ABPL30060 Urban Precinct Studio - Footscray Healthy Precinct Structure Plan

FOOTSCRAY HEALTHY PRECINCT

Towards a healthy and liveable city

footscray healthy precinct

Acknowledgement ABPL30060 Urban Precinct Studio Semester 2, 2018

Healthy Precinct Studio Footscray Healthy Precinct Copyright Š 2018

Prepared by

Derrick Lim Wei Yang | 860296 Course Coordinator: Dr. Hyung Min Kim Senior Tutor: Dr. Kiran Shinde Studio Leader: Dr. Leila Mahmoudi Farahani Footscray Healthy Precinct Group Members: Nancy Hwanhee Yoo Jonathan Cristie Kyle David Wood Sam Hill

832428 763235 742742 722052

Acknowldgement of Country The Aboriginal people of the area around Footscray are home to the Woi murrung and Boonwurrung tribes of the Kulin nation.

The City of Maribrynong Councillors, staff and I pay our respect to the Traditional Owners and Elders of the land, who continuously retain their spiritual and custodial connection to their country.

Footscray Healthy Precinct Group The members of the Footscray Healthy Precinct Group are thanked for their contribution, direction and making the experience fun and memorable.

Back and Front Cover Photo by Sam Hill

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footscray healthy precinct

Special mention: Leah Wittingslow, Associate Director, Mesh Planning, for mentoring and guiding me during the preliminary and concluding stage of the Footscray Healthy Precinct Structure Plan.

Tanzil Shafique, Ph.D. Researcher, University of Melbourne, my amazing and awesome ABPL30051 Morphological Mapping tutor as well as teaching me to master the art of cartography for urban design and planning.

Leila Mahmoudi Farahani , Healthy Cities Studio Leader, University of Melbourne, for the amazing semester as my studio leader and guiding my learning until the conclusion of this course and my degree in Urban Design & Planning.

Kyle David Wood, Studio Team Mate, Best Friend and Brother, for all the fun, support and unforgettable experiences we had together for the past two years in this course.

Supported by: It is the blue-collar and service workers, along with the poor and disadvantaged, who face the direst economic consequences. These groups are being driven out of the superstar cities, and they are being denied the economic opportunities, the services and amenities, and the upward mobility these places have to offer. It’s hard to sustain a fuctional urban economy when teachers, nurses, hospital workers, police officers, firefighters, and resturant and service workers can no longer afford to live within reasonable commuting distance to their workplaces.

Richard Florida (The New Urban Crisis, 2017)

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Table of Contents

06

Introduction Purpose of the Plan Strategic Context Study Area Planning Process

48

Strategic Directions Vision & Objectives 1. Housing & Developments Medium Density Housing Smooth Transition

2. Social & the Public Realm

14

Technical Assessment

3. Access & Connectivity

1. Housing & Developments

Bicycle Infrastructure Bus Services & Facilities Streetscape Renewal

Zoning and Overlays, Demographics, Developments, Buit Form

2. Social & the Public Realm Green Spaces, Public Realm, Land Use and Functions, Wind Turbulence Study

3. Access & Connectivity Transport

40

Affordable Housing Social Housing Mixed-Use Zoning Public Realm

Issues & Opportunities Key Themes: 1. Housing & Developments 2. Social & the Public Realm 3. Access & Connectivity

68 73

Implementation Implementation Schedule Summary

References Reference List

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5

INTRODUCTION

Purpose of the Structure Plan The Footscray Healthy Precinct Structure Plan is a long term planning tool that lays out a future vision and high level strategy for the Precinct. Its primary purpose is to facilitate housing developments, land use changes, streetscape upgrade, transport and public spaces to create an urban environment that is healthy, liveable and a sustainable Footscray.

Currently, Footscray is one of the remaining inner suburbs of Melbourne that celebrates rich historical context as well as enjoying the benefits of close proximity to Melbourne CBD. This innate distinction had spurred interest from property developers to buy and develop its land with a profit driven mindset, neglecting the physical and social aspect that will impact its residents.

Therefore, this structure plan will ensure that housing developments are carried out appropriately, generating a multifunctional city and maintaining the human scale with its built environment in Footscray.

Together, these factors will bring considerable change to Footscray in becoming a healthy and more liveable city, attracting new residents, new businesses and greater employment opportunities.

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7

Strategic Context

Whittlesea Hume Nillumbik

Metropolitan Context The City of Maribyrnong is situated within the inner western suburb of metropolitan Melbourne. The local government area has one of the most ethnically diverse population with over 40% of the population born overseas (.idCommunity, 2018).

Melton Yarra Rangers

Wyndham

The type and intensity of developments occurring in Maribyrnong for the past few years have been causing the municipal to gentrify quickly, displacing lower socioeconomic status residents further away from the Melbourne CBD. Cardinia

Hence, a well-planned, diverse and inclusive healthy precinct is needed and will become an important resource for the region.

Mornington Peninsula

City of Maribyrnong City of Melbourne Other LGA Areas Inner LGA Areas

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footscray healthy precinct

Map 1: Metropolitan Context Map by Jonathan Cristie 0

10 5

20km

SA1 Boundaries of Footscray

Footscray

5.5km Melbourne CBD

Local Context Footscray - Gateway to the West Located on the banks of the Maribyrnong River, 5.5km west of Melbourne City CBD, Footscray has become the gateway to the west, with 4 out of of the 5 most southerly transport corridors connecting the western suburbs to the CBD in Footscray.

KM 0.5

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

Precinct Boundary

Map 2: Local Context Map by Jonathan Cristie 0

10 5

20km

Footscray

City of Melbourne

Melbourne CBD

City of Maribyrnong

The boundary of the precinct is define by the 7 statistical boundary based on the Australia Bureau Statistics’s Statistical Area Level 1 (SA1). This is important as it will help guide this structure plan in terms of data projections and demographics relevancy.

footscray healthy precinct

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Plan Melbourne

FOOTSCRAY COLLEGE

2017-2050

FLEMINGTON RACECOURSE

Current projections estimate metropolitan Melbourne population to double by 2051 (Plan Melbourne, 2017), in order to meet the needs of a growing population, appropriate planning policy and implementation strategies are needed, without these, socio-economic and socioenvironmental issues raised within this report associated to health and wellbeing will be further exacerbated.

1 WESTERN HEALTH FOOTSCRAY

2 3 4 MIDDLE FOOTSCRAY TRAIN STATION

Aerial Photograph Footscray & Surrounds (http://maps.au.nearmap.com)

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footscray healthy precinct

WEST SWANSON DOCK TERMINAL

Place of Interest: 1

Victoria University

2

Footscray Market

3

Footscray Station

4

Footscray Community Arts Centre

Plan Melbourne (2017) had identified Footscray as one of the metropolitan activity centres. This is significant as the primary role of a metropolitan activity centre is to deliver a wide range of employment opportunities, activities and housing that is well within the catchment of public transport services. This is so that Melbourne can continue to enhance its productivity and liveability for its citizens through this investment.

Study Area Footscray Healthy Precinct The Footscray Healthy Precinct is within a well serviced area with access to regional parklands, services and public transport in the City of Maribyrnong. Ballarat Road, Hopkins Street and Napier Street are key links to the metropolitan road network. Footscray Station is the heart of the activity centre serving as a major transit hub in Melbourne. The Sunbury, Werribee and Williamstown train line and the Route 82 tram runs through the precinct as well as V/Line services to Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong.

Also within the precinct is the iconic Footscray Market. This large indoor market grants the community access to a wide range of fresh and locally produced food and a place for people to meet.

The Maribyrnong river runs along the eastern border of the Maribyrnong municipality, featuring many parks and recreational amenities along its banks. The healthy precinct also consists of the Footscray Community Arts Centre where it celebrates community-engaged contemporary arts in Melbourne’s west.

Map 3: Study Area Base Map by Jonathan Cristie 0

250

footscray healthy precinct

500m

11

Planning Process

4 weeks

2 weeks

01

02

2 weeks

03

04

Site Analysis

Visioning

Planning & Design

Implementation

Selection of site boundary

Determining key themes of focus

Refining vision statement

Refining strategic directions

Site visit and examine of site

Preparation of issues and opportunities

Finalising key themes and objectives

Further development of design and proposals

Developing a vision statement

Preparation/drafting of strategic proposals

Development of implementation schedule

Revisit and examination of site

Finalising and the creation of the PSP document and final presentation to key stakeholders and community

Broad technical assessment Demographic and statistical analysis Presentation of key findings to guest critics, tutors and colleagues for feedback and consultation

12

6 weeks

footscray healthy precinct

Setting out key objectives Presentation of progress to tutors and colleagues for feedback and consultation

Visualising strategic and design proposal Presentation of ideas and design plans to guest critics, tutors and colleagues for feedback and further development

1

2

3

5

4

1

Footscray Market entrace looking from Hopkins Street

2

Major intersection at Moore/Hopkins Street

3

Outside dining along Nicholson Street

4

A heritage residential building within the precinct

5

Shops and street interface along Hopkins Street

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T ECHNICAL ASSESSMENT

Technical Assessment 01

Housing & Developments 1.1 Zoning & Overlays 1.2 Demographics 1.3 Developments 1.4 Built Form

02

Social & the Public Realm 2.1 Green Space 2.2 Public Realm 2.3 Land Use & Functions 2.4 Wind Turbulence Study

03

Access & Connectivity 3.1 Transport

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1.1 Zones & Overlays Zones The majority of the Southern Section of our area is covered by an Activity Centre Zone, an area identified by council that has the potential for redevelopment and urban renewal. This area covers the former light industrial area along the banks for the Maribyrnong River and most of the city centre. This zone actively encourages development with relaxed height restrictions enabling high density apartment construction.

The Activity Centre Zone covers approximately one third of our entire precinct. 26% of the properties in the Activity Centre Zone are covered by various Heritage Overlays. When taking in to account roads, height limits and already approved developments, the amount of land that is left to be developed is quite limited.

PUZ4 RDZ1 RDZ2 SUZ1 MUZ

Percentage of area by Zoning Code in precinct

PUZ2 ACZ31.5%

11.6% GRZ1

ACZ1

GRZ1

NRZ1 Activity

100

0

16

250

500m

footscray healthy precinct

ACZ

NRZ1

GRZ1

RDZ1

RDZ2

PPRZ

PUZ2

PUZ4

MUZ

SUZ1

500 Mixed

Use Zone

9.6% NRZ1

Centre Zone

300 Growth 200 400 Residential Zone

30.6% PPRZ

6.4% PUZ

7.8% RDZ

2.3% SUZ

Public Park and Recreation Zone

Public Use Zone

Road Zone

Special Use Zone

PPRZ

Map 4: Zoning Map

0.2% MUZ

Neighbourhood Residential Zone

Overlays Footscray has a history which the City of Maribyrnong has every intention of protecting. Several Heritage & Neighbourhood Character Overlays are spread through the area that aim to protect individual houses and greater areas from unsympathetic redevelopment. Most prominent of these is the Newell Street Neighbourhood Character Overlay, essentially protecting all houses on this street from any kind of development that may have an impact on street character. An expanded Heritage Overlay protects a large swath of residential land from being developed to high density housing. Smaller Heritage Overlays protect individual blocks in the Activity Centre Zone from development that may harm historically significant buildings.

The City of Maribyrnong has created several Development Plan Overlays that guides potential development of certain areas, ensuring an expedited planning process that also has the benefit of ensuring the development enhances the surrounding area.

Percentage of area by Overlays in precinct

44.5% DDO Design and Development Overlay

29.5% HO Heritage Overlay

0.8% DPO Development Plan Overlay

1.2% NCO Neighbourhood Character Overlay

DDO

HO

DPO

NCO

Map 5: Overlays Map 0

250

footscray healthy precinct

500m

17

1.2 Demographics Population forecast (2016-2041) 156,794

Future Projections & Trends

Unsurprisingly, forecasts by age group illustrate a trend towards an aging population. The ‘Young Workforce’ and ‘Parents and Homemakers’ age groups will remain the most dominant. However, older age groups all show increases in their proportions. In particular, the proportion of individuals over 85+ will almost double to make up 3.7% of the population in 2041.

140,000

NO. OF PERSON

Projections by the ABS (2016) estimate that Footscray’s population will more than double and reach 49,021 in 2041. However the average size will decrease to 2.16 persons per household.

160,000

120,000 100,000

CITY OF MARIBYRNONG

80,000

49,021

60,000 40,000

FOOTSCRAY

20,000 0

2016

2026

2016

2041

2021

2026

0-4

80-84

10-14

16% 12%

15-19

75-79 8%

20-24

70-74

4%

65-69

25-29

60-64

30-34 55-59

35-39 50-54

40-44 45-49

2016

2026

Source: id. Community, City of Maribyrnong, 2018

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footscray healthy precinct

2041

2041

Source: id. Community, City of Maribyrnong, 2018

Housing Trends

5-9

2036

YEAR

Age structure distribution forecaste in Footscray >85

2031

The dominant household types will be lone person households (35%) and couples without dependents (25.8%).

In relation to health planning, there is several concerns related to the growth in lone person households. People living on their own are more vulnerable to averse life events such as loss of employment, chronic illness or being the victim of criminal offense (Palmer, 2006).

Lone person households also often lack the informal care of multi-person household. This is particularly an important consideration for the health planning of an aging population in the study area. Moreover, more lone person household means more need for housing stock.

Population and household size forecast in Footscray 2.24

2.22 2.21 2.20 2.18 2.16

17,536

23,139

32,695

39,520

44,796

49,021

2016

2021

2026

2031

2036

2041

Source: id. Community, City of Maribyrnong, 2018

Total Population

Household Size

1.3 Developments Housing Developments This map displays the current planning environment of the area.

It was compiled using data from the City of Maribyrnong website as well as urban.com.au.

Currently there are 5205 dwellings in various stages of planning or construction. Providing homes for approximately 7500 new residents. 4500 new car spaces and 2500 new bike spaces.

Also mapped here is the location of ‘Potential Development’ sites identified by the City of Maribyrnong itself. The local council has made the effort to analyse its own precinct to identify those sites with the greatest development potential.

Crucially there are provisions to increase public transport accessibility in the ACZ area, with council supporting 2 additional tram routes to the area. However, nothing has been confirmed at this stage from the state level, meaning all these new residents will be either relying on the current bus and train services or private vehicles. Adding to the already overburdened road network by introducing up to 4500 new cars to the precinct.

Activity Centre Zone

Potential Developments

Map 6: Developments Map by Sam H. Under 250 500m Construction 0

Proposed Green Space

Planning Assessment

Approved

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1.4 Built Form Current Building Heights

Maximum Building Heights

11 - 25 7 - 10 3-6 1- 2

1-2 storeys

3-6 storeys

Map 7: Building Heights Map by Sam Hill 0

20

250

footscray healthy precinct

500m

7-10 storeys

11-25 storeys

1-2 storeys

3-6 storeys

Map 8: Maximum Heights Map by Sam Hill 0

250

500m

7-10 storeys

11-25 storeys

Gross Dwelling Density

Current Building Heights The current built form of the precinct is dominated by a mix of low rise residential and commercial.

There are some buildings close to the centre that have been recently redeveloped however large amounts of the precinct remain low rise. What can also be seen in the impact the Overlays mentioned previously have on the built form.

What can also be seen is the change in plot coverage from the residential areas to the commercial and light industrial areas. The low density residential area in the centre is quite evident. Compared to the former industrial areas along the bank of the Maribyrnong River where the plot size is drastically increased.

Maximum Building Heights There are some pockets that were previously light industrial which are now ideally located to be developed in to high density residential. The intention of the City of Maribyrnong is to concentrate high density residential in the areas surrounding Footscray station and the major roads.

Population within the Footscray area is expected to grow and the council is intending to do that without compromising on the historical character of the greater area. This change in development can be noted in the drastic increase in plot size and coverage in the Activity Centre Zone.

Gross Dwelling Density 100

300

200

500

400

The gross dwelling density of an area is the number of dwellings divided by the total area including non-residential area (Arundel et.al, 2017). Dwelling size and size of land area is retrieved from ABS0Mesh Blocks (2016). Moreover, recent research findings shows that a dwelling density of 26 1-25 dwellings/ha dwellings per hectare is an optimum level to encourage a walkable neighborhood (Arundel et.al, 2017). >26However, dwellings/hathe findings shows that the precinct scored otherwise. <26 dwellings/ha

>26 dwellings/ha

Map 9: Gross Dwelling Density Map 0

250

500m

footscray healthy precinct

21

2.1 Green Space Quality of Green Spaces Our precinct has a great collection of regional green spaces. As a matter of fact, 33.7% of the total area is green space (Maribyrnong City Council, 2014). Among the most notable green spaces are Footscray Park, Newells Paddock, and Footscray Arts Centre, Maddern Square and Grimes Reserve. There is a huge drop-off in size and quality of green space when comparing the riverside regional parks to the inner Footscray small local parks.

1

Moreover, these parks may perceived as unattractive and dull by residents and community due to their meager size and lack of facilities.

2 30%

Consider the amount of seating adeqate

4

58%

People satisfied with amount of open grassed areas

3 1

Footscray Park

2

Newells Paddock

3

Footscray Arts Centre

4

Maddern Square

5

Grimes Reserve

5

Green Open Space Off-street Footpaths

22

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Rows of Trees

Map 10: Green Spaces Map 0

250

500m

Munroe Square

Newell’s Paddock Newell’s Paddock

Munroe Square Donald St Reserve

Donald St Reserve Swaby Square

Swaby Square Leunig Place Reserve

Maribyrnong River Reserve Maribyrnong River Reserve

Leunig Place Reserve

Grimes Grimes Reserve Reserve

Cornwall Reserve

Cornwall Reserve Maddern Reserve

Maddern Reserve Ercildoune Reserve

Ercildoune Reserve

Footscray Footscray Arts Centre Arts Centre

Seelaf Square

Seelaf Square Cornwall Reserve

Cornwall Reserve

Footscray Park Footscray Park 300,000m2 300,000m2

Victoria University Victoria University 120,000m2 120,000m2

McCoy Reserve

Tannery Tannery Reserve Reserve 9,500m2 9,500m2

McCoy Reserve

4,000m2 4,000m2

0m2 0m2

Diagram 1: Green Space Diagram by Kyle Wood

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2.2 Public Realm September 5th, Wednesday; Sunny, 16°C

8-10am

12-2pm

100

4-6pm

300 200

500

100

300 200

400

8-10pm

500 400

100

300 200

500 400

100 200

Maddern Square

Methodology 0

24

250

footscray healthy precinct

500m

= 1 person

Human crowding and static activities is observed and recorded from 8am to 10pm within the activity centre. Dedicated observation buffer time is taken into account with a 2 hours interval each so that consistent data can be recorded and analysed. Observed activities were such as sitting, eating, waiting and relaxing throughout this observation.

100

300 200

500 400

100

300 200

Crowding Collage

Pedestrian Flow

254 285 143 252 140

165 427

Analysis Overlaying the combined crowding activities throughout the activity centre from 8am to 10pm is mapped with the notion of understanding places most frequently visited by people in a day.Obvious crowding activity can be seen at Footscray Station, Nicholson Street as well as100 the major intersection at Hopkins Street.

Analysis

200

Simutaneously, pedestrian flow is also been measured and calculated throughout the day. 7 sections within the activity centre is carefully allocated to capture pedestrian movement. It can be seen that Irving 300 and Hopkins Street 500 are major streets for pedestrian due to the Street location of the transit hub as well as restaurants.

400

100

footscray healthy precinct

200

25

500 400

2.3 Land Use & Functions Land Use

Building Functions

Visit

Live

Residential Construction Community Use

Industrial

Mixed Use Retail & Commercial

Visit

Education Live

Office

Map 11: Land Use Map 0

26

footscray healthy precinct

250

Work

Map 12: Building Functions Map 500m

0

250

500m

Work Vacant Under C

Shops open after 8pm

Land Use & Building Functions The precinct is dominated by residential areas and very few of mixed use areas. This is significant as too much uniformity within an area will create a monofunctional city with a monotonous rhythm in the public realm.

A healthy city is also a city of functional mix where different uses co-function with one another, creating a vibrant community and ‘eyes on the streets’.

Night-time Economy There is a relatively high number of shops/restaurants open after 8pm, contributing to Footscray’s night life and night time economy. However, it may be difficult to distinguish which shops are open later in the night because certain shops may keep their lights switched on, even though kitchen operation have ceased.

Additionally, through the process of mapping crowd activity and pedestrian flow during this hour, a pattern of instant isolation and death of the social atmosphere became apparent.

Planning for a vibrant city is a crucial aspect of holistic health, as it will create more opportunities for social encounters between strangers and result in improved social inclusivity within the neighborhood.

Shops lots

Map 13: Shops open after 8pm 0

125

250m

100

300 200

100

300 200

500 400

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27

500 400

2.4 Wind Turbulence Study How it works?

ANSYS, an engineering simulation and 3D software is used to run a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis on the activity centre and test the intensity of wind turbulence with the global avearge velocity of 20m/s within the built environment.

Rate of wind turbulence Low Rate Turbulence Turbulence Rate Low

0

125

250m

High Low = 1 person

Turbulence Rate High Low

Turbulence Rate High Low

Turbulence Rate

High Low Assemblage

High High

After running the CFD analysis, public realm crowding data is overlaid with each intensity of the wind turbulence level to study the spatial relationships. Interesting and unique results were produced and can be interpreted further to gain a better understanding of the habitual behaviours of humans.

100

300 200

28

500 400

footscray healthy precinct

Habitable Places The assemblage between public realm crowding data and wind flow within the activity centre shows the quantifiable proof that people have the tendency to gather in areas with low wind turbulence rate. This is important because the study quantifies this tendency to gravitate towards the most comfortable areas can be used to understand which areas are the most appealling and how to make a location more habitable.

In addition, these areas with low wind turbulence rate are typically key areas within the activity centre where people dine, relax, work and meet. This is important as these informal places foster the experience to encounter with strangers as well as opportunities for people to interact, resulting to better social inclusivity within the activity centre and the community.

2

1 1

4

4

3 2

Low Turbulence 0

3

= 1 person

Turbulence Rate

125

250m

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3.1 Transport Total Trips in Maribyrnong from 2012-16 on an average weekday Private Vehicles 70.64%

Total Trips in Maribyrnong According to the Victorian Integrated Survey of Travel and Activity (VISTA) (2018), there are around 0.24 million trips on an average weekday originating from Maribyrnong City. This number is anticipated to increase by 2030 as there will be an excess of 30,000 new residents moving into the municipality (Maribyrnong City Council, 2012). Furthermore, a selection of unaccounted future approved high-rise residential developments within the precinct are going to boost the number of residents in the precinct area (Johanson, 2013). Figure 1.1 shows the trips made by each mode of transport from 2012-16 on an average weekday.

240,000 Trips

In addition, based on the diagram, a significant proportion of trips are carried out by private vehicles in Maribyrnong City all the while, sustainable transport modes such as walking, public transport and cycling are not as popular as one might hope.

This is a result of the strong reliance predominantly on privatelyowned cars as the main form of mobility, which attributes to traffic congestion, accidents, and pollution.

Work and education as a motive for travel scored an equal percentage of trips departing from Maribyrnong City (VISTA, 2018). This shows that getting to places such as employment areas and academic institutions are important destinations to residents. However, it is also important to realise that social and recreational purposes such as social gatherings, exercising, religious services and etc. still represent a huge proportion of the motives for trips taken within the local government area.

Travel purpose of trips in Maribyrnong City from 2012 16 on an average weekday

Walking 16.9%

Social/Recreational 22.94% Shopping 13.55% Work 29.42%

Public Transport 9%

Personal 3.12%

Education 25.52%

Pickup/Drop Off 5.5%

Bicycle 3.4% Source: Victorian Integrated Survey of Travel & Activity (VISTA) (2018), LGA Profiler

30

footscray healthy precinct

Source: Victorian Integrated Survey of Travel & Activity (VISTA) (2018), LGA Profiler

Distance Travelled to work 0

Maribyrnong City’s Residents

9.5%

DistancePlace fromof Employment Work (LGA, ABS, 2016)

19.2%

10

30

46. 6%

30. 5%

Pr oportion of workers in Footscray

Footscray was once a robust suburb for generating Melbourne’s industrial affluency during the second half of the 19th century (Maribyrnong City Council, 2018). In spite of that, during the 1960s and 70s, it started experiencing a downturn in the manufacturing industry. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) (2016), Footscray today, however is still in the midst of a continued decline of industrial productivity by 3.2% from the 2011-2016 levels. Nevertheless, social services, health care, professional services and education have been supplementing the decline as emerging industry sectors of employment for residents of Maribyrnong City (ABS, 2016). As a result, Maribyrnong’s industrial areas of the past are being redeveloped today into high density residential areas (Maribyrnong City Council, 2018), altering its formal historical industrial land use.

OUTSIDE WITHIN NOT FIXED Consequently, 78% of Maribyrnong’s population work outside the municipality, while 19.2% work within, and the remaining 2.9% are reported to have no fixed place of work (ABS, 2016). This strongly suggests that transportation infrastructure in Maribyrnong is increasingly vital to provide and connect its residents to employment opportunities.

In Statistics, regards Census to theof distance travelled Source: Australian Bureau Population and Housing, 2016. to work by the residents in Footscray, there is only 9.5% who travelled less than 2.5km while 30.5% travelled 10km and 46.6% travelled 30km.

77.8%

2.5

2.9%

Distance travelled to work by residents in Footscray (SA1, ABS, 2016)

30km 2.5k

m

10km

Maribyrnong City’s Residents

0

Maribyrnong City’s Place Work Place ofResidents Work (LGA, ABS, of 2016)

2.5

OUTSIDE

77.8%

10

WITHIN

30km

46.6%

19.2%

30.5%

NOT FIXED

2.9%

Source: Australian Bureau Statistics (2016, LGA).

Source: Australian Bureau Statistics, Census of Population and Housing, 2016.

9.5%

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31

Mode of travel to work Comparing the commuting statistics of Footscray, Maribyrnong City and Greater Melbourne reveal the major modes of travel to work with the geographical comparison from a local to regional scale (i.e. Footscray, Maribyrnong and Greater Melbourne). To illustrate, Footscray has a higher use of private vehicle (i.e.

68.3%) than the Maribyrnong City or Greater Melbourne averages, while only 14.1% used public transport as compared with 26% in Maribyrnong City and 15% in Greater Melbourne (ABS, 2016).

Analyzing Maribyrnongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s existing public transport networks, the most integrated network mode is in fact bus services, as opposed to tram and trains within the municipality. Key locations such as Footscray Hospital, Highpoint Shopping Mall, and Victoria University are well accessible and connected with bus networks.

Nonetheless, the lack of transport modes within the municipality is still worth consideration, and would require serious reconstruction to rectify in response to the forecasted rapid growth of the area, and to provide more public transportation options and flexibility for commuters in the municipality.

Although Footscray has a concerningly high dependency on private vehicles by its residents, the shift in the method of travel to work in Maribyrnong City from 2011-16 suggests some very interesting findings, despite the 20% increase of employed residents since 2011 (ABS, 2016). For instance, there is a 3.8% increase residents travelling by train and a 2.7% decrease in car usage, while there is also an emerging trend of people who do not travel to work and work from home.

Tram Bus Train

Methods of travel to work by Footscray, City of Maribyrnong and Greater Melb (%)

Footscray City of Maribyrnong Greater Melbourne

68.3

Map 14: Local Scale Public Transport Routes 0

2.5

5km

Tram

Bus

Train

54.9

65.0

Private Vehicles

14.1

26.0

15.0

Public Transport

5.4

5.6

4.0

Walking/Cycling

Source: Australian Bureau Statistics, Census of Population and Housing, 2016.

32

footscray healthy precinct

472

Travel to work by Bus

409

Our analysis on bus services shows that the precinct itself is well served by a strong number of bus routes services, therein, providing good access to multiple destinations for its residents.

However, Footscray is reported to have only 1.8% of employed residents who take the bus to work while the average in Maribyrnong City is 2.6% (ABS, 2016). This implies that buses are used by other groups of people besides employed residents.

406

409

406 40 9

On the other hand, assessing bus routes frequencies on weekdays in between peak hours (i.e from 11am to 5pm) is most effective given that these hours are also a period in which the elderly as well as working age residents are active. The frequencies of bus routes has been categorised into every 20, 30, 40 and 50/60 minutes. As a result, it becomes clear that bus services with high frequencies (i.e. every 20 mins) are well concentrated at Footscray commercial centre, supporting a principle public transport network area, while lower frequencies runs along the northern area of the precinct. This is because that the routes with higher frequencies connect the municipality directly in and out from the city for leisure and employment opportunities, meeting the demands of the population.

404

409 406 404

LEED ST/HOPKINS ST 216 219 223

406 472

LEED ST/PAISLEY ST 411 412 220

216 219 402 403

414 410 472 FOOTSCRAY STATION 402 403 216

219 220 223 404 406 409

Percentage of employees travel to work by bus

220

220

Footscray

1.8%

City of Maribyrnong

Greater Melbourne

2.6%

1.5%

0 0 0 0

Source: Australian Bureau Statistics, Census of Population and Housing, 2016.

Every 20 min Every 30 min

402, 403, 411, 412

Every 40 min Every 50/60 min

404, 406, 409, 414

216, 219, 220, 223

410, 472

Map 15: Precinctâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bus Frequencies Bus Stops

0

250

footscray healthy precinct

500m

33

Bus

Isochrone Mapping of Bus, Tram and Train Stops Principle public transport network areas within a 400m buffer for bus services, 600m buffer for tram services and a 800m buffer for train services of the precinct area has been analysed by conducting an isochrone mapping around train, tram and bus stops with a 200m buffer interval. To acquire an accurate network coverage areas within the selected buffer size, ArcMap 10.4, a comprehensive remote sensing software is used to conduct a network analysis by geoprocessing its local street network along with its existing public transportation stops. Moreover, as an average speed of a human walking is 1.4m/s, the estimate for every 200m buffer is then multiplied by the average speed and then converted into minutes.

The outcome of this analysis has presented worthwhile results in terms of assessing the precincts catchment areas and achieving a 5 to 10-minute neighbourhood. For instance, the existing bus stops within the precinct have essentially succeeded in reaching the entire area by providing a maximum 5 minutes walk to the nearest stop from any given point in the precinct. In addition, there is strong tram and train service coverage at Footscray commercial centre, while the remaining areas of the precinct are neglected.

This is true despite the fact that these areas contain a significant portion of residences. Although bus stops have a great service catchment coverage, buses have been experiencing delays and inconsistency (Maribyrnong City Council, 2012). This is as a result of increasing traffic congestion and sharing busy road spaces with cars on Ballarat Road, Moore St, and Hopkins Road.

According to ABS (2016), there has been a positive increase of train commuters in Maribyrnong by 3.8% since 2011-16.

200m / 2min walk 400m / 5min walk

600m / 7.5min walk 800m / 10min walk

Map 16: Precinctâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bus Services 0

34

footscray healthy precinct

250

500m

Routes Stops

Tram

Train

200m / 2min walk 400m / 5min walk

600m / 7.5min walk 800m / 10min walk

Map 17: Precinctâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tram Services 0

250

Routes Stops

200m / 2min walk 400m / 5min walk

600m / 7.5min walk 800m / 10min walk

Routes Stops

Map 18: Precinctâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Train Services 500m

0

250

500m

footscray healthy precinct

35

Bicycle Network on-street bicycle lanes

35

30

It off-street is evident bicyclethat lanes there is no easy way to get around the precinct with a bicycle due to the domination of automobiles on roads, potential on-street except along the natural corridor of the Maribyrnong River. On bicycle lanes top of that, the existing bicycle path which runs along Ballarat Road ends abruptly at Victoria University. This is depressing for 25 cyclists 20 15 as the poor network connectivity prohibits effective bicycle transit. In addition, according to ABS (2016), there is still an average distance of 3.3km travelled by bicycle to work places in Maribyrnong City, making the bicycle network an important consideration to the council.

Nevertheless, the geographical characteristics of the precinct suggest a flat terrain and has great opportunities for bicycle infrastructure to be added, promoting active transport within the community, hence increasing the liveability and providing better health options for residents.

Distance travelled from Maribyrnong from 2012-16 on an average weekday Source: Victorian Integrated Survey of Travel & Activity (VISTA) (2018), LGA Profiler

3.3km

Percentage of walking & cycling to work by residents (ABS 2011-2016) 30

29

11

12

12

12 9

10 5

6

7

8 4

Map 19: Precinctâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bicycle Lanes 0

36

250

500m

Elevation (m):

35 30 25 20 15 35

footscray healthy precinct

30

25

20

15 m

On-Street Bike Lanes Off-Street Bike Lanes

Melbourne

Port Phillip

St Kilda

Yarra

2011

Maribyrnong

2016

Footscray

5

Greater Melbourne

Bicycle Volume & Accidents According to Strava (2017), a social fitness network used to track sport activities such as cycling, it is suggested that there is relatively a high number of cycling activities going on through the precinct. This is important because it shows that cycling is valued by the community for both recreational and commuting.

However, based on the recent study by the Transport, Health and Urban Design (THUD) (2017) research hub of the University of Melbourne, the number of cycling accidents is found to be associated with the lack of bicycle infrastructure, discouraging and causing greater risk for cyclists.

Cycling in Maribyrnong

0

5.0

5.5

Easy cycling lane and route navigation When cycling I/we feel protected from traffic

6.0

6.5

VERY GOOD

GOOD

SOLID

EXTREMELY POOR

POOR

VERY POOR

Statements of cycling in Maribyrnong

7.25

EXCELLENT

7.75

10

On -road bike lanes are well maintained Clear signage highlighting cycling routes Good connection between bike paths and destinations There are good facilities for cycling

Source: Metropolis Research, 2017

Bicycle Traffic Volume (Strava, 2018): Cyclist Accidents Low

Med

Map 20: Bicycle Volume & Accidents

0

250

High

footscray healthy precinct

500m

37

ve rth A 0 swo 0 Farn les: 5,2 ic Veh s: 196 k Truc

Traffic Volume Since the precinct serves as the gateway of the west, automobile movement is crucial for the people of Melbourne mobility. However, this had impacted the precinctâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public realm in a negative way.

Ball a Veh rat Roa ic d Truc les: 13 ,0 ks: 7 07 00

Vehicles: 24,000 Trucks: 80 7

Moore St Vehicles: 11,000 Trucks: 90 0 Moore St Vehicles: 11,000 Trucks: 88 0

Donald St Vehicle s: 1,700 Trucks: 58

ad t Ro 650 lara 19, Bal icles: 0 Veh ks: 65 c Tru

Napier St Vehicle s: 4,400 Trucks: 179

Hopkins St Vehicles: 16,000 Trucks: 974

Nap Veh ier St i Truc cles: 1 ks: 1 2,000 ,400

Map 21: Traffic Volume 0

250

Hopkins St Vehicles: 19,000 Trucks: 1,200 Whitehall St Vehicles: 11,000 Trucks: 1,600

Yearly volume of vehicles divided by 365 (VicRoads, 2017) 1 - 10,000 motorvehicles

Veh i Truc cles: 1 ks: 7 2,000 44 Veh i Truc cles: 8 ks: 9 ,900 95

10,000 - 20,000 motorvehicles > 20,000 motorvehicles Veh i Truc cles: 1 ks: 3 9,000 ,000

along streets indoors

500m

1 - 10,000 motorvehicles

38

Based on traffic volume data from VicRoads (2017), heavily trafficked roads are found to be along key arterial roads of the precinct such as Ballarat Road, Moore Street, Hopkins Street and Napier Street. This is significant as these vehicles can be a great contributor to noise and air pollution to its surrounding areas, resulting to an unpleasant environment for pedestrians.

footscray healthy precinct

10,000 - 20,000 motorvehicles

> 20,000 motorvehicles

outdoors vacant & under construction

Pedestrian Space Quality Due to the fact that key arterial roads see heavy traffic flow, pedestrian footpaths along these arterial roads are greatly affected.

On the other hand, many pedestrian-accident types are mostly reported to be within the activity centre. This is important because it demonstrates that the pedestrian experience is being compromised by the usage of cars. As a result, there is a need for streetscape renewal in order to encourage more walking and offer a welcoming public realm.

The probability of pedestrian fatality by impact speed 100%

Pedestrian Fataility Injured

90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Impact Speed (km/h) Source: Anderson, R., McLean, A., Farmer, M., Lee, B., & Brooks, C., (1997).

Vehicle travel speeds and the incidence of fatal pedestrian crashes. Accident Analysis and Prevention 29(5), 667 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 674

Map 22: Poor Quality Streets

Pedestrian-Car Accidents Key pedestrian areas

0

250

500m

Poor Quality Streets

footscray healthy precinct

39

ISSUES & OPPORTUNITIES

Issues & Opportunities Key Themes

Housing & Developments

Social & Public Realm

Access & Connectivity

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dull, inert cities, it is true, do contain the seeds of their own destruction and little else.

But lively, diverse, intense cities contain the seeds of their own regeneration, with energy enough to carry over for problems and needs outside themselves.â&#x20AC;?

Jane Jacobs (The Death and Life of Great American Cities, 1961)

footscray healthy precinct

41

Housing & Developments Issue 1.0 Issue 1.1 Heritage Overlay In contrast to the great potential to increase density at certain areas within the precinct, the existing heritage overlays prevent any alterations for new/future developments.

Issue 1.2 Low Dwelling Density Areas According to Arundel et. al (2017), a policy target of 26 dwellings per hectare is a density level that will encourage walking activities. However, the precinct is found to have many areas (based on ABS Mesh Blocks 2016) that are below this policy target. Hence, a less walkable neighbourhood and less reliance on active transport modes within the precinct.

Issue 1.3 Large Scale Developments High-rise residential apartments that have been approved and constructed remove the sense of human scale on the street, resulting to isolated places in the urban setting of the precinct.

Map 23: Issues Map No. 1 0

42

footscray healthy precinct

250

500m

Opportunity 1.0 Opportunity 1.1 Heritage Overlay The City of Maribyrnong holds strong importance towards the heritage character of the area. Therefore, the existing heritage overlays play a significant role within the precinct in protecting the character of the neighbourhood and historical value while new developments are occurring over time.

Opportunity 1.2 Incremental Changes Substantial Changes Statutory and Policy Advocacy: Strategic areas have been identified by the local council for future housing developments and supply a diverse range of housing types in the form of medium or high density housing. The category incremental and substantial changes applied on these areas will be a key focus for housing development in the next 20 years.

Opportunity 1.3 Activity Centre Zone (ACZ) Nearly half of the precinct is zoned under the ACZ and this will help to support greater mix of use and intensive development of the activity centre. It will also foster better delivering in housing diversity that will maximise the use of public amenities and public transport

Map 24: Opportunities Map No. 1 0

250

500m

footscray healthy precinct

43

Social & Public Realm Issue 2.0 Issue 2.1 Monofunctional City Social isolationism is becoming more prevalent in urban settings, especially amongst younger adults. By mapping the urban heartbeat of the activity centre, most areas in the city go into isolation at night, discouraging residents to engage with the activity centre due to public safety and inclusivity concerns.

Issue 2.2 Unemployment Rate (ABS, 2016, SA1) 16.92 - 19.90

13.93 - 16.91

< 13.93

Limited Employment Opportunities Less than 20% of the working population of the City of Maribyrnong work within the municipality (ABS, 2016).

There is also a high unemployment rate of 17-20% within the precinct area (ABS, 2016). These indicators suggest that there is a lack of local employment opportunities.

Issue 2.3 Housing Stress Housing Affordability is threatened by quickly rising property values in the precinct as Footscray slowly undergoes gentrification. In the metropolitan context, Footscray is one of the last remaining inner city suburbs that has a median property price under one million dollars.

Map 25: Issues Map No. 2 0

44

footscray healthy precinct

250

500m

Opportunity 2.0 Opportunity 2.1 Social Housing Dominant Area Social housing is catered to people with low incomes, recently experienced homelessness, family violence or have special needs. Footscray has a significantly higher proportion of social housing compared to Greater Melbourne, however it is clustered at the fringe of the precinct.

Opportunity 2.2 Footscray Structure Planâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Precincts:

Precinct Renewal According to the Footscray Structure Plan (2014), 8 smaller precincts had been identified within the Activity Centre and will be renewed in the future. 6 of which (i.e. Central, Station, Joseph Road, Riverside, Neighbourhood East and Civic) is within the Footscray Healthy Precinct. The structure plan will be guiding new developments to achieve an urban mix of activities and future needs of the municipal.

Opportunity 2.3 Cultural Community Places Footscray is rich in its cultural diversity and can provide an opportunity for a socially inclusive society, creating a welcoming environment for new residents in the precinct both day and night time. Cultural community places within the precinct are such as the arts centre, La Scala theatre, Footscray Market, Heavenly Queen Temple as well as the Australian Croatian Association

Map 26: Opportunities Map No. 2 0

250

500m

footscray healthy precinct

45

Access & Connectivity Issue 3.0 Issue 3.1 Sensitive Street Interface There is an increasing tension between vehicles and pedestrian movement in the precinct area, which has discouraged walking as the primary mode of transportation and degrades the quality of pedestrian experience. The precinct houses low quality footpaths with bare foliage, no canopy or cover, and minimal amenity such as benches or water fountains. In addition, there are very few crossings to traverse arterial roads.

Issue 3.2 Low Frequency Bus Routes Although bus services have great coverage within the Footscray Healthy Precinct, the daily services are not efficient. For instance, bus route 404, 406, 409, 410, 414, 410 and 472 operate with a frequency of every 4060 minutes. Areas that are serviced by these bus routes are at a disadvantage.

Issue 3.3 On-Street Bike Lanes

Off-Street Bike Lanes

Discontinuity of Bicycle Networks Not only are pedestrians marginalized, but so are cyclists. The bicycle network in our precinct lacks continuity, making cycling a nearly impossible mode of transport apart from the Maribyrnong River Trail.

Issue 3.4 Low Active Transport Participation There is a low percentage of residents who engage in active transport compared to the levels of other inner suburbs of Melbourne. This is significant as there is a huge population still relying on private vehicles for mobility, resulting in the increasing traffic congestion.

46

footscray healthy precinct

Map 27: Issues Map No. 3 0

250

500m

Opportunity 3.0 Opportunity 3.1 Wide Roads and Streets There is an unrealised potential in the precinct area to better manage layouts on wide roads for private vehicles and buses to operate synergistically. The streets of Footscray are spacious and have enough room for sensible restructuring of the road hierarchy.

Opportunity 3.2 Elevation (m): 35

30

25

20

15

Flat Topography The relatively flat landscape and an established grid road layout within the precinct area can enhance active transport accessibility to key transportation hubs. This means that with proper active transport infrastructure, it would be no trouble to traverse our precinct.

200m, 2.5min

400m, 5min

600m, 7.5min

800m, 10min

Opportunity 3.3 Close Proximity to Activity Centre Residents have strong accessibility to the activity centre, which is also well-serviced by public transport networks to the Melbourne CBD. With an activity centre like that of Footscray, many social and community needs are provided for the residents. This means that residents do not need to travel as far for access to everything they may need.

Although the proportion of residents working within the municipal is not high, there is still a good opportunity to encourage the existing 20% and more in the future to participate in active transport as a means to get to work.

Map 28: Opportunities Map No. 3 0

250

500m

footscray healthy precinct

47

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

Strategic Directions Housing & Developments

Social & Public Realm

Access & Connectivity

Density

Mixed Use

Active Living

VISION The precinct will be a healthy and liveable city and a place that celebrates culture diversity and new discoveries.

Housing will be affordable and diversified to serve the growing population and future housing demands.

The streets will prioritise pedestrians and cyclist to encourage more form of active and public transport along with cultivating a healthier lifestyle. The activity centre will be designed to be vibrant and welcoming day and night.

Footscray will be a inclusive compact city that promotes sustainable neighbourhoods for the years to come.

Healthy City footscray healthy precinct

49

01 HOUSING & DEVELOPMENTS

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Housing is a fundamental social determinant of health and wellbeing. The availability of secure, well located, affordable housing provides pathways to employment, education and opportunities to participate in community life.â&#x20AC;?

- Maribrynong Health and Wellbeing Profile (2016)

Actions 1.0

OBJECTIVES OBJ 1.1 Maintain the importance of heritage and neighbourhood character

OBJ 1.2 Support population growth with controlled development

A1.1 Preserve precinctâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heritage and neighbourhood character

A1.4 Support new residential developments with diverse housing types

A1.2 Enable incremental and substantial changes recognized by the council

A1.3 Encourage investments and developments in social housing site

OBJ 1.3 Ensure a compact city of short distances

A1.5 Ensure a smooth transition of building heights

footscray healthy precinct

51

Density

Mixed-Use

Active Living

Medium Density Housing Overview

Concept & Approach

The predominant dwelling structure within the precinct is single storey residential dwellings (see Section 1.4). This is important as low built form neighbourhoods are less efficient in terms of the use of land when it comes to housing a growing population. Moreover, studies show that low density developments have greater car dependency and are less likely to encourage active living (Giles-Corti et.al, 2014).

Public transport system is known to be less efficient around low density areas. Therefore, higher density developments should be encouraged by undertaking a development approach that is appropriate as well as respecting the character of the neighbourhood.

So why medium density?

As PlanMelbourne (2017) aims towards the objective in facilitating the development of a more compact and walkable neighbourhood, Newton (2017) stressed that unless medium-density housing is built in established inner suburbs, the goal of a more sustainable, compact and equitable city will not be achieved.

Furthermore, Newton (2017) revealed through his survey showing that there has been a paradigm shift among people living in Sydney and Melbourne embracing higher density living. Therefore, there is a need to increase the support for mediumdensity housing in established suburbs such as Footscray along with good access to public transport, jobs and services.

Corresponding Actions A1.1

52

A1.2

A1.3

footscray healthy precinct

A1.4

A1.5

Preferred Med-Density Areas

To identify areas with the potential to develop into medium or higher density dwellings, a 150m buffer is created along public transit routes that is running along the precinct. The cadastre boundaries that intersect with the buffer areas are noted as preferred areas for medium density housings.

In addition, in conforming to the statutory context of the precinct (i.e. Heritage Overlays, Incremental and Substantial changes), low dwelling density areas as well as the current and upcoming residential developments, a final proposed plan for developing medium density residential developments is delimited. The defined areas consist of the current social housing sites as well as areas close proximity to the activity centre.

This is significant as there is many developments around the activity centre while the disadvantaged area, in this case, the social housing site is neglected. Therefore, as shown in this study, there is potential for the precinctâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social housing site to be further develop.

Map 29: Preferred Med-Density Areas Developments Public Transit Routes

Potential Medium Density 0

250

500m

Density

Mixed-Use

Active Living

Proposed Med-Density Housing Heritage Overlay + Current Developments

Low Dwelling Density Areas

Incremental + Substantial Changes

150m buffer along public transit routes

Zoning

500

Multi-layer Mapping 100

300 200

400

Potential Development Areas Developments Proposed Medium Density

Map 30: Proposed Med-Density Area 0

250

500m

footscray healthy precinct

53

Density

Mixed-Use

Active Living

Proposed Built Form Existing Smooth Transition Jan Gehl’s Cities for People (2010) points out that is it important for buildings to respect and maintain the sense of the human scale. This is because the built environment greatly affects the human’s perception and experience around them.

The precinct currently has some noticeable residential developments with building heights up to four storeys adjacent to single storey residential buildings, distorting the human scale and neighbourhood character.

Hence, in consolidation with the development of medium density housing, the concept of ‘smooth transition’ is introduced. This notion is used to ensure that the change in building heights is gradual from one point to another point, preventing a sudden and drastic change in the built form.

So, by comparing the potential areas for medium density developments and the maximum building heights allowed to be built in the precinct, it shows that the precinct has the capacity to become denser. As a result, the proposed built form/building heights in the precinct is shown as well as side sections of Moore Street as a direct application of the smooth transition concept.`

54

A1.2

A1.3

footscray healthy precinct

1- 2

Map 31: Current Building Heights by Sam H. 1-2 storeys

3-6 storeys

7-10 storeys

11-25 storeys

Moore St

Corresponding Actions A1.1

11 - 25 7 - 10 3-6

A1.4

A1.5

0

250

500m

Density

Mixed-Use

Active Living

Maximum

Proposed

11 - 25 7 - 10 100

300 200

Map 32: Maximum Building Heights by Sam H. 1-2 storeys

3-6 storeys

7-10 storeys

11-25 storeys

Moore St

3-6

500 400

1- 2

Map 33: Proposed Building Heights 0

250

500m

1-2 storeys

3-6 storeys

7-10 storeys

11-25 storeys

0

250

500m

Moore St

footscray healthy precinct

55

02 SOCIAL & THE PUBLIC REALM

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Neighbourhoods which are perceived as safe foster community participation and encourage physical activity, community connectedness and add to the health and wellbeing of local residents and visitors.â&#x20AC;?

- Maribrynong Health and Wellbeing Profile (2016)

Actions 2.0

OBJECTIVES OBJ 2.1 Ensure there is housing affordability for all

OBJ 2.2 Support diverse employment opportunities

OBJ 2.3 Ensure a vibrant and viable city

A2.1 Housing affordability that meet the needs of the community

A2.4 Support night time economy at key commercial areas

A2.2 A precinct of mixed uses, comprises of community facilities & residential

A2.3 Ensure new precincts have active frontages

OBJ 2.4 Activate and diversify secluded areas of the precinct

A2.5 Support and upgrade the public realm that foster social inclusivity

footscray healthy precinct

57

Density

Mixed-Use

Active Living

Affordable Housing Overview

Med-Density Housing

Inclusionary Zoning

Compact development ensures affordability through the use of smaller homes and lot sizes while providing all necessary amenities of a single dwelling for a wide range of lifestyles from empty nesters to growing families (NSW Planning & Environment, 2018).

Inclusionary Zoning Learning from South Australia It is now mandatory for all residential developments to address the provision of 15% affordable housing in order to get for the project to improve (Renewal SA, 2018). This is to ensure that people with varying incomes have access to new housing opportunities and delivering housing that meets the need of the community.

Concept & Approach Collaborating with the strategic direction for medium density housing, an inclusionary zoning can be placed effectively on future developments to ensure the provision of affordable housing. Hence, an advocacy for the policy target of 15-20% of residential developments must be dedicated to affordable housing.

Map 34: Preferred Med-Density Areas Potential Development Areas

Map 35: Inclusionary Zoning Developments

Current Developments

Proposed Medium Density

Inculsionary Zoning 0

250

15-20% affordable housing Corresponding Actions A1.1 A1.2 A1.3 A1.4

A1.5

A2.1

A2.5

58

A2.2

A2.3

footscray healthy precinct

A2.4

Single storey housing

Med-density housing

Affordable housing

500m

Density

Mixed-Use

Active Living

Social Housing Social Housing Cluster (Existing)

De-concentrating Social Housing (Proposed)

Overview

100

The current site with the dominant of social housing tenureship is as described by Doney et al (2013) where social and private housing is assemble in separate clusters rather than integrating spatially.

The stigma in social housing estates is that social housing tenants are inherently dysfunctional and greatly linking with poverty disclosures (Mee, 2004 cited in Doney et. al., 2013).

Planning for Social Mix Considering the guiding principle of building vertically, there is an opportunity to spatially integrate both social and private housing through appropriate redevelopments and create a more mixed community.

Therefore, the approach of de-concentrating social housing with an optimum tenure mix ratio of 30% social housing and 70% private housing will be desirable level to maintain property values and meeting the needs of the community (Doney et. al, 2013).

Map 36: Social Housing Clustering Social Housing

Map 37: De-concentrating Social Housings Community Building

Different dwelling types and urban design options has been tested to fit the future development on this site.

Medium Density Housing 0

Residential Building

125

250m

Precedent: Ivanhoe Estate, Macquarie Park, NSW Transforming 259 social housing properties to: 3,000 units - 950 social housing units - 128 affordable rental properties Option 1 Community + Residential

Option 2 Community + Shops + Residential

Option 3 Community + Public Space + Garden + Residential

300 200

Option 4 Community + Shops + Garden + Residential

footscray healthy precinct

59

500 400

Density

Mixed-Use

Active Living

Mixed-Use Zoning Overview

Existing

Proposed

As public life is being observed within the activity centre, it is notable that the city goes into isolation and becomes less exciting after 8pm on a regular weekday. This is crucial as the activity centre is zoned under the ACZ and has great opportunity and flexibility to transforming its place into a more vibrant and viable city. However, the Footscray Structure Plan has acknowledged this and has formed further future conceptual plans to develop its activity centre.

PUZ4 RDZ1

Concept & Approach

RDZ2 SUZ1 MUZ

To further optimize the precinct, a rezoning of the social housing site from a General Residential Zone - Schedule 1 to a Mixed Use Zone is undertaken. This will help to provide a platform for future developments and help people living in this disadvantage area to gain better access to services and employment opportunities.

Night-time economy The benefits of an ACZ and a mixed-use zone to the public is such as there will be increase in housing stock, employment opportunities, productivity of land and more vibrant streets.

Moreover, it will also reduce car dependency due to the great accessibility to wide range of services in one location. This will also help to cultivate a night-time economy within the precinct, attracting more visitors and fostering a social inclusive community.

Corresponding Actions A2.1

60

A2.2

A2.3

footscray healthy precinct

PUZ2 ACZ GRZ1 NRZ1 PPRZ

Map 38: Zoning 0

A2.5

300

500

200

400

Map 39: Proposed Zoning 250

500m

PUZ4

PUZ4

RDZ1

RDZ1

RDZ2

RDZ2

SUZ1

SUZ1

MUZ

MUZ

PUZ2

PUZ2

ACZ

ACZ

GRZ1

GRZ1

NRZ1 3m

2m

5m

5m

Single Land Use

A2.4

100

2m

2m

PPRZ

NRZ1 3m

2m

5m

5m

Multi Land Use

2m

2m

PPRZ

Density

Mixed-Use

Active Living

Public Realm Selected Public Open Spaces Locations

Proposed Streets Amenities

Overview

100

20m

The morphology of the activity centre consists of rows of buildings running more or less parallel to each other.

In regards to its interaction between the urban form and wind, the morphology of the city inherited a “channel effect” for wind flow, channelling through the corridor between the buildings (Wellington City Council, 2000).

Promoting Public Life 20m

20m

Open public spaces are important for the public life as it engage and brings the community together.

A successful space is where it invite people to stay outdoors and promote informal social contact between citizens, hence, creating ‘‘life’’ in a city (Szucs, 2013).

20m

The study of microclimate in this Structure Plan aimed to raise attention in facilitating planning of public spaces40m with health and comfort in mind. Carrying out a wind flow analysis using a CFD model had helped to determine areas within the activity centre that draws and repel human activities.

40m 0

125

Concept & Approach

250m

In reference to the wind analysis model, low(dark blue) 45m and medium(grey) turbulence levels along with static activities being overlay is used to direct this strategic direction.

45m

100

300 200

500 400 45m

Channel Effect

Vegetation Cover

Roofing

The installation of vegetation and roofing over public open spaces are key approaches to reduce wind speed and discomfort (Wellington City Council, 2000).

Therefore, these strategies will be applied at identified spaces within the activity centre with evergreen green trees and 55marchitectural roofing design.

Corresponding Actions A2.1

A2.2

300 200

A2.3

A2.4

footscray healthy precinct

A2.5

61

500 400

03 ACCESS & CONNECTIVITY

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Access to both public and private transportation is essential for citizens to contribute to their community and reach their potential. Safe, reliable, and affordable transport is a key determinant of peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opportunities to access health services and programs, education and secure employment - Maribrynong Health and Wellbeing Profile (2016)

Actions 3.0

OBJECTIVES OBJ 3.1 Connect disadvantaged parts of the precinct to high quality public transport

OBJ 3.2 Ensure accessibility and connectivity to high quality facilities and infrastructure

OBJ 3.3 A3.1 Provide an integrated bicycle network and end of trip facilities

A3.4 Renewing streets at primary and secondary pedestrian footpaths and links

A3.2 Support increasing frequencies of bus services and upgrade bus stops

A3.3

Ensure a city that places people first and cars second

Reduce traffic speeds on local streets from 60 to 40km/h

A3.5 Improve access and quality of green spaces

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Density

Mixed-Use

Active Living

Bicycle Infrastructure Overview

Precedent: Copenhagen, Denmark

on-street b off-street

Residents living in City of Maribyrnong have major concerns regarding the existing bicycle infrastructure provided by the local council (Metropolis Research, 2017). For instance, the legibility of the bicycle network, safety, and amenities are some of the top priorities that residents have interest in. The precinct however has a relatively flat terrain which will be an advantage for the development of bicycle infrastructure.

potential o bicycle lan

35

Concept & Approach The city of cycling: Bicycle lanes that protects cyclists from cars by providing dedicated bike lanes, adding curbto seperate lanes between cars and bicycle, resulting to the increased safety for both cyclists and drivers. Also known as the Copenhagen-style bike paths.

The Footscray Structure Plan (2014) has identified potential bicycle lanes to connect the existing discontinued bicycle lanes. This action will further help to realise the need to build bicycle infrastructure within the precinct and encourage more bicycle users.

Furthermore, end-of-trip facilities such as proper bicycle parking, benches, water fountain and bicycle pump are to be built at key locations within the precinct such as Footscray Station, Arts Centre, Joseph Rd Precinct, Hopkins St, Moore St and Ballarat Road along the proposed new social housing developments.

Off-street Bicycle Lane Existing Bicycle Lane Proposed Bicycle Lane End-of-trip Bicycle Facilities

Corresponding Actions A3.1

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A3.2

A3.3

footscray healthy precinct

A3.4

A3.5

Map 40: Proposed Bicycle Networks 0

250

500m

30

25

20

Density

Mixed-Use

Active Living

Bus Services & Facilities Overview

Precedent: Singapore

Bus services have the best coverage within the precinct area compared to train and tram. However, only 1.8% of employed residents in Footscray travel to work entirely by bus. On the other hand, some of the bus services in the precinct have low frequencies and most bus stops do not have proper facilities such as seating areas and shade, making it harder for mothers with toddlers and elderly residents to travel by this mode. Nevertheless, already established bus services could be greatly improved to encourage more commuters to travel by bus in the precinct.

Concept & Approach Bus services that run every 40-60 mins are considered low frequency. In alignment with Strategies 1.0 and 2.0, there is a need to increase these public transit services to cope with the growing population and demand. Therefore, the current bus services with 40-60 mins will be increased to every 20-30 mins.

Simultaneously, this will also help connect the current social housing site/disadvantaged area to the activity centre and services.

Bus stops and key bus stop hubs are also to be upgraded with amenities suitable to the needs of the community.

Existing 20 min frequency bus routes

Upgrade bus stops facilities

A bus stop that has ample seating capacity, public accessible books geared for all ages, bicycle parking, rooftop garden and interactive digital boards that provide arrival time of bus services, weather forecast, news and local events.

A direction towards to Smart City.

Proposed med-density developments

Proposed 20 min frequency bus routes Upgrade to key bus stops hubs

Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best bus stop:

Map 41: Proposed Bus Services Improvement 0

250

500m

Corresponding Actions A3.1

A3.2

A3.3

A3.4

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A3.5

65

Density

Mixed-Use

Active Living

Streetscape Renewal Overview The flat geographical characteristic of the precinct and a well established grid road layout is a perfect recipe to promote walking activity within the neighbourhood.

However, due to the high traffic volume, pedestrian accidents, and low quality pedestrian footpaths, the neighborhood can be considered very unwalkable in the sense of being vulnerable to pollutants and safety concerns. Nevertheless, there are plenty of opportunities to re-investigate and redevelop existing road layouts to better improve the walking experience.

Concept & Approach A spatial network analysis using the ‘Space Syntax Toolkit’, a plug-in to be utilized in a GIS environment, was used to generate the level of connectivity of streets within the precinct. Streets ranging from high to low connectivity is shown as a result, delineating a street connectivity map.

Hopkins Street, Ballarat Road and Moore Street are identified streets as high connectivity streets. Hence, this action will focus on improving Hopkins Street and Moore Street due to its direct linkage to the activity centre and pedestrian flow. By doing so, it will help to improve the pedestrian experience and encourage residents to walk as a preferred mode of mobility.

Level of Street Connectivity High

Map 42: Precinct’s Street Connectivity

Corresponding Actions A2.1 A2.2 A2.3 A2.4

A2.5

A3.1

A3.5

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A3.2

A3.3

footscray healthy precinct

A3.4

Low

0

250

500m

Density

Mixed-Use

Active Living

Moore Street

Precedent: Acland Street, St. Kilda

40

40

40

0

Hopkins Street

60

120m

One of Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most loved streets:

40

40

50

50

50

40

Upgrade Streets Elements:

0

125

Acland street is an integrated space for both public-private transport as well as cycling and walking. It has a levelled access tram stop, allowing people with disability to get around easier.

Its focus on placing pedestrians first by providing a comfortable footpath space makes the street attractive and safe, resulting to an iconic place in St. Kilda.

250m

Upgrade Footpaths Pedestrian Priority with levelled Footpaths Tram Tracks Raised Pedestrian Crossings

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IMPLEMENTATION

Implementation A Coordinated Plan to Achieve the Vision

Time Frames for Implementation

The ongoing realisation of the vision, objectives and strategic directions of the Structure Plan can be accomplished by carrying out a wide range of specific actions with a well coordinated implementation plan. The Structure Plan provides a principal framework to guide the implementation endeavor. Details of the implementation actions are provided in the implementation schedule following.

Four broad timeframes are recognised for the execution of these implementation actions. The time frame however does not correspond with the priority of each actions, instead, reflecting the complexity and/or dependencies

Defining the Actions The implementation actions of the Footscray Healthy Precinct strategic directions can be broken down into four distinct categories:

P

Policy

R

Research/ Investigation

D

Design & Build

A

Advocacy

Policies to be developed, structured and verified

Directions that needs further research and development

Projects that needs construction and establishment

S M L O

Short Term (1-5 years)

Medium Term (5-15 years)

Long Term (up to 25 years)

Ongoing (actions that will require across and beyond the time frames)

Review / Evaluation As for some local, natural and global factors which we cannot foresee, the generational time frame of the Structure Planâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life will adapt and change. For the Structure Plan to remain resilient in response to these factors, a review/evaluation process must be completed preferably once in every 5 years within the larger 25 to 30 year time frame.

Actions that require the continuation support from responsible authorities

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Implementation Schedule Actions

Type

Corresponding Actions

Authorities/ Stakeholders

Time

0 1 Housing & Developments A1.1

Preserve precinctâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heritage and neighbourhood character

P A

A1.2

A1.3

A1.4

Maribyrnong City Council, Land Owners

O

A1.2

Enable incremental and substantial changes recognized by the council

D A

A1.1

A1.3

A1.4

Maribyrnong City Council, Developers

M

A1.3

Encourage investments and developments in social housing site

D A

A1.1

A1.2

A1.4

Maribyrnong City Council, Developers

L

A1.4

Support new residential developments with diverse housing types

R D

A1.1

A1.2

A1.3

Maribyrnong City Council, Developers

L

A1.5

Ensure a smooth transition of building heights

P D

A1.1

Maribyrnong City Council, Developers

L

Type

Corresponding Actions

Authorities/ Stakeholders

Time

Maribyrnong City Council, Developers, Land Owners

O

Maribyrnong City Council, Developers

L

Maribyrnong City Council, Developers, Shop Owners

S

Maribyrnong City Council, Shop Owners

M

Maribyrnong City Council, Developers

S

Actions

0 2 Social & the Public Realm P R

A2.1

Housing affordability that meet the needs of the community

A2.2

A precinct of mixed uses, comprises of community facilities & residential

A2.3

Ensure new precincts have active frontages

A2.4

Support night time economy at key commercial areas

R D A

A2.5

Support and upgrade the public realm that foster social inclusivity

R D A

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footscray healthy precinct

P R D A D A

A1.2

A1.3

A1.4

A2.3

A2.4

A2.2

A2.3

A2.5

A2.2

A2.2

Actions

Type

Corresponding Actions

Authorities/ Stakeholders

Time

0 3 Access & Connectivity A1.1 Provide an integrated bicycle network and end of trip facilities

D A

A1.2 Support increasing frequencies of bus services and upgrade bus stops

D A

A1.3 Reduce traffic speeds in local streets from 60 to 40

D A

A1.4 Renewing streets at primary and secondary pedestrian footpaths and links

D A

A1.5 Improve access and quality of green spaces

P D A

A2.2

A2.3

A2.4

A3.4

A3.3

A2.5

A2.5

Maribyrnong City Council,

S

Maribyrnong City Council,

S

Maribyrnong City Council, VicRoads

M

Maribyrnong City Council,

M

Maribyrnong City Council,

M

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Summary Footscray will experience significant changes and growth over the next 25 to 30 years. The Footscray Healthy Precinct Structure Plan will help to guide and manage this process to ensure existing strengths are maintained. The precinct will continue to embrace diversity and develope a community that is socially inclusive. It will also collaborate with the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s present, past and future.

Active living will be advocated to promote healthy lifestyles to reduce and overcome diseases.

The implementation of this plan will create a precinct that is healthy and liveable internally and externally within the metropolitan context in Melbourne.

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Communities Plus. (2017). Ivanhoe Estate at Macquarie Park. Retrieved from https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5625d102e4b0040b09643cc5/t/5990eb5e49fc2b4c4fe97648/1502669671903/Ivanhoe+Brochure+August+2017.pdf Communities Plus. (2018). Major Sites: Ivanhoe. Retrieved from https://www.communitiesplus.com.au/major-sites/ivanhoe-1 Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. (2017). Plan Melbourne 2017-2050. Retrieved from https://www.planmelbourne.vic.gov.au Doney, R., McGuirk, P., & Mee, K. (2013). Social Mix and the Problematisation of Social Housing. Australian Geographer, 44(4), 401-418. doi: 10.1080/00049182.2013.852500 Gehl, J. (2010). Cities for people. Burnaby, B.C.: University of Simon Fraser Library.

NSW Planning and Environment. (2018). The benefits of Low Rise Medium Density Housing. Retrieved from https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/policy-and-legislation/housing/medium-density-housing Giles-Corti, B., Hooper, P., Foster, S., Koohsari, M., & Francis, J. (2014). Low density development: Impacts on physical activity and associated health outcomes. Retrieved from https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/images/uploads/ publications/FINAL_Heart_Foundation_Low_density_Report_September_2014.pdf Jacobs, J. (1985). The death and life of great American cities. New York: Vintage Books.

Johanson, S (2013). Tower boom on horizon as developers eye Footscray. Retrieved from https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/tower-boom-on-horizon-as-developers-eye-footscray-20130813-2ruhx.htm Maribyrnong City Council. (2011). Maribyrnong Housing Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/planning-services-documents/city-strategy/reference-and-incorp-documents/maribyrnong-housingstrategy-december-2011.pdf.

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Maribyrnong City Council. (2014). Footscray River Edge Master Plan. Retrieved from https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/planning-services-documents/city-design/projects/river-edge/footscray-river-edge-masterplan.pdf.

Maribyrnong City Council. (2016). Health and Wellbeing Profile. Retrieved from https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/council-plans-reports-and-publications/council-plan/maribyrnong-city-council-municipal-health-andwellbeing-profile.pdf.

Metropolis Research. (2017). Maribyrnong City Council: 2017 Annual Community Survey Overview Report. Retrieved from https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/corporate-services-documents/organisational-development/ community-satisfaction-survey/mcc-2017-annual-community-survey-overview-report.pdf.

Maribyrnong City Council (2018). The history of Footscray and surrounds. Retrieved from https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Discover-Maribyrnong/Our-history-and-heritage/The-history-of-Footscray-and-surrounds Newton, P. (2017). Becoming more urban: attitudes to medium-density living are changing in Sydney and Melbourne. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/becoming-more-urban-attitudes-to-medium-density-living-are-changing-insydney-and-melbourne-84693 Renewal SA. (2018). People Partnerships Progress: Affordable Housing. Retrieved from https://renewalsa.sa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Developer-Information-Sheet-01_An-overview-of-the-affordable-housing-process.pdf Szucs, Á. (2013). Wind comfort in a public urban space—Case study within Dublin Docklands. Frontiers Of Architectural Research, 2(1), 50-66. doi: 10.1016/j.foar.2012.12.002 Urban Enterprise. (2017). Maribyrnong Tourism Visitation Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/council-strategies-and-policies/maribrynong-tourism-visitation-strategy-final-pdf.pdf.

VicRoads (2017). VicRoads Open Data: Traffic Volumes. Retrieved from https://vicroadsopendata-vicroadsmaps.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/traffic-volume Victorian Integrated Survey of Travel and Activity (VISTA). (2018). LGA Profiler. Retrieved from https://public.tableau.com/profile/vista#!/vizhome/VISTA-LGAProfilerAccess/LocalGovernmentAreaprofiles Wellington City Council. (2000). Volume 2: Design Guides, Non-statutory Design Guides, Design Guidelines for Wind. Retrieved from https://wellington.govt.nz/~/media/your-council/plans-policies-and-bylaws/district-plan/volume02/files/ v2wind.pdf?la=en

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