Urban Precinct Studio Capstone: Footscray Healthy Precinct

P lanning for H ealthy L iving Kyle Wood K yle W ood

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to acknowledge the individuals and groups who have offered their support and made contributions to the development of this document.

I would like to thank Derrick Lim Wei Yang for being the best group member, best friend, best inspiration, best coach, and best brother I could imagine

I would like to thank my tutor Leila Mahmoudi Farahani for her helpful insights, guidance, and encouragement to keep this plan on the right track while in development.

I would like to thank my group members Nancy Hwanhee Yoo, Samuel Hill, and Jonathon Christie for significant contributions and continuous discussion throughout the semester on how to best improve Footscray. I also appreciate perspectives offered by friends and colleagues outside of the Urban Precinct Studio subject, as well as the community of Footscray.

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PRINCIPAL PARTNERS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 6 STRATEGIC DIRECTION 8 DOCUMENT STRUCTURE 9 PLANNING PROCESS 10 METROPOILITAN CONTEXT 12 LOCAL CONTEXT 14 VISION 16

STRATEGIC DIRECTION 40 FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS 42 OVERVIEW 44 STRATEGY MAP 45 COMMUNITY CENTRE 46 MIXED USE EMPHASIS 48 HOUSING AFFORDABILITY 49

TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT 18 HISTORY 20 ZONING 21 BUILDING HEIGHT 22 LAND USE 23 COMMUNITY PROFILE 24 HOUSING 26 AFFORDABILITY 27 TRANSPORT 28 PUBLIC SPACE 30

ACCESS & MOVEMENT 50

OVERVIEW 52 STRATEGY MAP 53 PEDESTRIAN PRIORITY 54 TRAIN LINE OVERPASS 55 BICYCLE NETWORK 56 WALKING MOORE ST 57

ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES 32 FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS 34 ACCESS & MOVEMENT 36 PUBLIC SPACES 38

PUBLIC SPACES 58

OVERVIEW 60 STRATEGY MAP 61 MADDERN SQUARE 62 FOOTSCRAY STATION 64 ON-STREET TREES 65 CONCLUSION 66 IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE 68 SUMMARY 69 REFERENCES 70

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FOOTSCRAY COLLEGE FLEMINGTON RACECOURSE WESTERN HEALTH FOOTSCRAY

WHITTEN OVAL

MIDDLE FOOTSCRAY TRAIN STATION

WEST SWANSTON DOCK TERMINAL

5

INTRODUCTION

6

7

INTRODUCTION

STRATEGIC DIRECTION FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

VIBRANT ACTIVITY CENTRE

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

CULTURAL DIVERSITY

ACCESS & MOVEMENT

ACTIVE TRANSPORT

ADAPTIVE NETWORKS

PUBLIC SPACES

QUALITY GREEN SPACE

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BELONGING

Footscray’s population is projected to grow by 101% from 2013 to 2031 (ABS, 2016), so it is crucial that infrastructure is in place for a healthy lifestyle as quickly as possible for the residents of Footscray since this rapid densification will only exponentially proliferate the pre-existing issues. The Footscray Metropolitan Activity Centre (FMAC) serves as a focal point to the entire precinct and presents a dinstinguished opportunity to fulfill many aspects of healthy living simultaneously with careful planning. For example, the FMAC attracts a high volume of residents already, so by offering high quality green space within such a high frequency area, the effect will become even stronger than if it was located elsewhere. Additionally the same can be said about the spectularly diverse make up of cultures in Footscray. Public spaces and encouraging a sense of community would go a long way to facilitate cohesion. Finally, considering the significance of the Footscray train station, with viable active transport pathways from residential areas to the station, not only will some cars be removed from the flow of traffic, but those residents will see the benefits of biking or walking as well.

In essence, Footscray is transitioning from a historical suburb with an active core to a true high density living area, which will need to include provisions for affordability, cultural diversity, active transport networks, and high quality green space in order to offer those who call it home a healthy lifestyle.

INTRODUCTION

DOCUMENT STRUCTURE INTRODUCTION

ISSUES & OPPORTUNITIES CONCLUSION

The purpose of the introduction provide a background to the contents of this document.

This is done firstly by describing the process in which this document was created, including the different stages and roles of key contributors.

This is followed by detailing the geographic location of Footscray and the significance that comes from its location. Finally, the vision statement is the key guideline to the entire structure plan, guiding every forthcoming proposal.

The Issues & Opportunities takes the Technical Assessment a step further by interpreting which aspects of Footscray can be identified as issues, and which opportunities are present as well for planning to pose an action and solution in turn.

This section is the preparation for any proposals by clarifying and justifying actions.

TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT’ The technical assessment defines and quantifies Footscray in regards to an array of different categories. By forming a statistical and factual grounding, the rest of the report is then able to draw from the Technical Assessment in order to understand Footscray

The Conclusion completes the document by outlining how the Structure Plan will be implemented, including a detailed schedule, and offering the reference and index.

STRUCTURE PLAN The Structure Plan builds from the Issues & Opportunities in order to resolve or improve in the most imperative ways for the future of Footscray. By offering in-depth proposals for explicit areas of the precinct or detailed descriptions of solutions, the vision for the future of Footscray is fully actualised.

9

INTRODUCTION

PLANNING PROCESS July 23rd - August 6th

August 7th - August 18th

August 19th - September 1st

STAGE 1: Observation

STAGE 2: Technical Assessment

In order to gain an understanding of the site and its character, we spent time on site immersing ourselves as a group and developing our understanding of the strengths and weaknesses. This was backed by statistical investigation and bringing all of these pieces together through group discussions.

As a team, our group assembled the most pointed and meaningful information we collected into a technical assessment with each member forcusing on one section in particular. The end result was a robust analysis of Footscray which would form the basis for all further interpretation and proposals.

STAGE 3: Issues and Opportunities

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From the technical assessment, our group began to understand which aspects of Footscray needed attention or improvement, and how these improvements could make sense with both the pre-existing character and infrastructure. These issues and opportunities which were defined wouldin turn inform our individual proposals.

INTRODUCTION

September 2nd - September 20th

September 20th - October 1st

September 20th - October 1st

STAGE 4: Individual Concept Development

STAGE 5: Individual Concept Presentation

STAGE 6: Precinct Structure Plan

Taking everything we had gathered about Footscray, we then formulated our own solutions to the issues and opportunities that had been established. By creating an individual vision for the future of Footscray, tangible actions were conceived.

By organising all of the components from the process up to this point, a presentation was put together for the studio leader and guest critics. Feedback received was considered into the formulation of this document.

This cohesive document was finalised with ideas from all parties involved, and organised into a clear narrative.

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INTRODUCTION

METROPOLITAN CONTEXT The City of Maribyrnong is an inner ring LGA with an area of 31.2 km2, positioned north-west of Melbourne. Maribyrnong is home to a population of 82,288 people, with 40% of the population born overseas (profile.id, 2016). Maribyrnong is defined by its close proximity to the Melbourne CBD, its hallmark river, and cultural diversity, and historical character.

Photo by Sarah Osborne

Photo by Sarah Osborne

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Photo by Sarah Osborne

INTRODUCTION

Whittlesea Hume Nillumbik

Melton Yarra Rangers

Wyndham

Cardinia

Mornington Peninsula

5

10

KM 15

20

25

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INTRODUCTION

LOCAL CONTEXT Footscray is situated along the eastern border of the City of Maribyrnong, and considering the limited pathways between western Metropolitan Melbourne and the CBD across the Maribyrnong River, Footscray acts as a gateway to the west. With its rich multicultural character, luscious parks, and bustling Footscray Metropolitan Activity Centre (FMAC), it serves as a destination for a broad range of people.

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INTRODUCTION

Footscray

Melbourne CBD

KM 0.5

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

15

VISION Footscray will further develop as a hub for CULTURAL DIVERSITY, while promoting healthy, ACTIVE LIVING, and continuously embracing integration across all groups of people. Footscray will lead the way towards inclusive city design and planning by focusing on delivering ADAPTABLE NETWORKS; more AFFORDABLE HOUSING; access to QUALITY GREEN SPACE; and a versatile, VIBRANT ACTIVITY CENTRE that attracts visitors with a sense of BELONGING 16

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TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT

Photo by Samuel Hill

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TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT

HISTORY Aboriginal Land xB.C.

1803

For more than 40,000 years, the area that we now know as Footscray was home to the Woi murrung and Boonwurrung tribes of the Kulin nation (Maribyrnong Council, 2016).

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Industrial Zone

Pastures 1870s

The first European to arrive in Footscray was Charles Grimes in 1803 (Friends of Newell’s Paddock, 2018). Following European settlement, the area became home to pastures in which cattle and sheep were transported across (Friends of Newell’s Paddock, 2018).

Activity Centre 1970s

In the 1870s, Newell’s Paddock was home to William Angliss’ Abattoir.

Footscray became a booming industrial area throughout, and the population tripled from almost 6,000 to 19,000 between 1881 and 1891 (Maribyrnong Council, 2016).

TODAY

Today Footscray is a popular destination for eating out or riding a bike along the river. It has become a bustling destination in the heart of western Melbourne with a distinct character and plenty to do.

TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT

ZONING GRZ1 NRZ1 PUZ2 ACZ1 MUZ1 SUZ1 PUZ1 PPRZ1

HO 29.5% DDO 44.5% DPO 0.8% NCO 1.2%

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 into account roads, height limits and already approved developments, the amount of land that is left to be developed is quite limited.

ACZ1 31.5% GRZ1 11.6% MU2 0.2% NRZ 9.6% PRZ 30.6% PUZ 6.4% RZ 7.8% SUZ 2.3% UFZ 0.01%

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TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT

BUILDING HEIGHT Height LimitThe building height limits of our

Precinct | Footscray precinct tell a story of the character

of each area. The highest bulding height limits are that of the Joseph Road precinct, which is where all of the major residential developments are underway. The FMAC, with all of its shops and various commercial uses has a medium height limit. Finally, The northern section of our precint which contains heritage housing has a two floor height limit, meaning that development is practically not an option in this area. This height limit map suggests a problematic stratification of character, in which activity is extremely concentrated and the principles of balanced, healthy living which can be induced through mixed use are far from reach by these measures.

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

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

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Map by Samuel Hill

TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT

LAND USE CONSTRUCTION VACANT RESIDENTIAL OFFICES construction & WORK

vacant RESTAURANTS residential MIXED USE offices & work RETAIL & COMMERCIAL restaurants mixed use retail & commercial

Visit Map by Derrick Lim

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TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT

COMMUNITY PROFILE 100+ Countries of birth

ਕਾਲ

੍ਰੀ ਅ

85+

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नम

ちは ello こんに

h ‫ابحرم‬

여보세요

xin chào

你好

Χ zd ra ‫ לש‬αίρετ vo ‫םו‬ ε Halo

Languages spoken

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28+ Cultural groups

The current population of the study area is 4083 (ABS, 2016). According to the ABS Census (2016), the most populous age groups in the study area are the ‘young workforce’, from ages 25 to 34, at 29.9% and the ‘parents and home-builders’, from ages 35 to 49, whom comprise 20.5% of the population. In comparison to the state region of Victoria, the study area has larger proportions of the ‘tertiary student and independent’ age group, from ages 18 to 24, (15% compared to 10.9%) and the ‘young workforce age group, from ages 35 to 49, (29.9% compared to 23.1%). There is a low percentage of residents under 18 years of age at 13% in the study area compared to 21.8% across

Victoria. Footscray has a wealth of cultural diversity, with a prominent presence from profoundly broad range of ethnic backgrounds, only 41.1% of the population was born in Australia (profile.id, 2016).

The African and Vietnamese presences are a huge component of Footscray’s character, with Little Africa along Nicholson Street and much of Footscray market and the FMAC as a whole being comprised of Vietnamese restaurants and grocers. In terms of ancestry, 11.5% of the population is of Vietnamese descent, 9.9% is of Chinese descent, 9.0% is of Irish descent, and 6.9% is of Indian descent (profile.id, 2016).

TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT

COMMUNITY PROFILE Percent of population

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Precinct Population Age Distribution (SA1)

25 20 15 10 5 0

0-18

19-24

25-34

35-49

50-59

60+

Age Group

Study Area

Victoria

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TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT

HOUSING Projections by the ABS (2016) estimate that Footscray’s population will more than double to reach 49,021 in 2041. However, the average household size will decrease to 2.16 persons per household. Unsurprisingly, forecasts by age group illustrate the trend of an aging population. The ‘Young Workforce’ and ‘Parents and Homemakers’ age groups will remain the most dominant. However, older ages 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. 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 about the growth of 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. As projections indicate that the number of households will grow at a faster rate than the population, future planning must also be wary not to exacerbate issues directly related to health such as car dependency.

Consumption patterns of goods such as cars and housing follow the growth rate of households and not population (Palmer, 2006).

5205+ New Dwellings

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TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT

AFFORDABILITY Brunswick West 1,122,000

Moonee Ponds 1,303,850

Brunswick 1,128,000 Northcote 1,345,000

Ascot Vale 1,130,000

Flemington 995,000

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.

Brunswick East 1,090,000

Fairfield 1,350,000

SUBURB

Footscray 898,000

AVG HOUSE COST ($)

DISTANCE TO CBD (KM)

Ascot Vale 1,130,000 5 Brunswick 1,128,000 4

Kew 2,180,000

Brunswick East 1,090,000 6 Brunswick West 1,122,000 6

CBD

Yarraville 983,500

Fairfield 1,350,000 6

Hawthorn 2,132,500

Port Melbourne 1,470,000

Flemington

995,000

4

Footscray

898,000

5

Hawthorn 2,132,500 6 Kew 2,180,000 6

Toorak 4,160,000

Moonee Ponds 1,303,850 7 Northcote 1,345,000 7

Prahran 1,466,750 St Kilda 921,000

Port Melbourne 1,470,000 5 Prahran 1,466,750 5

Windsor 1,338,750

St. Kilda

921,000

6

Toorak 4,160,000 5 2km

Map by Nancy Yoo

Windsor 1,338,750 7 Yarraville

983,000

8

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TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT

TRANSPORT 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. In addition, based on the diagram, a significantly high 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. Suggest that residents in Maribyrnong still rely predominantly on privately-owned cars as their 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 its 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.

Total Tri ps in Maribyrnong from 2012-16 on an average weekday

Private Vehicles 70.64%

Maribyrnong City’s Residents

Place of Work (LGA, ABS, 2016)

OUTSIDE

WITHIN

77.8%

2.9%

30km

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

2.5k

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

0

2.5

240,000 tri ps

NOT FIXED

19.2%

10

m

10km

30km

Walking 16.9%

46.6% 30.5% 9.5%

Public Transport 9%

Proportion of workers in Footscray Source: Australian Bureau Statistics, Census of Population and Housing, 2016.

0

28

Graphic by Derrick Lim

5

10km

Bicycle 3.4%

TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT

TRANSPORT As measured by VicRoads (2017), Ballarat Road, Hopkins Street and Napier Street have significantly high traffic volumes and are identified by Maribyrnong City Council (2012) to be the main three corridors connecting Footscray to Western Melbourne and the Melbourne CBD. This is important as it has a positive correlation to the high number of reported accidents which

have occured along these high traffic volume roads. Consequently, given the high number of reported accidents in the precinct, there is a cluster of accidents involving cars and pedestrians in the activity centre, threatening the level of safety. This is crucial as it adversely affects the quality of pedestrian experience in providing a safe environment. Furthermore, these

472 h Ave. Farnswort

accidents all occurred within a speed limit zone between 60-80km/h. According to Anderson et al. (1997), the probability of pedestrian fatality is 60-100% in the event of a crash at an impact speed of 60-80km/h, while at 40-50km/h, the chance of fatality drops tremendously to 25%.

Therefore, there is a dire need for implementing a pedestrian zone around the business areas.

Bus Routes & Frequencies

409

Farnsworth Ave.

Accidents

High Point Footscray Hospital

406

409

Vic Uni 406 409

Ballarat Rd.

Ballarat Rd.

409 406

406 472

Hopkins

LEED ST/PAISLEY ST 411 412 220

Traffic Volume (VicRoads, 2017)

St. 216 219 2 402 02 2 403

414 410 472 FOOTSCRAY STATION AT N ATION 402 403 216

Frequency of Bus Services peak hours (11am-5pm)

Tram Bus Train

0 0 0

404 406 409

403, 402, 411, 412 216, 219, 220, 223 404, 406, 409, 414 410, 472

22 2 20

Transit Centre Bus Stop

Map by Jonno Cristie

M

12,0001 - 24,000 vehicles 24,001 - 105,000 vehicles

M

Every 20 minutes Every 30 minutes

M

Every 40 minutes

M

Every 50/60 minutes Type of Car Accidents Reported (2012-2017)

High rate of car accidents

Transit Centre Bus Stop

Collision with another vehicle Struck pedestrian Losing control over vehicle

St.

Traffic Volume (VicRoads, 2017)

(VicRoads, 2017)

Nap ier St .

220

Map by Derrick Lim

5101 - 12,000 vehicles

Medium High Frequency of Bus Services peak hours 11AM-5PM

219 220 223

every 20 mins every 30 mins every 40 mins every 50/60 mins

Whit ehal l St.

0

Hopkins

Low

Whit ehal l St.

LEED ST/HOPKINS SSTT 216 219 223 23 3

Moore St.

404 40

Moore St.

Nicholson

St.

Nicholson St.

404

Nap ier St .

Low - 5,101-12,000 vehicles Medium - 12,001-24,000 vehicles High - 24,001-105,000 vehicles High rate of car accidents

Type of Car Accidents Reported (2012-2017) (VicRoads, 2017) Collision with another vehicle Struck pedestrian Lost control of vehicle

Map by Derrick Lim

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TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT

PUBLIC SPACE 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 Victoria University, Footscray Park, Newells Paddock, and Footscray

Arts Centre. 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. As a reult, the effects of this spaces are not carried on throughout the FMAC.

58% People satisfied with amount of open grassed areas

30% Consider the amount of seating adeqate

1

2

3

1

Victoria University

2

Footscray Park 4

3

4 100

Newell’’s Paddock Arts Centre Lawn 30

100

Scale (meters) 300 200 400

500

200

300

400

500

TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT

Munroe Square

Newell’s Paddock

Donald St Reserve

Swaby Square Leunig Place Reserve

Grimes Reserve

Cornwall Reserve

Maribyrnong River Reserve

Maddern Reserve

Ercildoune Reserve

Footscray Arts Centre

Seelaf Square Cornwall Reserve

Footscray Park

300,000m2

Victoria University

120,000m2

McCoy Reserve

Tannery Reserve 9,500m2

4,000m2

0m2

Despite Footscray’s wealth of green space, it is not accessible by everyone. There are sizeable gaps without access to regional park within our precinct in addition to the poor pedestrian conditions of major roads such as Moore Street and Ballarat Road, which not only detracts from the appeal of walking to one of the regional parks, but also makes it physically more difficult than a usual, with difficult crossings and long wait times, as well as frequent freighter truck use. Unfortunately, every one of these larger regional parks is along the river, leaving the rest of the area with embarrassingly small local parks of virtually no use. Although these small local parks technically attribute the nearby residents with green space in close proximity, they are as good as useless. In addition to this, a survey from the City of Maribyrnong found that of the 37% of respondents who wished to access green space but did not, 54% did not because of safety concerns (Maribyrnong City Council, 2014).

Perhaps a portion of these safety concerns are unavoidable on account of the fact that the regional green spaces are in large part isolated from the rest of the precinct’s activity, but the percentage of safety concerns is far too high regardless, and having so many people fear for their safety in open spaces stands as a glaring obstacle to healthy living in Footscray.

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ISSUES & OPPORTUNITIES

32

33

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

ISSUE 1.0 1.1 Poor sense of community within the FMAC, lack of integration The FMAC is largely partitioned into separate ethnic pockets, which is an asset for maintaining character, however it beomes necessary for Footscray as a collective to have shared spaces and activities in order to garner acceptance and equality.

1.2 FMAC is monofunctional,

visitors do not stay for long The FMAC is extremely popular for eating out, but with that function alone, the area is missing out on a lot of potential. As it stands, the FMAC is not somewhere where people go to stay, or to do multiple activities. This can change with smarter planning.

1.3 New developments threaten to gentrify Footscray

Given it’s positioning as an inner ring suburb, Footscray’s population is booming. As a result, property development is in high demand and many developers are looking to maximise profit instead of maintaining traditional social heritage.

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FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

OPPORTUNITY 1.0 1.1 Vacant building within Maddern

Square at the heart of the FMAC Maddern Square has an invaluable location in regards to the FMAC and encouraging more varied visitation.

As it stands, it offers little to no reason to want to spend time there, however the proximity it offers to important destinations means it has potential

1.2 Many pass through FMAC, could have more diverse activity FMAC falls short because it does not foster enough mixed used and therefore enough reasons to stay. With a focus in the future on new developments offering multiple functions, the FMAC and Footscray as a whole will become more vibrant and fulfilled

1.3

Increased dwellings create chances to try housing schemes Considering the development boom occurring in Footscray, gentrification runs the risk of ousting people and socioecomic classes who are integral to Footscray’s character. Planning can ensure that the type of people who have always called Footscray home may continue to do so.

35

ACCESS & MOVEMENT

ISSUE 2.0 2.1 Car-oriented design impedes high density future Footscray is becoming more and more dense, and given its character as a gateway to the west, it is largely designed for cars instead of people.

2.2 Train line acts as a barrier to new developments The Joseph Road precinct will see a huge demand to reach the FMAC, but to do so walking is quite difficult as it stands.

2.3 Moore Street is an crucial pathway, but unwalkable Connecting a large portion of the residential area to the FMAC, as well as linking towards the river parks, the design is not welcoming enough.

2.4 Bicycle network is fragmented and disconnected Footscray is fortunate enough to have a flat terrain, but this is entirely misused for cars instead of active transport networks.

36

ACCESS & MOVEMENT

OPPORTUNITY 2.0 2.1 Existing parking is sufficient to replace on-street parking On-street parking consumes critical spaces within the FMAC, however there are two major parking garages that have enough space to justify the removal of on-street parking.

2.2 Train line goes underground, road ends on either side The Joseph Road precinct enjoys a clear view towards the FMAC, though in order to utilise this they need to cross over the train line.

2.3 High volume of pedestrian activity on Moore Street The footpath holds multiple bus stops, crosswalks, and shop fronts, so it can become a great asset if it were given some effort.

2.4 Wide roads allow for reconstruction The car-oriented design of Footscray means that there is plenty of space within the roads to reconstruct into more active transport oriented design.

37

PUBLIC SPACES

ISSUE 3.0 3.1 Insufficient access to quality green space For anyone that is not within close proximity of the parks along the river, there is no viable quality green spaces anywhere else within the precinct.

3.2 Poor canopy cover makes footpaths unwalkable Although there are trees throughout the footpaths of the precinct, they offer minimal to no canopy coverage or relief from the busy roads.

38

PUBLIC SPACES

OPPORTUNITY 3.0 3.1 Several underused or misused open spaces Many areas within the FMAC and throughout the precinct are technically open spaces but do not offer any tangible amentiy to residents. This is an opportunity to improve upon this by using open spaces more effectively.

3.2 Footpaths are spacious

enough for new trees

With sensible choices for tree planting, roads like Moore Street and Hopkins Road could see exponentially improved canopy cover and relief.

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STRATEGIC DIRECTION

40

41

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS 42

OBJ 1.1

OBJ 1.2

OBJ 1.3

VIBRANT ACTIVITY CENTRE

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

CULTURAL DIVERSITY

KEY OBJECTIVES 43

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

OVERVIEW

Considering rapid densification projected to overtake Footscray, planning for future developments is crucial.

By proposing a new community centre, an emphasis on mixed use, and new housing affordability policies, the precinct will become more favourable for its residents.

ACTIONS A1.1

Proposed Community Centre

An additional community centre for activities and gatherings within the FMAC will work to further strengthen and stitch together the diverse range of people who live in Footscray. This will be especially important for healthy living considering the rapid population growth.

A1.3 Housing Affordability Zone Looking to Vienna, their plan to provide affordable housing not only does that, but works towards societal integration as well. By allowing tenants to stay as long as they like, an opportunity arrives for traditionally lower class social housing to maintian some middle class professional aged residents.

A1.2 Mixed Use Emphasis Considering the instantaneous nature of the Joseph Road precinct developments, the area is at risk of becoming too monotonous or too purely residential.

Therefore, it becomes the councils responsibility to ensure that the area will be vibrant and active through mixed use design.

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OBJ 1.1

OBJ 1.2

OBJ 1.3

VIBRANT ACTIVITY CENTRE

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

CULTURAL DIVERSITY

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

STRATEGY MAP A1.1

Proposed Community Centre

To complement the redesigned Maddern Square, a Community Centre will provide space for social interaction and integration

A1.2

Mixed Use Emphasis

With the new establishment of the Joseph Road precinct community, shops and sesrvices will be necessary within the same buildings

A1.3

Housing Affordability Zone

Footscray’s housing prices are booming, meaning that gentrification and character loss are looming. An innovative housing scheme can make the difference.

45

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

COMMUNITY CENTRE Footscray is home to more than 28 different active ethnic community groups. However, there is a distinct lack of overall cohesion between the different smaller groups. A whole, united Footscray could lead to a safer social environment with more inclusion and welcoming atmosphere. This is not only important across different ethnic groups but also the new wave of young, single living, professionalaged adults moving into new developments. An additional community centre within the core of the FMAC will not only draw pedestrians to an underutilised space, but also work to make Footscray more exciting and engaging.

ACTIONS A1.1

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A1.2

A1.3

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

Turning to Footscray Library, it offers an active and bustling social setting not only for community amenity, but for interactions, engagements and familiarisation that can drive the sense of community to a higher level, allowing residents who are interested in participating in various cultures a platform to do so. This is achieved through curated events, tailored reading selections, open public activity spaces, and a fully realised embrace of Footscray’s true character. By using Footscray Library as an example, a community centre located closer to the direct heart of the FMAC will provide more of the same beneficial effect. Not only will this community centre offer social benefits, but it will also work to undo the FMAC’s definition as a place that is only for restaurants and groceries.

Coupling a new community centre with a revamped Maddern Square will mean that the centre of the FMAC will be a pleasant, attractive location to spend time in, as opposed to a dangerous, menacing one. Community hubs such as the Footscray Library and the Footscray Arts Centre serve as huge assets to the embrace and transfusion of Footscray’s multicultural identity. The direction in which these facilities point the community should be even further realised with an expansion within the FMAC.

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FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

MIXED USE EMPHASIS Developments

Precinct | Footscray

Undergoing Planning Assessment Under Construction Approved Potential Development Sites Proposed Green Space

Map by Samuel Hill

Undergoing Planning Assessment Under Construction Approved Potential Development

ACTIONS A1.1

48

A1.2

A1.3

Proposed Green Space

The Joseph Road precinct is developing at a breakneck pace, and it is already in jeopardy of becoming too residential, making the area dead and going against the principles of “eyes on the street�, which is proven to be conducive to healthy living (Jacobs, 1961). In order to combat this Maribyrnong Council should advocate for mixed use developments through the use of incentives and preferential selection. By offering residents of the new Joseph Road precinct

enough land use diversity, healthy living will become significantly simpler and the 20 minute city can be a reality. Currently, residents of the Joseph Road precinct may have to navigate through busy traffic all the way around the train tracks in order to reach the FMAC. By implementing space for not only living, but working and shopping, the Joseph Road precinct can become an autonomous neighborhood in and of itself.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY With reference to the rapid development and accompanying gentrification that Footscray is facing, residents who could once afford to stay in Footscray are now under housing stress. The blue collar workers are pivotal to the character of the suburb, and the culture of Footscray is at risk of being lost due

to gentrification. One model for housing affordability that not only offers residents secure pricing, but also encourages social integration is the Vienna Model. Vienna’s city government owns about 25% of the city’s housing stock, and these units are reserved primarily for lower income residents. In this scheme,

residents are never forced out of a unit, regardless of how high their household income may rise. This allows for a substantial level of middle-income residents sharing the same spaces as those with lower income. As a result, the proximity encourages social inclusion.

25% Social Housing

ACTIONS A1.1

A1.2

A1.3

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ACCESS & MOVEMENT 50

OBJ 2.1 ACTIVE TRANSPORT

OBJ 2.2 ADAPTIVE NETWORKS

KEY OBJECTIVES 51

ACCESS & MOVEMENT

OVERVIEW

As Footscray becomes more dense, the shift away from car-oriented transport and towards active transport becomes increasingly inevitable. Therefore, it becomes necessary to account for the booming future population of Footscray and imagine how they will mobilise. As a result, the existing transport networks need change.

ACTIONS

52

A2.1 Pedestrian Priority

A2.3 Bicycle Network

The FMAC is the area of Footscray which sees the most pedestrian traffic, and that is a natural result of the high level of activity within. By removing on-street parking within this space, we can hand over the FMAC to the pedestrian, as they inevitably become the dominant mode of transport.

In appreciation of the flat terrain and wide arterial roads, there is a high potential for a bicycle network to run through Footscray. This can be connected with linkages outside of the precinct to allow residents a tangible option for active transport.

A2.2 Train Line Overpass

A2.4 Moore Street Renewal

The increase in population coming directly to the concentrated area of the Joseph Road precinct makes it necessary to assess that areas linkages and determine how to provide sensible networks to the rest of the precinct. By connecting the Joseph Road precinct towards the FMAC, new residents will appreciate the convenience.

Moore Street poses a great opportunity to renew Footscray. What is currently an unpleasant pedestrian interface has the potential to become a main pathway for residents and visitors alike.

OBJ 2.1

OBJ 2.2

ACTIVE TRANSPORT

ADAPTIVE NETWORKS

ACCESS & MOVEMENT

STRATEGY MAP A2.1

Pedestrain Priority Zone

Focused exclusively on the FMAC, by removing on-street parking the quality of experience will increase significantly.

A2.2

A2.3

A2.4

Proposed Train Line Overpass

Connecting the Joseph Road precinct to the rest of Footscray while also providing biodiversity linkages over the train line will be a great asset to residents health.

Existing Bike Lanes Proposed Bike Lanes

Increasing bike connectivity on a broad scale will open up the options available for active transport in Footscray.

Moore Street Renewal

Repurposing this key corridor from a car-oriented design to an active transport oriented design will alter Footscray’s image entirely.

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ACCESS & MOVEMENT

PEDESTRIAN PRIORITY HOPKINS STREET As the FMAC becomes increasingly dense, it is necessary to shift car parking from on-street into vertical parking garages. Currently, there is only about 69 on-street parking spaces in the FMAC, most of which is on Hopkins Street. Thankfully there are two large parking garages within the FMAC in Footscray Plaza holding 320 parking bays (Carepark, 2018) and 124 parking bays at Little Saigon Market (Fitzroys, 2018). With these provisions, the on-street parking becomes less necessary and can make increased space for pedestrian crossings. As a result not only will the streets be more pleasant to walk, but they will also be safer.

ACTIONS A2.1

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A2.2

A2.3

A2.4

EXISTING

PROPOSED

ACCESS & MOVEMENT

TRAIN LINE OVERPASS

EXISTING

PROPOSED

In order to connect the Joseph Road precinct to the FMAC, a land bridge through the corner of Warde Street and Whitehall Street which reaches across to the Fordham Reserve offers abundant opportunity. The train line can be bridged by a grass strip and a canopy cover and a paved walkway. This will work not only to provide a pathway for pedestrians, but also a wildlife corridor across a previously inpenetrable barrier. Doing so will aid the overall natural health of the area, provide a unique view for visitors, and significantly lower walking time for residents of the Joseph Road precinct to reach the FMAC.

ACTIONS A2.1

A2.2

A2.3

A2.4

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ACCESS & MOVEMENT

BICYCLE NETWORK EXISTING STREET SECTIONS Section A Ballarat Road

3m

2m

1.8m

10m

4m

10m

1.8m

on-street bicycle lanes off-street bicycle lanes

2m

potential on-street bicycle lanes

MOORE ST

Section B

Elevation (m):

Moore Street

After assessing some of the major roads within the precinct, it was apparent that space used for vehicular travel is overbearing. A key aspect of high density living is the principle of increasingly convenient active transport.

In order to accomodate for the future residents, bicycle networks must be reinvigorated. Doing so will allow linkages from outside the precinct throughout Footscray, allowing biking to become a viable option for residents and visitors alike.

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3.2m

7m

7m

3.2m

25

20

15

10

A

BARKLY ST

30

B

Section C

D

C

Barkly Street 3m

2m

5m

5m

2m

2m

HOPKINS ST Section D Hopkins Street 2m

7m

1.5m

9.5m

BALLARAT RD

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A2.2

Map by Derrick Lim

Existing Bike path

ACTIONS A2.1

1.5m

A2.3

A2.4

Proposed Bike path

100

Scale (meters) 300 200 400

500

ACCESS & MOVEMENT

MOORE STREET RENEWAL 1.8m

3m

10m

4m

10m

1.8m

2m

Not only does Moore Street lack suitable bicycle linkages, but it also seriously lacks canopy coverage. In order to resolve this, bicycle lanes should be implemented to either side of the street and trees with more generous canopy coverage have been included to reduce urban heat island effect, offer canopy coverage, and provide a buffer between the road and the footpath.

7m

3.2m

A

Graphic by Derrick 7m Lim

PROPOSED

3.2m

2m

EXISTING

3m

B NISSAN

5.8m

1.9m

1.9m

5.8m

2.5m

D

C

2.5m

2m

5m

5m

2m

2m

ACTIONS A2.1

A2.2

ACTIONS A2.3

A2.4

A2.1

A2.2

A2.3

A2.4

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PUBLIC SPACES 58

OBJ 3.1

OBJ 3.2

QUALITY GREEN SPACE

BELONGING

KEY OBJECTIVES 59

PUBLIC SPACES

OVERVIEW ACTIONS A3.1

Maddern Square Renewal

Maddern Square is perhaps the most valuable public space in all of our precinct in terms of location.

Situated right within the heart of the FMAC, it still sees minimal usage as a result of unwelcoming design and poor maintenance. Renewing Maddern Square will be the key to rejuvenating the FMAC.

Although the precinct is roughly covered by roughly one third public spaces, much of the residents still have very poor access to quality public spaces. This is the result of the largely built environment that composes all of the land that does not border the Maribyrnong River. Apart from the river parks, the few existing green spaces are poor quality.

A3.3 On-Street Trees Throughout the precinct there is a healthy number of trees, however these trees are either deteriorating, or so small and feeble that they do not have any meaningful impact on residents. As a result, we can look to the most vulnerable areas and reupholster the planted trees for additional pedestrian amenity.

A3.2 Footscray Station Footscray Station is also a very important destination, considering that 78% of Maribyrnong’s population works outside of the municipality. The station sees heavy pedestrian traffic and has a very poor interface, so improving a destination that affects so many will have a lasting impact.

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OBJ 3.1

OBJ 3.2

QUALITY GREEN SPACE

BELONGING

PUBLIC SPACES

STRATEGY MAP A3.1

Maddern Square Renewal

Within the core of the FMAC, offering residents a place to relax and escape is momentous for health.

A3.2

Footscray Station

As one of the most iconic destinations in the whole suburb, the unfriendly design calls for attention.

A3.3

On-Street Trees

By upgrading the canopy network, mental health, environmental health, and active transport will benefit.

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PUBLIC SPACES

MADDERN SQUARE Today Maddern Square consists of sprawling, dirty concrete, graffiti’d walls, a handful of diminsihed trees, a few bike loops, and a depressing raised grassy parcel. This is a result of the space being viewed primarily as a rear vehicle entrance to shops which circle the exterior. Despite the fact that Maddern Square is entirely surrounded by shops and restaurants, it sees very minimal usage as a recreational space. The potential for this space to serve as a community amenity is higher than any other location within the precinct. Taking into account the sweeping range of cultures that the surrounding shops hail from, Maddern Square serves as an opportunity for unity. In this redesign the surrounding walls will be covered with various cultural murals instead of the pre-existing graffiti.

ACTIONS A3.1

62

A3.2

A3.3

PUBLIC SPACES

In addition to the square, the Nicholson Street alleyway is another example of an underutilised space. By connecting the two spaces through greenery, the entire area will not only become cleaner and more welcoming, but it will serve as a break from the monotonous built environment of the FMAC. This path from Nicholson Street is designed to allure visitors to unwind within Maddern Square, where they will be met with three different wall murals: one which celebrates various elements of African culture (see red), one which celebrates Vietnamese culture (see blue), and one which celebrates the Australian heritage and traditional character of Footscray (see yellow). This serves as a preface to the proposed community centre in the same space. The cohesion between these proposals aligns with the notion of a future Footscray which embraces a sense of belonging to everyone and a holistic quality space with all of the necessary components for a healthy life.

EXISTING Proposed Community Centre

PROPOSED ACTIONS A3.1

A3.2

A3.4

63

PUBLIC SPACES

FOOTSCRAY STATION

EXISTING

PROPOSED

ACTIONS A3.1

64

A3.2

A3.3

Footscray Station is a key location within our precinct, being the main linkage between Footscray and the Melbourne CBD. As it stands, the station does not serve the needs of the residents, and that will only become worse as the population booms. The fence that borders the street is not designed to hold bicycles, yet it becomes filled since the station does not provide sufficient bicycle loops for cyclists to park. Additionally, the large patch of dirt on the southwest end of the station is entirely underutilised and ripe for renewal. Considering the nature of the high frequency bus bays, busy road, and impermeable surface, the station also gets quite hot. This is an issue because there is no canopy coverage. In this proposal, additional bicycle parking is implemented, the dirt patch is rejuvenated, and a few trees are fit in to cool down the area.

PUBLIC SPACES

ON-STREET TREES Melbourne Urban Forest Strategy Strategy 1: Increase canopy cover

Using the Melbourne Urban Forest Strategy (2014) as a precedent, Footscray will grow away from its identity as a mostly impermeable area and become an urban forest. Currently, Footscray’s trees are largely in poor condition. After selecting areas either in the worst condition or would benefit most from an upgraded network of trees, a map of where new trees was created to make the most efficient impact.

Strategy 2: Increase urban forest diversity Strategy 3: Improve vegetation health Strategy 4: Improve soil moisture and water quality Strategy 5: Improve urban ecology Strategy 6: Inform and consult the community

ACTIONS A3.1

A3.2

A3.4

65

CONCLUSION

66

67

CONCLUSION

IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE The implementation schedule will inform and guide the process of bringing the actions into reality. By laying out the timeframe for each action, it becomes possible to prioritise and affect the most change within a given time.

ACTIONS

A1.1 Proposed Community Centre A1.2 Mixed Use Emphasis A1.3 Housing Affordability Zone A2.1 Pedestrian Priority A2.2 Train Line Overpass A2.3 Bicycle Network A2.4 Moore Street Renewal A3.1 Maddern Square Renewal A3.2 Footscray Station A3.3 On-Street Trees 68

TYPE

STAKEHOLDERS

Design & Build

Design & Build

Residents, Maribyrnong Council, Community Groups Developers, Maribyrnong Council, Residents, Businesses Developers, Maribyrnong Council, Residents Residents, Maribyrnong Council, Businesses Public Transport Victoria, Residents, Maribyrnong Council, Developers VicRoads, Maribyrnong Council, Residents VicRoads, Maribyrnong Council, Residents Businesses, Maribyrnong Council, Residents Maribyrnong Council, Residents

Design & Build

Maribyrnong Council, Residents

Advocacy Policy Design & Build Design & Build Design & Build Design & Build Design & Build

TIMEFRAME Medium Short Long Medium Long Medium Medium Medium Short Medium

CONCLUSION

SUMMARY The document envisions a future Footscray which both acknowledges and embraces its multicultural character and high density living. As a result of these two things, the future of Footscray will be a hub for people. It will be an vibrant cultural centre with all types of land uses

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

and activities continuously ongoing. All the while its history and distinctive cultural character from its past will not be forgotten. With sensible development which allows for gentrification to be staved off, the future of Footscray will be the pinnacle of healthy, holistic living.

ACCESS & MOVEMENT

PUBLIC SPACES

CULTURAL DIVERSITY

ACTIVE TRANSPORT

ADAPTIVE NETWORKS

QUALITY GREEN SPACE

BELONGING

VIBRANT ACTIVITY CENTRE

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Anderson, R., McLean, A., Farmer, M., Lee, B., & Brooks, C. (1997). Vehicle travel speeds and the incidence of fatal pedestrian crashes1Presented at the Annual Conference of the International Research Council on the Biokinetics of Impacts, 13–15 September 1995, Brunnen, Switzerland.1. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 29(5), 667674. doi: 10.1016/s0001-4575(97)00036-5 Care Park. (2018). Footscray Plaza. Retrieved from http://www.carepark.com.au/find-a-care-park/footscray-plaza/ City of Melbourne. (2014). Melbourne Urban Forest Strategy. Melbourne: City of Melbourne.

Fitsroys, (2018). Byron Street A Boon For Footscray’s Boom. Retrieved from https://www.fitzroys.com.au/news/3449-byron-street-a-boon-for-footscrays-boom Friends of Newells Paddock. (2018). Retrieved from http://www.newellspaddock.org.au/ Jacobs, J. (1961). The Death And Life Of Great American Cities. New York, NY: Random House Publishing Maribyrnong City Council. (2012). Maribyrnong Integrated Transport Strategy, April 2012. Retrieved from https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/forms/ full_maribyrnong_integrated_transport_strategy_2012.pdf Maribyrnong City Council (2018). The history of Footscray and surrounds. Retrieved from https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Discover-Maribyrnong/Our-history-andheritage/The-history-of-Footscray-and-surrounds Maribyrnong City Council. (2014). City of Maribyrnong Open Space Strategy. City of Maribyrnong.

Palmer, G. (2006). Single Person Households - Issues that JRF should be thinking about. York, UK: Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Profile.id. (2016). Footscray. Retrieved from https://profile.id.com.au/maribyrnong/about?WebID=110 Victorian Integrated Survey of Travel and Activity (VISTA). (2018). LGA Profiler. Retrieved from https://public.tableau.com/profile/vista#!/vizhome/VISTA-\ LGAProfilerAccess/LocalGovernmentAreaprofiles

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