8 minute read
Figure 5.8 Recommended Densities and Land Uses
Figure 5.8 Recommended Densities and Land Uses
Source: Atkins
The proposed principle reinforces the need for this cluster to be conceived as “inclusive neighbourhoods”, where daily activities can be fulfilled and therefore accommodate a range of uses for everyone to access. The proposals above will contribute to fulfilling the vision of a well-planned node and sets an example for the rest of KKM. Additionally, because of the interconnectedness, its variety of uses and the seamless fitting with nature-based solutions as described in Section 3.4, urban resilience will be deeply rooted in the neighbourhood’s blueprint.
The UEP has accounted for both the local plan directions and stakeholders’ aspirations, as well as integration with innovative urbanism concept and best practices, namely the “15-minute neighbourhood” and the GBD approach and principles in a way that high aspirations find an immediate application on the ground and benefit people’s day-to-day lives.
The following design principles guide the development of infrastructure proposals and the “15-minute neighbourhood” concept is naturally weaved across projects:
Compact Urban Form and Mixed Use
> Polycentric and diversified land uses by creating mixed use neighbourhoods which become sustainable and self-sufficient. > Mixed use and compact urban development will reduce the demand for motorised mobility requirements, helping to reduce carbon emissions and from a demographic perspective will encourage social integration and diversity. Climate Resilience and Passive Design
> Promote tailored strategies for each localised development and take advantage of their unique characteristics and to address local climate conditions, such as reducing urban heat island (UHI), and mitigating global climate change effects. > Promote the design of passive buildings and districts to reduce electrical cooling, heating, ventilation, and lighting while guaranteeing comfortable conditions for all users. > Provide ways to facilitate management of risks and disaster reduction through smart technologies, inclusive to all, in order to achieve resilient and sustainable developments.
Flexible Design
> Foster the design of flexible uses and spaces to create resilient cities to physical, social and economic challenges.
Cities are able to face and adapt to local but also global changes and dynamics, such as current social distanced measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic which require a flexible use of space. > Encourage the urban revitalisation and regeneration in favour of the new development.
Landscape and Biodiversity
> Maximise the resilience of the ecosystems through landscape, using plants for cooling and air purification.
Increase the number of tree planting to absorb CO2. > Invest in green and open spaces to increase public safety and quality of life for the community.
Clean Energy
> Utilise local renewable energy sources such as solar energy, wind power, biomass, or hydroelectric power to reduce the demand of fossil fuels. > Smart integrated renewable energy systems should be implemented to achieve an efficient use of natural resources by distributing surpluses based on demand. Zero-Waste
> Rethink the waste management system to turn waste into resources. > Measures including recycling, up-cycling and composting waste to produce energy, i.e. Plant and animal waste to produce energy sources, biomass. Special attention and studies need to be given around the reuse of industrial waste. > Promote responsible consumption to residents.
Sustainable Transport
> Promote and prioritise public transport, cycling and pedestrian circulation over vehicular. > The urban design should focus on improving the public space network and designing cities with a streetscape which promotes healthy and active lifestyles where residents are encouraged to walk rather than travel by car. > Promote the use of smart technologies by using information to digitalise transport infrastructure allowing the exchange of information in between vehicles, drivers, passengers and transfer hubs, optimising traffic flows. An example of these are streetlights capable of monitoring parking spaces as well as traffic patterns.
Local and Sustainable Materials
> Encourage the shortening of supply chains by using local materials and food, manufacturers and techniques, activating the local economy, minimising transport requirements, and promoting local knowledge and experience. > Promote a sustainable and efficient manufacturing and agricultural industry, fostering innovation.
Water Management
> Promote sustainable urban water cycles by implementing rainwater collection, storm water retention, harvesting techniques and wastewater recycling. > Promote efficient use of water resources, such as in drip irrigation, and ensuring good water quality while protecting environmental assets. > Data driven smart city technologies should be part of the water management strategy improving its resilience.
Inclusive, Diverse and Healthy Communities
> Integrate a diverse range of economic and cultural activities maximising social diversity and interaction of users within each zone. This could be achieved by promoting mixed-used districts, which can benefit from 24-hour liveable cycles. > Promote social equity by providing affordable housing and student accommodation. > Promote the use of smart technologies to achieve healthy and inclusive communities. Examples of these are apps on phones which support people to navigate within cities and buildings, and the use of street lighting that can monitor air quality and temperature.
Linkages
> This is a new project, links with: Project 8, Table, Services and Eco-Tourism Action Plan in Section 4.1.3. > Ongoing proposals for bus park in Draft PLUDP. GBI category: Placemaking and landscape
GBI category: Environmental Protection
GBI category: Water Management
Table 5.14 Project 7 Summary Information
Sub-components Estimated cost (KES range)
› Feasibility study to be undertaken to assess the scope of improvement › Concept masterplan to be developed for the pilot area Total cost = KES 25 m
Feasibility study = KES 10 m
Concept master plan = KES 15 m › Opportunity to accommodate future growth › Opportunity to provide more efficient operations such as access and safety › Will add value to adjacent land › KC or a mixed entity between Public and Private where Public body funds infrastructure and real estate is built and operated by private investors › Delivery via KC in coordination with KKM, local landowners, and community stakeholder groups › Opportunity to adopt the Business
Improvement District approach › Urban Plan and infrastructure: Municipality › BIDs (Business improvement district): localized areas, public realm and animation
Maintenance responsibility of Municipal Government:
› Employ local SME’s for waste services › NGOs and CBO for maintenance
Benefits and impacts Financing options and delivery mechanisms Implementation agency and stakeholders
Table 5.15 Project 7 Basic Analysis and Timeline
Challenges
› Ongoing Local Plan projects might be overly ambitious in terms of density › Currently proposed bus station takes up higher value land (by the river) without adopting a
TOD approach › Fire station location on prime land and on a gateway location. Alternative location slightly further away might be more beneficial › Infrastructure and public realm upgrade will require further consultation › Funding Pre-feasibility study
Flood risk assessment
Site Survey
Public Consultation Medium to long-term
Data gaps Time frame, key dependencies
Requirements for Implementation Climate Resilience Recommendations
The Thiba River is central to the character of the proposed pilot area, and the proposals plan to make full use of its recreational and amenity value. There is, however, a need to include a detailed flood risk assessment in the feasibility study in order to inform suitable development of the site. The flood risk assessment will need to explicitly account for projected changes in flood frequency and magnitude as a result of climate change, and should also incorporate an assessment of the B25 bridge structure.
The planned inclusion of SuDS features within the development should reduce the risk of surface flooding, and improve the resilience of the pilot area to increases in extreme rainfall. Green spaces and tree coverage, in addition to their recreational and amenity value, will provide shade and cooling during episodes of extreme heat.
Social Inclusion Recommendations
The urban regeneration of Kutus and its supporting projects will contribute to local communities’ social cohesion and increased sense of belonging. Well-designed urban regeneration projects contribute to local economic development, for example, by increasing revenues of the adjacent hospitality offer, leading to new employment opportunities. Recommendations:
> Ensure there is a meaningful consultation process with local communities and relevant stakeholders about the different supporting projects. Information should be presented in a format that is accessible to all people.
Ensure SIGs and other vulnerable groups are being represented and consulted. > Communicate to local residents the implementation schedule of the different supporting projects to mitigate the disruption of traffic, everyday life and economic activities.
This communication should be timely, and in a format and language that is accessible to all people. GBD Benefits
Socio-Economic Benefits
Public health Social cohesion Productivity & food security Poverty alleviation Green jobs Recreation & amenity
Climate Change Adaptation Benefits
Risk reduction Cooling effects Urban resilience Carbon reduction Low Carbon Development Carbon sequestration
Environment and Resource Efficiency Benefits
Prevention of soil erosion & land contamination Reduction pollution Improved air quality Energy & water savings Biodiversity Recreation & amenity
5.3.3 Project 8: Kutus Urban Park and Community Centre
The community centre and urban park proposal is located on the former livestock market site on the east bank of the Ritui River along the B25 corridor. After the relocation of the livestock market, this site represents a great opportunity for public use. This project proposal acknowledges the draft land use from the Kutus Detailed Development Plan (June 21). KKM has designated this site for an urban park of approximately 3200sqm readily available for development. Given its strategic location, the site has great potential to become an attractive gateway park to the Ritui River and Green Blue links and to KyU campus.
The gateway park will help to revitalise Kutus town centre and provide a dedicated publicly-accessible green space that visitors, residents, and students alike can enjoy during their free time and have direct access to the river. The proposal aims to deliver a vibrant and attractive community space with various recreational elements. Leveraging from the topography, the park doubles up the available area for public use. A stepped, multi-level platform approach emphasises views toward the river, whilst creating accessible public spaces and more sheltered, intimate small spaces. The proposals include food and beverage pods on the higher level with some community facilities and further food and beverage outlets to be leased beneath the terraces that could accommodate more traders. The scheme complements the resorts and hospitality available on the river front north of the site and opens the river to direct public access. Featuring a variety of shaded outdoor seating areas, picnic spots, water sports, playground areas and viewing terraces, the site offers the ideal location for people to enjoy a fresh, uncontaminated, river breeze, and much-needed access to water.
