriateness for the future


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5.11Adoption of this Document

The recommendations contained within the Victoria Street Activity Precinct Urban Design Framework will strengthen therole of Victoria Street as a thriving urban strip and define its surrounds as a consolidating mixed-use precinct withexcellent access to public transport. The union of Victoria Streets main street culture and activity with integrated mixed-


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p p y guses and improved transit facilities and a new and exciting public domain has the capacity to regenerate Victoria Streetas a distinctive and thriving place.

Some of the measures recommended in the Framework are envisioned as long-term actions, requiring the reorderingof spaces, and the continued cooperation of government and the private sector in partnership. There are alsoparticular early works as part of the Framework and specified in the Streetscape Concept that may be undertaken

immediately with relatively modest capital investment, which are seen as essential to initiate the process of change inthe Activity Precinct. The following table provides an outline of the key actions that stem from this study

The Victoria Street Activity Precinct Urban Design Framework recommends that:

The Framework be adopted as a long-term framework for change in the Victoria Street Activity Precinct.

Negotiations commence between all levels of government and private sector interests in the Activity Precinct in

order to define and realize key private and public sector development and transport opportunities.

Further detailed design in conjunction with individual stakeholder consultation be carried out for resolution offine details of practicable Streetscape projects, and Immediate Streetscape Works to Victoria Street and its adjoining junctions, including Lennox Place be initiated as

the first and important signal of progress within the Victoria Street Activity Precinct.


Victoria Street Activity Precinct: Urban Design Framework Implementation Plan

Task Responsibility Time Frame/ Priority

1. Put in Place Policies & Controls

Adopt and Exhibit draft urban Design Framework Council Year 1/ High Priority

Prepare and Exhibit Planning Scheme Amendments Council, DSE Year 1/ High Priority

Amend Planning Scheme Council, DSE Year 1/ High Priority


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Amend Planning Scheme Council, DSE Year 1/ High Priority

2. Victoria Street Streetscape Plan

Confirm Concept Plan & Design Council Year 1/ High Priority

Design & Document Concept Plan Council Year 1/ High Priority

Initiate Lennox Place Implementation Council, DSE Year 2-3/ Medium Priority

Staged Streetscape Plan Implementation Council, DSE Year 2-3/ Medium Priority

3. Planning & Design for Elizabeth Street Estate

Undertake Masterplanning Exercise OoH, VicUrban, Council Year 1/ High PriorityNegotiate Butler Street Extension Council, DSE Year 1/ High Priority

Initiate Mixed Use Demonstration Project OoH, VicUrban Year 2-3/ Medium Priority

4. Prepare Detailed Studies & Masterplans

Elizabeth Street Streetscape Corridor Masterplan Council, Vic Roads Year 1/ High Priority

Precinct Off Street Parking Study & Feasibility Council, Year 1/ High Priority

Precinct Through Traffic Review Council, Vic Roads Year 1/ High Priority

Shop Top Housing Feasibility Study Council, Vic Urban, OoH Year 1/ High Priority

Integrated Artwork Strategy Incorporating Bridge Design Council, Arts Vic Year 2-3/ Medium Priority

Station Block Redevelopment Concept Council, VicTrack Year 2-3/ Medium PriorityArboricultural Assessment/ Strategy for Street Trees Council Year 2-3/ Medium Priority

Community Garden Concept Design Council, OoH Year 2-3/ Medium Priority

Building Stock Review of Heritage/ Industrial Buildings Council, Heritage Victoria Year 2-3/ Medium Priority

5. Prepare Infrastructure Programme

Prepare Development Contributions Review Council, DSE Year 2-3/ Medium Priority

Undertake Infrastructure Strategy Council Year 2-3/ Medium Priority

6. Prepare Funding Strategy

Identify & Secure Public/ Private Funds Council, DSE Year 2-3/ Medium Priority

7.

Precinct ManagementMarketing Project Facilitation Council, RABA Year 3-5/ Low Priority

Monitoring & Review Council RABA Year 3-5/ Low PriorityOoH (Office of Housing)


5.12 Implementation of Capital Works

Implementation of capital works as described within the Streetscape Design Plan for Victoria Street is planned to beundertaken as an incrementally staged process. The key stages, and the various components of works planned to be

implemented within these stages, are described as follows. Implementation of capital works is subject to availability offunding and needs to be considered within the context of capital works funding across the entire municipality. Aschedule of Immediate Streetscape Works is provided in Appendix 13 and a preliminary cost estimate of the


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Streetscape Concept and the Lennox Place project is included in Appendix 11 & 12.

Immediate Works

Rationalisation of signage (as per Schedule of Immediate Works contained in the Appendices) to reduce theamount of visual and physical clutter within the footpath spaces.

Replacement of existing bulky rubbish bin enclosures with a new space-saving enclosure that is more suited tothe narrow footpaths of Victoria Street.

Replacement of existing seats which are in poor repair.

Implementation of Councils Footpath Trading Policy.

Short-term Works

The closure of Lennox Street to vehicular traffic (north of Little Butler Street) and the subsequent creation of theLennox Place public plaza.

Relocation of existing overhead power, either through aerial bundling or (preferably) undergrounding.

Drainage infrastructure improvement works, ideally occurring simultaneously with undergrounding of power, tolimit disruption to traders.

Medium-term Works

Replacement of existing lighting and tram poles with an integrated Smart Pole system. Construction of kerb outstands at intersecting streets and in association with tram stop locations.

Replacement of existing footpath pavements.

Replacement of remaining street furniture with suite of new space-conscious furniture and fixtures.

Engagement of artists to develop schemes for precinct entry features, including the sculptural lighting poles atthe western end of the precinct and the suggested treatments to the railway bridge.

Some of the medium-term works are envisaged as being undertaken concurrently with Tram Route 109 upgrade works,as a partnership project with VicRoads and Yarra Trams.

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