VANTAGE - PEDESTRIAN ACCESS RAMPLOT 558 & 559 RIVERSDALE ROAD, RIVERVALE

THE PROPOSAL This proposal is to consider the feasibility to develop a pedestrian access ramp from the

northern boundary of lot 603 (Vantage Riversedge Apartments), traversing the Swan

River foreshore reserve (lot 558 and lot 559) and terminating at the existing rivers edge

footpath.

Along with this proposal to develop the pedestrian access ramp is the associated pro-

posal to consider the feasibility of incorporating the Swan River foreshore reserve to

convey/treat stormwater runoff from the Vantage Riversedge Apartments. (See Vantage

Riversedge Apartments Foreshore and Stormwater Management Plan, Syrinx October

2016). The Swan River foreshore reserve is classified as a Parks and Recreation Reserve

held by WAPC, and is vested in the City of Belmont.

FORESHORE MANAGEMENTPrevious guidelines for the Swan River foreshore reserve include:

The Springs Foreshore Landscape Masterplan – Final Report (Plan E, 2010) locates the

foreshore reserve in a section called the Eastern Conservation Zone. The primary em-

phasis for the proposed landscaped works in this zone is to further enhance indigenous

woodland and understorey vegetation, and stabilise the foreshore in specific locations.

This will strengthen the ability of the riverine vegetation community to provide linking

corridors for wildlife, provide erosion control and improve water quality.

The Belmont Foreshore Precinct Plan (City of Belmont, Swan River Trust, UDLA, 2014)

pertains that the guiding principle for this area is to permit and enhance its social benefits

including:

• Maintaining the river and its setting as a community resource

• Securing public access to the river

• Maintaining a sense of place

• Providing opportunities for water transport

Guided by the principles and objectives of these guidelines, the pedestrian access ramp

proposal recognises the importance to “maintain the lawn understorey and understated

hard edge in this discrete area as it provides respite, variation in experience and allows

close interaction with the river”.

THE DEVELOPMENTConsistent with the principles outlined, the proposed Vantage Riversedge Apartments will

contribute to the emerging community within the Springs precinct through the introduc-

tion of a sophisticated, multi-residential development supporting a suite of new residents

entering the locality. The proposed pedestrian access ramp provides an exceptional op-

portunity to engrain the development within the “river connected” community.

Within the recreational and life-style attractions offered by the development are the

provision of canoe and kayak storage facilities. Along with the storage facilities is the need

to provide safe and convenient access to the river edge for residents. While subsequently

improving the existing recreational focus to the river edge at this point, the pedestrian

access also needs to reflect the design qualities of this development and make a positive

contribution to the landscape amenity of the Swan River foreshore.

THE AMENITYThe design approach has been to promote the pedestrian access ramp as a considered

intervention into the landscape, contributing to the amenity and assisting with activation

of the Swan River foreshore within the context of the Eastern Conservation Zone. It is

envisaged that public artwork will be incorporated into the treatment of the concrete

retaining walls to the pedestrian ramp as well as a stand-alone sculptural piece sitting

at the intersection of the pedestrian ramp with the existing footpath. Additional design

elements of the proposal, included to improve the community amenity and develop the

existing recreational focus to the river edge at this point, are:

• Seating

• Lighting

• Drinking fountain

Public safety and security principles adopted by the proposal include:

• Universal accessible design

• Vandal proof and passive security measures. Robust materials to prevent

vandalism and graffiti.

• Integrated specialist lighting design

• Clear signage of pathways

• Access control system to residences

• Passive and active recreational uses incorporating safe and accessible activities

for all age groups.

Public amenity is improved by:

• Allowing an additional treated stormwater connection to the bubble-up pit, and

• Reducing the impact of further construction within the foreshore reserve

THE LANDSCAPEThe proposed landscape strategy is to replace the existing grass with native revegetation,

integrated with swale and seep vegetation. With a proven track record of performing in

this environment, the landscape contributes to the marginal buffer between the Swan

River foreshore and the private residences in the Vantage Riversedge Apartments.

The existing shrubs have been retained, providing a level of privacy to the residences,

while minimising canopy interference with the developments adjacent to the site, main-

taining a strong visual connection, and providing seasonal colour reflecting the foliage

behaviour of the foreshore landscape.

THE MATERIALSA consistent approach to the material selection, with subtle variances in finish, texture

and appearance will ensure that the pedestrian access ramp provides visual relief, a

“natural” appearance and a human scale for users of the foreshore reserve. In most part

sympathetic materials in dark earthy tones are reflective of this section of the Swan River

foreshore.

The landscape character will also adopt a natural language which references the existing

land forms and history of the river foreshore.

This is reflected through the use of:

• Rugged exposed concrete forms

• Pebble mulch paving

• Robust public amenities

o Drinking fountain

o Seating

o Lighting

As briefly described above, the material strategy has been to generally adopt recycled,

eco preferred content that tie in with the existing material typologies in the locality.

MAINTENANCE The developer will be responsible for providing maintenance through the defects liabil-

ity period once practical completion is reached. During this period the Contractor will

be responsible for making good to defective works as identified by the Superintendent.

All softscape items fall within the responsibility of the Contractor - to replace any failed

plants within the 12 months defects liability period.

Once the defects liability period has been obtained and signed-off by relevant parties,

a formal handover process with the City of Belmont for on-going maintenance will be

agreed.

CONCLUSION The proposal will assist with the planned enhancement to the social benefits of the Swan

River foreshore - from an aging and underutilised adjunct to the river - into a vibrant,

active community amenity.

The proposal has received the positive support of the City of Belmont’s Building Depart-

ment and the Department of Parks and Wildlife, and is consistent with the management

vision for the foreshore. It is considered that the proposal will make a positive overall

contribution to the foreshore reserve and the public amenity.

01.03.17

- RIVER ACCESS PATH

LOCATION PLANNTSLOTS 558 & 559 RIVERSDALE ROAD, RIVERVALE

01.03.17EXCERPT FROM THE SPRINGS FORESHORE LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN REPORT

CONSERVATION ZONE WEST CRACKNELL PARK CONSERVATION ZONE EAST

SK-002NTS

- RIVER ACCESS PATH

- RIVER ACCESS PATH

SWAN RIVER

LOTS 558 & 559 RIVERSDALE ROAD, RIVERVALE

SITE

01.03.17NTS SK-002

- RIVER ACCESS PATH

EXISTING BASEMENT 4 PLAN & FORESHORE RESERVE

LOTS 558 & 559 RIVERSDALE ROAD, RIVERVALE

01.03.17NTS SK-001

- RIVER ACCESS PATH

PROPOSED BASEMENT 4 & PEDESTRIAN PATH

LOTS 558 & 559 RIVERSDALE ROAD, RIVERVALE

- RIVER ACCESS PATHLOTS 558 & 559 RIVERSDALE ROAD, RIVERVALE

01.03.17 SK-005

- RIVER ACCESS PATH

01.03.17 SK-005LOTS 558 & 559 RIVERSDALE ROAD, RIVERVALE