St Kilda Triangle Vision Document - VII

CONSULTATION DRAFT

ST KILDA TRIANGLE TOWAR DS A SHARED VISION Ver sion 2

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ST KILDA TRIANGLE TOWARDS A SHARED VISION

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Introduction

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Site context The evolution of the place In recent times

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What is this Vision project?

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What’s been said?

What do we want?

What don’t we want?

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What do we propose?

What will it look like?

What will we do there?

How do we get there?

What is our legacy?

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St Kilda triangle project timeline

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Opportunities to get involved

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Councillors’ message

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C ontents

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FROM LEFT RIGHT: Cr Judith Klepner, Cr John Middleton, Cr Frank O’Connor, Mayor Cr Rachel Powning, Cr Janet Bolitho, Cr Serge Thomann, Cr Jane Touzeau

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Councillors ’ message In 2008 the community led action to oppose the proposed development of the St Kilda Triangle site.

This public involvement changed the face of Council.

After some time to reflect, we are ready to begin a new conversation about the site. Our aim is to develop a shared vision for the site’s future. We understand how significant this part of St Kilda is to our Port Phillip community and the rest of Melbourne.

Please join us in this important discussion about the future of this loved part of our city.

I ntroduction St Kilda is one of Melbourne’s most colourful and well known suburbs, attracting a diverse range of residents, visitors and workers. The iconic suburb is best known for its public spaces and attractions such as the St Kilda beach, Fitzroy and Acland streets, the Palais Theatre, the Espy and Luna Park.

As a beachside suburb, St Kilda has a distinct flavour and vibrant atmosphere. Its built heritage and active and diverse community are important elements of the local character and cultural identity.

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The St Kilda Triangle is situated at the heart of this eclectic suburb. Located near the St Kilda foreshore, today it serves as the Lower Esplanade car park.

The St Kilda Triangle is adjacent to the Palais Theatre and includes land that formerly accommodated the Palace Nightclub. The land is generally bounded by Jacka Boulevard, the Esplanade and Cavell Street, and is approximately 15 000 square metres in area.

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S ite context

T he evolution of the place Before European settlement, the area now known as St Kilda was largely shrubland, lagoons, sand dunes and swamplands. To its traditional owners, the Yalukit Willam and the Kulin Nation, it was called Euroe Yroke.

This area provided them with seasonal shelter, food and ceremonial grounds. Today, St Kilda foreshore continues to be an important meeting place for Indigenous people.

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After European and Asian arrivals in the 1840s, St Kilda was transformed from swampland to a bustling seaside settlement. The swamps were gradually reclaimed, and by 1884 the foreshore was drained to become a recreational space. In 1906 the St Kilda Council established the Foreshore Trust, and the area was ‘beautified’, with Carlo Catani re-inventing the area as a Mediterranean-style resort with amusement and entertainment parks, tearooms, a kiosk and Luna Park.

The foreshore became a vibrant seaside entertainment precinct, and this function has become part of the area’s acknowledged character and heritage. The Palais Theatre, Luna Park, Catani Gardens, St Kilda Pier and the St Kilda Sea Baths all make up part of this history.

This theme also forms the background to the St Kilda Triangle – so-called because it refers to a triangle shaped parcel of land that occupies a strategically and historically important location between the Esplanade and the foreshore. It is bordered by Jacka Boulevard, the Lower Esplanade and the much loved heritage listed Palais Theatre that was built in the 1920s by architect Henry E. White.

Other surrounding features of note are the iconic palm trees along the Esplanade, the grassy slopes between the Upper and Lower esplanades, and the public toilets to the west of the site. The Triangle site also once included the Palais de Danse (adjacent to the Palais Theatre), which fire destroyed in 1968. The Palace Nightclub that was built in its place in 1971 was also destroyed by fire in 2007, leaving the site clear except for the Palais Theatre.

Today, St Kilda Triangle is primarily used as a carpark.

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1920s view of the Palais de Danse on the Triangle site from the Upper Esplanade. The Palais Theatre, as it appeared at that time, is between the Palais de Danse and Luna Park.

In recent tim es The process to develop the St Kilda Foreshore Urban Design Framework (UDF) began in 2001. The UDF provided a strategic framework for development along the St Kilda foreshore, including the St Kilda Triangle site. And it identified a number of projects to achieve the vision. Council adopted the UDF in 2004.

The principles that the UDF identified for the future of the Triangle land included:  increased public space  low rise development  protection of local culture  uses consistent with the site’s entertainment history.

Since the development of the UDF, changes have occurred around the St Kilda Triangle. The Palace site was cleared after a fire, and some of the projects proposed in the UDF have been successfully implemented. These projects include the tram super stops constructed at Luna Park and Fitzroy Street, and the successful new boardwalk built along the foreshore.

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Following an election, in December 2009 the new Council negotiated an agreement with the developer, and abandoned the proposal for the Triangle site.

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By mid 2007 community opposition to the planned development was mounting. The community felt it was not heard during the planning process, and differences emerged over the interpretation of the UDF. These differences made the community feel that its concerns and aspirations were not being considered.

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Following an Expression of Interest process, Council awarded a tender to the Citta Property Group in 2007, with Babcock & Brown as the preferred developer for the site.

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What is this Vision proj ect ?

The purpose of this project is to develop a vision to inform the future of the St Kilda Triangle.

The project includes:  engaging with the community and key stakeholders

to develop a vision and principles to inform options

for the site  clarifying questions about the site  identifying land management issues that need to

be resolved  flagging planning scheme amendments to ensure

the vision’s outcomes.

The site under consideration for this project centres on the Triangle. The boundaries need to be part of the conversation so we can all agree on what’s included and what’s not. The Lower Esplanade, the Upper Esplanade, Jacka Boulevard and Cavell Street might all play a part in the future of the site, and their relationship to the Triangle land will depend on the project discussion. They certainly form part of the site’s context.

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Lastly and most importantly, Council acknowledges the important role of the Palais Theatre in the precinct, and the theatre’s relationship to the Triangle site.

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Council remains committed to a fully functioning and renovated Palais Theatre, and believes this outcome is best delivered through a separate process. But this Vision project must consider the possible future growth of the Palais to ensure the theatre’s long term viability.

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W hat ’s been said ?

Council has received substantial input from the community about this site. We have heard the following messages:

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W hat do we want ?

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 Public open space  Landscaping that reflects and responds to Carlo

Catani’s landscape vision and surrounding land  Sustainable development that accounts for the

future impacts of climate change and potential

sea level rise  Design outcomes that respond to the sensitive

context and respect the surrounding buildings

and heritage, location, setting and topography  A strong creative arts focus  Improved beach access for pedestrians, including pedestrian priority over cars

 Optimised public transport opportunities  Some car parking  A diverse commercial offer that strengthens

the precinct  Live music opportunities that are carefully balanced with amenity considerations

 Maintained views of foreshore  A proposal that is affordable  A partnership with the State Government  Clarity of what will happen on the site  A plan developed by Council with the community.

W hat don’ t we want ?        

The status quo Land uses that drive outcomes of inappropriate scale Large retail and/or commercial development Land uses that are dominated by alcohol Negative impacts on our local retail strips A-grade car parking Obscured views of the Palais, beach and horizon A project that is too expensive to deliver.

What do we propose ?

To develop a new Vision for the site, we think previous community feedback and new ideas can be grouped into seven themes framed under four questions. These themes will shape the conversation about the future of the site.

A new shared Vision – F eedback from the Ideas Foru m On 22 June 2011, Council began the process of developing a new vision for the St Kilda Triangle site.

This started with an Ideas Forum involving Councillors and a small group of local community members representing residents, workers, businesses and professionals.

The Ideas Forum was an important first step towards creating a shared vision for the St Kilda Triangle site.

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This vision document captures and summarises the main themes of the feedback on that night.

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What will it look like?

Theme 1 Open space and landscape Will there be a public space and would it have trees and gardens that look like other parts of the foreshore? How will Catani’s vision be respected? How will it improve the foreshore without obstructing the views of the sea, the Palais Theatre and Luna Park?

The public realm of the St Kilda Triangle will reflect the foreshore and Catani Gardens.

Some parts of the site may introduce new ideas and elements, just as the recent foreshore promenade has reinvigorated the walk along the beach and created another layer of experience.

The important views need to be clearly defined to allow for positive additions as well as prevent unsightly obstructions.

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At the Ideas Forum

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It was agreed that the Triangle is an important public place. Participants also said that the Triangle should be able to be used all year round in a variety of ways including:  As a space that connects the beach, the esplanade

and shops  As a public place that can be an urban space

(a square, etc.)  As a place that uses a contemporary interpretation

of Catani’s landscape vision  As a place that carefully considers vegetation so

that it does not adversely impact the views from

the Upper Esplanade  As a place that reflects the layers of the site and

area’s coastal history and character.

Theme 2 Built form and heritage How will new buildings fit in with iconic structures such as the Palais Theatre and Luna Park? How big could any buildings on the site be?

Any buildings and landscaping on the site will be respectful of the history and context of St Kilda, and of the Palais Theatre, Luna Park and the Upper Esplanade.

Any new buildings will draw on the loved aspects of surrounding architectural icons, including what they contribute to the foreshore and how they all work together as neighbours.

Buildings need to create spaces between them that are interesting, attractive and functional.

The place we leave behind will be this generation’s contribution to St Kilda’s history.

Public uses such as art galleries, museums and cultural facilities were suggested as appropriate future uses for the site.

Other ideas from the Forum regarding built form and heritage included:  The site should reference the history of seaside

activities and not just buildings like the Palais

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A range of views regarding buildings on the site were expressed, including whether there should be any new buildings, how many there could be and what form they should take.

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It was agreed that currently the site was an eyesore and that any future outcome for the site should create a positive legacy for future generations.

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At the Ideas Forum

 The Palais should be retained as the dominant

iconic building on the site  New buildings should not dominate public spaces  Aboriginal cultural heritage should be recognised.

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What will we do there ?

Theme 3 A place for everyone How will the area be used? How can we make everyone feel welcome?

All St Kilda’s residents and visitors will feel welcome through the creation of spaces and experiences that are safe and diverse, and that allow people to use them freely.

Spaces will vary in size and function, and will be designed for use both day and night. Some will be public spaces, and others may offer a variety of things to do to encourage people to the site (cafés, restaurants, shops).

The latter will be more intimate spaces where people feel comfortable to gather. However, amenity impacts will be carefully considered.

At the Ideas Forum

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Key questions including “Who’s Triangle is it?” and “Who does the term everyone refer to?” were explored at the Ideas Forum.

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There was clear agreement that large “drinking places” that may lead to antisocial behaviour on the St Kilda Triangle site are inappropriate. Other common themes included: 

Jacka Boulevard creates a physical barrier for everyone

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It is important to create a space that is inclusive, but which balances both the local community and vistors’ needs

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Creating an adaptable space is important

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Creating a technology enabled space is important.

T he me 4 Culture and recreation How will the site be used? What can I do there?

New uses for the St Kilda Triangle will need to support adjacent attractions such as the Palais Theatre, Luna Park and the Esplanade Market.

The St Kilda Triangle will provide new opportunities for cultural activities that could include event, gallery, stage or entertainment space. These uses would interpret the histories of the site, and they would need to be open and flexible to reflect the seaside character and recreational uses of the site. Any cultural facilities would need to engage with the spaces around them.

As an open and landscaped space, the St Kilda Triangle will be in strong demand for recreation. It should allow people to throw a ball, go to an event, get something to eat and drink, listen to music or just relax.

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The Palais should engage more with the Triangle

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Opportunities for the installation of entertainment structures should be explored

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There is opportunity to create a cultural space to draw people in

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The space should be free to use.

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There was some divergence of views about whether the site’s uses should be more formal, like cultural institutions or more informal such as a park with installations.

Other themes discussed were:

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St Kilda is constantly changing and the success of temporary exhibits on the foreshore were highlighted as a way of activating the Triangle and firing up the imagination.

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At the Ideas Forum

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How do we get there ?

Theme 5 Transport and access How do we balance traffic circulation and parking with public transport? How do we improve connections for pedestrians? How do we get to the beach or Fitzroy and Acland streets?

Walking, cycling and public transport will be an easy first choice to get to the St Kilda Triangle. Works will improve walking and cycling links to the foreshore and Fitzroy and Acland streets, as well as to bus and tram stops.

Some car parking will also be needed to ensure the viability of the Palais Theatre and Luna Park. Any car parking (except for special needs) on the site should be underground, to maximise the public use of the St Kilda Triangle at street level.

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At the Ideas Forum

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There was broad support for emphasising sustainable transport but it was acknowledged that car parking will continue to be an issue. Undergrounding Jacka Boulevard to improve pedestrian connections to the foreshore was an idea that was supported. Other ideas included: 

Car parking should be underground

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Connection between The Esplanade and the foreshore needs improvement

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Public transport is an “easy first choice” for locals but not others

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Connections from the site to neighbouring suburbs are poor

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Accessibility is an important design consideration.

Theme 6 Commercial limits and opportunities What do we need to make the Triangle work?

The St Kilda Triangle will include a mix of land uses that contribute to the viability and vitality of the site, St Kilda and the surrounding area.

New opportunities must complement the viability and vitality of surrounding attractions and the foreshore, as well as Fitzroy and Acland streets.

Commercial opportunities should contribute to the site’s future, but not drive its redevelopment.

Any commercial and retail space on the site needs to be limited and clearly described. Public open space and other uses at the St Kilda Triangle will predominate.

The primary purpose of the site should be for public space and recreation

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Cultural attractions are also commercial opportunities

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The Palais is a commercial space – opportunity exists to create commercial spaces that are loved and wanted as much as the Palais

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The Palais attracts evening activity – this should be balanced with daytime activity.

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Whether the site should accommodate commercial activities was the subject of debate. There was some agreement that these may be acceptable if they were included to support cultural or artistic activities.

Other themes explored included;

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At the Ideas Forum

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W hat is our legacy ?

Theme 7 Sustainability How do we create a sustainable asset for the future that doesn’t burden the community or the environment?

The St Kilda Triangle will show environmental, economic and social sustainability leadership for new public spaces.

Green technologies and design will be used to reduce the site’s impacts and to mitigate against future energy and water needs, climate change and potential sea level rise.

The site will acknowledge the diverse and sometimes contrasting social needs of its different user groups.

This inclusiveness is an important part of St Kilda’s character that we want and need to retain.

The financing for the construction and the ongoing use of the St Kilda Triangle must be part of the discussion of the site’s future. Any project must be viable and represent a good public outcome.

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At the Ideas Forum

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There was general agreement that sustainability should be fundamental to whatever happens on the Triangle site, and that this should be a guiding principle rather than a single theme. Other comments were: 

The site should sustain the St Kilda community and be a place for Melbourne

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Commercial sustainability shouldn’t compromise environmental and social sustainability

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Heritage is important

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Cultural sustainability is important

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Climate change impacts need to be considered in any design outcomes.

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A draft Vision

Based on the s e t h e m e s , C o u n c i l h a s t h e fo l l ow i n g d ra f t V i s i o n fo r t h e s i t e :

The St Kilda Triangle site is re-imagined as a loved seaside place that acknowledges and builds on the local character and location;

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it respects the things that make St Kilda a great place.

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it attractive, viable and welcoming to all;

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it supports public space and a mix of uses that makes

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st kilda trian gle pro ject timeline

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C o m m enceM E nt of E n g a g e m ent Stage 1 To validate the principles and themes as the guiding framework

Preparation of the Vision for engagement Ideas Forum – 22 June 2011 Consolidate feedback

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D raft t h emes & V ision for engagement Stage 2 To expand the themes with feedback and supplementary information from engagement

council actions Views analysis

face to face engagement • focus groups • interviews • speak outs • on-site events • round tables

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Palais requirements

 Contamination review DELIVERY MODELs

ideas forum review

T h e V ision wit h e x panded t h emes & supplementary information

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Stage 3 To confirm the expanded vision and outline an implementation strategy

Community engagement • information forums • questionnaires Final Vision

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Website • online forums

T he e x panded V ision with a fra m ework for the ne x t steps 2012

Planning scheme amendment Statutory process

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Opportunities to g et involved

During this project the City of Port Phillip wants to hear from a broad cross-section of the community. We want to make this easy and fun. There are a number of opportunities for you and interested members of the community to get involved.

Stakeholder forums & focus groups The City of Port Phillip will talk directly with the community and stakeholders, like the State and business sectors, as well as groups that have specific needs. This will include the young, Indigenous people, those experiencing homelessness, seniors and people with disabilities. Council will be looking for people to get involved by invitation or expressions of interest.

Speak outs We will also have informal and interactive “drop in” meetings, so watch our website and papers for these events.

These are another avenue for people to come along and tell us what they think.

Round tables

Social media During this project the City of Port Phillip will be using a variety of social media to try and make it easier for people to stay informed. Look out for us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Project newsletters Project newsletters will be posted on the “Have Your Say” website, distributed to project participants and be available at all our library and ASSIST locations. The newsletters will provide an update on the progress of the project and summarise the key information and findings from each stage.

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The “Have Your Say” website will be updated throughout the project. Information, video and reports will be available for download. In addition, an online forum will be established to allow for visitors to the site to put forward their views.

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“Have Your Say” website

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Notices will be posted on our website and also in the local newspapers of upcoming round table discussions that we will be inviting people to, so that we can debate the vision themes, principles and emerging information. So keep an eye out.

Public display Public displays will be located at the St Kilda Town Hall and ASSIST centres, and will be updated after each stage.

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For more information, please call ASSIST on 03 9209 6777 Facsimile: 03 9536 2722 SMS: 0432 005 405 or email: assist@portphillip.vic.gov.au National Relay Service Assistance: 24 hour TTY / Voice: 133 677 Speak and Listen: 1300 555 727 You can also visit our website: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au Postal address: City of Port Phillip Private Bag 3, PO St Kilda, Vic 3182

For a translation of this information, contact the Council's interpreter service.

Please contact ASSIST on 03 9209 6777 if you require a large print version of this brochure.

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