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DOCKLANDS AND MAJOR PROJECTS Agenda Item 5.2 COMMITTEE REPORT

5 December 2006 CONVENTION CENTRE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

Division Design & Culture

Presenter Rob Moore, Acting Director Design & Culture

Purpose

1. To respond to resolution of Council requesting “that a study be undertaken regarding the proposed bridge, its likely usage, positive attributes and negative impacts.”

Recommendation from Management

2. That the Docklands and Major Projects Committee note the contents of the report on the proposed Convention Centre Bridge.

Key Issues

3. Council has committed $15M (at December 2006 dollars) plus escalation capped at $2.1 million resulting in a $17.1M maximum contribution to the construction of a new Pedestrian Bridge over the between Seafarers Rest at North Wharf Park and the new Convention Centre.

4. Attachment 1 to this report includes the requested study and a drawing indicating the bridge in its precinct context.

5. Council have asked State Government to provide pedestrian and cyclist data related to the proposed bridge.

Time Frame

6. The Plenary Group (Multiplex/Plenary Consortium) have contracted the State Government to deliver the Bridge and Convention Centre by the end of 2008.

Relation to Council Policy

7. The relationship between the Bridge and Council policies is highlighted in City Plan 2010: Connected and Accessible City. The following strategic directions relate to the proposed Convention Centre Bridge:-

7.1. Strategic Direction 1.5, Connection Opportunities (p 27) includes a potential future link on the alignment of the proposed Convention Centre Bridge; Strategic Direction 1.6, Strategic Opportunities (p 31) calls for enhanced “connectivity between key sites along the Yarra River, Docklands and surrounding areas, including the Central City, Port and West Melbourne.” Strategic Direction 3.6 (p 49) calls for improved links between key sites and activities in the city and to facilitate pedestrian and bicycle access in and around the city. Page 2 of 9

7.2. Strategic Direction 3.7 (p 50) calls for improved “pedestrian and bicycle connectivity along both banks of the Yarra River, upstream from Docklands and across the river at regular intervals” and specifically identifies a bridge link at the Convention Centre.

7.3. Local Areas – Docklands (p 87) calls for a link across the Yarra River to “improve pedestrian connections between Southbank and Docklands.”

Finance

8. There are no financial implications associated with the recommendation contained in the report.

Legal

9. The report is for noting only and no direct legal issues arise from the recommendation.

Sustainability

10. The proposed bridge will add a key link in the pedestrian and cycle network by connecting Docklands to Southbank at South Wharf. Combined with pedestrian and cycle paths through the Convention Centre site, links will also be created to South Melbourne. This project will promote walking and cycling both to and through the new Convention Centre and the existing Exhibition Centre, and is aligned to Council’s policy to promote sustainable transport modes in line with Council’s ‘Moving People and Freight Transport Strategy 2006-2020’.

Comments

11. The project management structure for the delivery of the bridge and public realm works is currently being negotiated and established. The City of Melbourne will be responsible for administering and managing the bridge works and public realm components of the Project Agreement to ensure completion of those components by 1 January 2009 and within the allocated budget.

12. This role will commence from the detailed design development and documentation stage of the bridge works. The appointment of a City of Melbourne project manager, reporting to the Manager Major Project Delivery, is expected to be completed in December 2006.The agreed project management arrangements will be detailed in a report to the first Docklands and Major Projects Committee meeting in 2007, from which date status reports will be submitted to each meeting of that Committee. See Attachment 1 – Convention Centre Bridge Study.

Attachment: 1. The City of Melbourne Convention Centre Bridge Study

2 Page 3 of 9 Attachment 1 Agenda Item 5.2 Docklands & Major Projects Committee 5 December 2006 The City of Melbourne Convention Centre Bridge Study

Purpose of Study

1. To respond to resolution 1.1.2 passed at Council Meeting No. 18 on Wednesday 26 April 2006 requesting “that a study be undertaken regarding the proposed bridge, its likely usage, positive attributes and negative impacts.”

Background

2. The bridge was a key component in the State Government’s brief for the new Convention Centre. The design consultant for the bridge is Grimshaw Architects, who also designed the recently completed Southern Cross Station.

3. The bridge will provide an important pedestrian and cycle link from the Convention Centre and its associated, hotel, retail, commercial and residential development to Docklands in the north and to the north bank of the Yarra River.

4. The primary function of the bridge is for movement of pedestrians and cyclists. However, it can also function as ceremonial entrance for special occasions. On this basis, the bridge has been designed to accommodate vehicle loadings, but State Government has made it clear that the bridge will rarely be used for this purpose, and that there is no intention to use the bridge for any other vehicle or service access.

5. All vehicle and service access to the Convention Centre and associated facilities is from Montague Street and Normanby Road.

6. Council has committed a maximum financial contribution of $15 million for the bridge as part of an $43 million contribution to the Convention Centre project for the bridge, associated public works and marketing.

Relation to Council and State Government Policy

7. The relationship between the Bridge and Council policies is highlighted in City Plan 2010: Connected and Accessible City. The following Strategic Directions relate to the proposed Convention Centre Bridge:

Strategic Direction 1.5 Connection Opportunities (p 27) includes a potential future link on the alignment of the proposed Convention Centre Bridge;

Strategic Direction 1.6 Strategic Opportunities (p 31) calls for enhanced “connectivity between key sites along the Yarra River, Docklands and surrounding areas, including the Central City, Port Melbourne and West Melbourne.”

Strategic Direction 3.7 (p 50) calls for improved “pedestrian and bicycle connectivity along both banks of the Yarra River, upstream from Docklands and across the river at regular intervals” and specifically identifies a bridge link at the Convention Centre.

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Local Areas – Docklands (p 87) calls for a link across the Yarra River to “improve pedestrian connections between Southbank and Docklands.”

8. The new Southbank Plan, jointly prepared by State Government and the City of Melbourne, calls for a bridge to provide the links described in more detail below.

9. Inner Melbourne Action Plan (IMAP) as adopted by Council, places emphasis on the importance of pedestrian and bicycle networks in the area.

Design

10. The bridge is a striking contemporary design that will be a noteworthy addition to the Yarra River’s four existing pedestrian bridges:-

10.1 Pedestrian Bridge linking Flinders Street Station pedestrian underpass to Southbank (designed by Cocks Carmichael Architects);

10.2 Addition to – a partially glazed/covered pedestrian bridge on the west side of Spencer Street (Peter Elliott Architecture + Urban Design).

10.3 – the former rail bridge, recently refurbished and converted to pedestrian and cycle use (refurbishment designed by City of Melbourne);

10.4 Webb Bridge – pedestrian and cycle bridge linking the two Docklands precincts of Yarra’s Edge and Harbour on the west side of (designed by Denton Corker Marshall in association with Robert Owen).

11. The structural solution to the design of the bridge results in an elegant, finely crafted deck spanning the Yarra River, supported by arch-shaped steel structural members. Steel cables support the deck and link up to the steel arches above.

12. The arch structures are asymmetrical with four arches fanning out from the south bank adjacent to the Convention Centre and three arches fanning out from a concrete pier located 10 metres from the north bank. The top of the tallest of the arches is some 15 metres above the deck of the bridge.

13. The concrete deck of the bridge is paved in stone. However the City of Melbourne has specified that this should be bluestone as detailed and used extensively throughout the City.

14. The overall width of the bridge is 9.6 metres. It is divided into two side carriageways dedicated for pedestrians, each carriageway being 2.3 metres clear width. The central carriageway is 3.3 metres clear width and is dedicated for bicycles. This central carriageway can, as required, be used for ceremonial access by a motor vehicle.

15. Clear glass balustrades to approximately 1 metre high on both sides of the bridge will mean that it will present minimal visual intrusion into views along the Yarra.

16. The concrete deck will be clad on the sides and underside in aluminium cladding.

17. Materials and finishes for the bridge have been selected so as to minimise maintenance costs. 18. An attractive lighting design has been proposed. Details for lighting are still being finalised and will require approval by the City of Melbourne.

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19. The design of the bridge has been approved by Parks Victoria in terms of clearance for river traffic.

Usage and Links

20. The City of Melbourne has requested that State Government provide data or research material that identifies likely numbers of pedestrians and cyclists who would use the bridge.

21. As stated in resolution 1.1.3 of Council Meeting No. 18 on Wednesday 26 April 2006, it is recommended to the Minister for Planning that a public transport strategy be undertaken in relation to access for visitors to the Convention Centre and to the associated attractions in the precinct, these being the proposed new hotel, retail, commercial and residential development in addition to the existing Exhibition Centre.

22. The bridge also needs to be seen in the context of its potential impact on pedestrian and cycle activity in the wider precinct. Reference is made to the attached diagram ‘Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Links’ that identifies the entire precinct and beyond. Numbers stated in the text below refer to numbers on the diagram that identify particular features and connections.

23. The bridge will link the Convention Centre on the south side of the Yarra at South Wharf with the Seafarers Rest park at North Wharf on the north bank.

24. From these points at each end of the bridge, pedestrian movement patterns will continue both north and south. To the north, can currently be crossed at two traffic light controlled intersections (1 and 3 on diagram). A traffic impact study should be undertaken to establish the viability of a third pedestrian crossing (2) that would give direct access to Aurora Lane, Village Docklands precinct and the former Railway Goods Shed No.2.

25. To the south, a pedestrian route (4) runs between the Convention Centre and the new Hilton Hotel. A cycle route (5) is provided to the west of the Hotel (between Hotel and new Retail/Commercial buildings further to the west). The pedestrian and cycle routes join (6) to the south of the Convention Centre and continue south until they meet Normanby Road. A new controlled intersection is being designed at this point to allow safe movement of pedestrians and cyclists. This point joins the walking/cycle path (7) that runs adjacent to the 109 light rail tram route (heading south-west) or links to Cecil Street and Ferrars Street to travel south-east to South Melbourne and South Melbourne Market. Ferrars Street has an on-road cycle lane that links to St Kilda and the bay.

26 At the southern end of the bridge, pedestrian and cyclists will be able to access Southbank Promenade (8) that connects Yarra’s Edge in the west with Alexandra Gardens to the east passing the Casino and Southgate.

27. The northern end of the bridge links with the proposed Northbank Promenade. This is less developed than the equivalent facility on Southbank. Moving east from the northern end of the bridge a high quality path is provided adjacent to the Flinders Wharf apartments. The path continues east adjacent to the World Trade Centre and under the current Melbourne Convention Centre/Holiday Inn. Both State Government (Department of Sustainability and Environment) and Council have identified that pedestrian amenity must be improved in this area with proposals being investigated to add a boardwalk adjacent to the Holiday Inn (9).

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28. From the northern end of the bridge moving west, a new pedestrian link (10) is currently being investigated by DSE that would provide access under Charles Grimes Bridge and link with Docklands Park and the public access wharf to be provided in association with the new ANZ development (11).

29. The World Trade Centre site and riverside promenade is currently being remodelled and refurbished and will provide higher amenity for pedestrians adjacent to the river.

Positive Attributes

30. These have been highlighted in terms of both the high quality of design and the amenity that the bridge will provide with respect to access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Negative Impact

31. Views of the city from the promenade adjacent to South Wharf will be interrupted to some extent by the bridge. This will impact on foreground views of the Mission to Seafarers, Flinders Wharf apartments and the World Trade Centre. Wider views of the city skyline and its tall towers will not be impacted. As stated above (paragraphs 9 – 11), the bridge is designed with a structure that minimises visual bulk and impact whilst also emphasising its elegant steel structural arches. The possible negative aspects of its visual impact are thus minimised.

32. The Planning Scheme discourages shadows to be cast on the Yarra River. Sunlight reflecting off the water is a desirable condition to be protected whenever possible. Clearly it is impossible to construct a bridge over the river without contributing a shadow on the water below. The bridge is 9.6 metres wide and hence a similar width of shadow will be cast on the river around midday with slightly wider shadows earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon. While this will make some degree of impact on the river environment, its use of techniques and materials to reduce overall structural bulk will ensure that this impact will be minimal.

Conclusions

33. The bridge is a well-designed civic structure that will offer many benefits to the MECC precinct and beyond. Negative impacts have been minimised by all possible means. It will offer a valuable connection between key facilities on both sides of the river at the city entrance for local and wider users, and will be an enduring asset to the city.

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FINANCE ATTACHMENT

CONVENTION CENTRE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

The report is for noting and there are no financial implications associated with the recommendation contained in the report.

Joe Groher Manager Financial Services

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LEGAL ATTACHMENT

CONVENTION CENTRE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

The report is for noting only and no direct legal issues arise from the recommendation.

The memorandum of understanding (“MoU”) entered into by the Council and the State in September 2004 in respect to the convention centre development included an agreement by the Council to construct the bridge.

Kim Wood Manager Legal Services