ENQUIRY BY DESIGN Outcomes Summary Report
City of Swan
and the Midland Redevelopment Authority
for public comment july 2008 ii Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Note:
This report is a summary of the Enquiry by Design Detailed Outcomes Report prepared by the City of Swan and the MRA. This report provides an overview of the background to the EbD, the challenges and opportunities facing Midland and the various outcomes and proposals which evolved during the EbD workshop.
Should you require further detail regarding the proposals described in this summary report, together with actions for implementing them, please refer to the Enquiry by DesignThis Detailed page hasOutcomes been Report.left blank intentionally. Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report iii
TPG Town Planning and Urban Design in collaboration with
Ecologically Sustainable Design Pty Ltd
The MRA can provide the text in larger font or alternative format on request by calling MRA on 9374 5500 iv Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
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Contents
Introduction 1 What is an Enquiry By Design, and Why Did We Do It? 1 Scoping Workshop 1 The Enquiry by Design Workshop 2 Defining the Midland City Centre 3
Interlocking Challenges and Opportunities 4 Outstanding Impediments 4 New Challenges and Opportunities 6 Key Enquiry by Design Objectives 9
Enquiry by Design Outcomes 10 Summary of Key Enquiry by Design Outcomes 10 Integrated City Centre Plan 10 Interlocking Solutions for Interlocking Challenges and Opportunities 13 City Wide Proposals 13 Precinct Indicative Plans 23 Midland’s West End 27 Former Primary School 29 Poynton Avenue 30 Morrison Road Adjoining Developments 31 Swan Regional Riverside Park and Related Developments 32 Great Eastern Highway / Victoria Street East 33 Midland Gate 35 Brockman Precinct 36 Great Eastern Highway (East of Lloyd Street) 37 Midland Oval (Southwest Corner) 38 Health Campus Site 40 Western Australia Police (WAP) Site & Helena River Frontage 42 The Workshops 44 Next Steps as a Result of The Enquiry By Design 49 Contacts and Further Information 50 vi Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
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Introduction
In 2007, the Midland Redevelopment Authority approach to achieve this given that: (MRA) and the City of Swan agreed to undertake • The 1997 Charrette set a basic direction a joint planning initiative known as Midland 2017 that is still fairly widely supported and being – The Challenge. implemented; The aim of the initiative is to develop a plan that will pull together past planning for Midland • Midland needs to have a strategy to deal with and to prepare a comprehensive action plan emerging opportunities and threats; and for Midland’s continued revitalisation over the next ten years. The plan will enable community, • It would engage key stakeholders to identify business and government to have a clear picture Midland’s key issues of importance as well as of how the City Centre will develop and grow provide an opportunity to create a vision and over the forthcoming years. explore innovative proposals for the future of An Enquiry by Design process was chosen to Midland. assist in developing the plan. Scoping Workshop What is an Enquiry By Design, and Why Did We Do It? Prior to the Enquiry by Design, a Scoping Workshop was held on the 1st August 2007 at An Enquiry by Design (EbD) is an intensive and the MRA offices to scope the challenges for stakeholder-collaborative planning approach Midland over the next 10 years. The workshop that involves establishing ideas and principles brought together representatives from the City and preparing plans to identify how future of Swan, the MRA (and its consultants) and development may occur in a given area. State government stakeholders to identify a An Enquiry by Design brings together a design range of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities team comprising relevant local authority and and threats. It also included a briefing and state agency staff, Councillors, landowners, consultation session with members of the community representatives and other key Midland community. stakeholders. The outcomes of the Workshop formed a brief The outcomes of an Enquiry by Design are for the Enquiry by Design. typically non-binding, with design concepts produced still being subject to normal statutory planning processes. The MRA and the City of Swan agreed to undertake an Enquiry by Design for the purpose of developing a plan for the Midland City Centre which builds upon past planning and revitalisation work since the 1997 Charrette (community interactive intensive planning and design process) and which identifies the way forward for the next 10 years. An Enquiry by Design was considered to be the most effective Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
The Enquiry by Design Workshop The Enquiry by Design workshop was held between the 19th and 25th October 2007 at the offices of the MRA. The Enquiry by Design comprised representatives of State government agencies, selected land owners, elected officials, consultants, the City of Swan and the MRA, who were formally invited to participate. Over the first few days of the Enquiry by Design, cross-disciplinary teams of approximately 8 people each (including a highly experienced designer/facilitator and relevant key stakeholders) worked together to test by design key opportunities, principles and objectives identified from the Scoping Workshop. The subsequent few days involved representatives from the City of Swan, the MRA and consultants resolving the evolving designs and initiatives. These designs and initiatives were then presented to the public on the evening of the concluding day at the Midland Town Hall. Key stakeholders involved in the design exercise, the local Member of Parliament and the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure also attended the presentation. Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Defining the Midland City Centre Centre Precinct, it also focused on parts of Woodbridge to the west towards the Swan River A city centre can be defined in several ways, for Regional Park given its close proximity of the example, by its physical characteristics (such as parkland to the City Centre and a desire to major roads, rivers, parks), predominant land ensure that there is a strong connection and uses/activities, or by particular administrative relationship between the two areas, as well as boundaries. In some cases, the boundary is land along Great Eastern Highway east of Lloyd clear, whilst in others it is somewhat blurred. Street. The WAPC’s Metropolitan Centres Policy For the purposes of the EbD, the Midland City Statement, which provides the broad framework Centre is defined as per the Midland Place for the location and distribution of retail Plan. and commercial activity within the Perth metropolitan area, identifies Midland as a Strategic Regional Centre. Strategic Regional Centres are intended as the main centres outside the Perth CBD designed to accommodate a full range of shopping, office, administrative, social, entertainment, recreation and community services. Strategic Regional Centres are included within the Central City Area zone under the Metropolitan Region Scheme, which is the statutory land use planning document for the Perth metropolitan area. The Central City Area zone for Midland includes land bound by Morrison Road to the west and north, Lloyd Street to the east and the rail line to the south. The City of Swan’s Midland Place Plan regards the Midland City Centre as land within the ‘Midland Strategic Regional Centre Precinct’, being land bound by Morrison Road to the north, Lloyd Street to the east, the Helena River to the south and Amherst Road/William Street to the west. Whilst the EbD focussed on the majority of land identified within the Midland Strategic Regional Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Interlocking Challenges and Opportunities
The Enquiry by Design identified several key that offers opportunities for activities such as challenges and opportunities which face Midland. walking and social interaction which in turn Generally these challenges and opportunities supports the economic development of the City are considered to be interlocking, that is they Centre. all need to be dealt with together as they are Freight Rail Through City Centre functionally connected. Only focussing on one challenge or opportunity will not revitalise The freight rail line which bisects the centre Midland to its full potential. of Midland poses a significant impediment to Midland’s revitalisation. The freight rail line Outstanding Impediments limits the ability for the Railway Workshops redevelopment to properly integrate with the City Several impediments previously identified in Centre area to the north, resulting in a lack of the 1997 Charrette are still considered relevant connectivity and fragmented land use activity. today. These are described below. Noise and vibration issues associated with the Partially Remaining Stigma and the ‘Chicken freight trains severely impact on the quality and Egg’ Challenge of the land along the rail reserve creating Although it has come a long way since the underutilised land with low land values. closure of the Railway Workshops, several small One-way Pair but highly visible challenges remain and which are hindering the levels of investment desired The Great Eastern Highway and Victoria Street for Midland to unleash its full potential. one-way street network currently dominate the City Centre’s movement network acting as The challenge for Midland then is to ensure high divisive one-way ‘highways’ that flush traffic quality development and good decision making through the City Centre with little benefit to occurs, to build on past successes to the point it. This contributes to the problem of a lack of where this perceived perception of Midland is balanced circulation within the Centre resulting transformed once and for all. in fragmentation of land uses and activity. Parts of Public Realm Still Unattractive, and The one-way road network results in relatively Visible Social Problems circuitous vehicular movements which make Whilst there are some streets of high visual getting around Midland difficult. Additionally amenity with reasonable levels of perceived the one-way road network results in excessive pedestrian safety, parts of the City Centre lack pedestrian waiting times at signalised quality streetscape enhancements (such as intersections, limited safe pedestrian crossings trees and footpaths). This together with building (i.e: traffic signals), poor local vehicular access frontages that either provide little or no casual and limited on-street parking opportunities for surveillance of the public realm, have created local businesses relying on pedestrian custom. an unsafe and unattractive environment that This together with poor pedestrian comfort and does not encourage pedestrian walkability. safety results in a lack of vibrancy and economic prosperity for the City Centre generally. The quality and level of perceived safety afforded by the public realm is crucial to ensuring an Multiple Ownership active, vibrant, safe pedestrian environment The City Centre has many diverse property Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
ownerships comprising private and public Lack of Exposure and Access to Swan and sector landowners. This diverse ownership, Helena Rivers although characteristic of any City Centre, Despite the close proximity of the Swan and has several implications particularly when Helena Rivers, they are currently difficult to achieving a good outcome in a specific location access due to the lack of direct connections. requires cooperation by more than one single Additionally the boundaries of these Rivers landowner. are predominantly lined by the backs of private Redevelopment plans and ideas which strive property, instead of public streets, limiting to achieve good urban design outcomes and casual and passive surveillance of these areas. development intensity that relate to land under Improving and providing direct links between fragmented ownership will require not only the City Centre and the Swan and Helena River landowner co-operation but also pro-active environs as well as improving the interface local and state government leadership. along them with publicly accessible streets, will Poor Urban Legibility and Accessibility help to ensure they are well used public assets which properly associate with the City Centre Wayfinding in and around Midland for visitors is and form part of an integrated urban fabric that difficult and convoluted, due in part to the one- provides access to areas with high amenity way street network which results in a lack of balanced traffic circulation within the city, as Heritage Not Being Capitalised On well as a low quality public realm which does Midland’s heritage which includes several not encourage pedestrian walkability between major civic buildings dating from the early 20th key nodes around the City Centre. Century and gold rush periods and its unique Improving and providing direct links between street layout, influenced by old rail alignments key activity nodes within the City Centre as well is too often not appreciated as a whole and each as improving the public realm between them bit is seen as an encumbrance. with active uses and publicly accessible streets Celebrating Midland’s heritage has the is critical to ensuring the City is easy to access potential to give it a special appeal and lead to and understood by visitors. investment in restoration of elements and reuse of heritage buildings. Attracting further interest and investment in its heritage will further assist Midland’s economic revitalisation. Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Resources Boom and Resultant Construction Costs The Western Australian economy has experienced unprecedented rates of growth in recent years due to an increased worldwide demand for the State’s vast reserves of minerals, oil and New Challenges and Opportunities gas. Analysts expect this boom to continue for several years. Over the last 10 years since the 1997 Charrette, new challenges and opportunities have arisen, Given its relatively low land values Midland born by changes in economic, social and should be in a excellent position to benefit from environmental influences at the global and local the boom however, rising building costs have level. become a major consideration for developers in recent years and have a significant influence on Climate Change and Peak Oil the viability or otherwise of new developments Climate change refers to the rise in global around the metropolitan area. This has been temperatures currently being experienced compounded recently by rising land prices, worldwide which is influenced by the increased housing affordability issues and a slowing level of greenhouse gases emitted into the residential market. atmosphere from the continued burning of Attracting developers who can combine relatively fossil fuels. low land cost and construction cost and manage ‘Peak Oil’ refers to the instance where global risk to provide good quality development is oil production reaches it peak and then enters essential to the continued revitalisation of a permanent decline, unable to meet increasing Midland. demand. These global pressures are demanding that our urbanism evolves quickly toward ‘carbon neutrality’ that is, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions so as to prevent induced global environmental and economic ruptures. Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Midland now ‘Closer’ to Perth various environmental problems which have resulted from modern practices of economic In the time since the 1997 Charrette, Midland development. has become relatively closer to Perth and better connected to the region. From Perth, Midland is Sustainability means meeting the needs approximately 20 minutes by train (25 minutes by of current and future generations through car). This compares to Armadale and Mandurah integration of environmental protection, social which are approximately 40 -50 minutes away. advancement and economic prosperity. New development in and around Midland The City of Swan and the MRA are committed to towards Ellenbrook together with new apartment achieving a sustainable future for Midland. buildings being progressively built along the The Western Australian State Government’s Swan River in Maylands, Belmont and Ascot will State Sustainability Strategy, by inference, invariably assist in drawing Midland closer to makes the revitalisation of Midland a priority, the inner city areas. as it addresses many of the actions within the Strategy. As such State government agencies Transit-Oriented Development are duty bound to assist in the revitalisation of TOD is an important model to achieving a liveable, Midland. Assistance from government agencies vibrant and sustainable community that is less has been a significant part of the success of dependant on the private motor vehicle and Midland over the last 10 years. responds to the issues of climate change, Peak Oil and issues associated with urban sprawl such as traffic congestion, inefficient land utilisation and loss of a sense of community. TOD promotes a high intensity mix of land uses within easy walking distance from a transit station (800m or a 10 minute walk) to form a vibrant community where people can live, work and play. Midland is afforded an excellent opportunity to capitalise on the TOD initiative by intensifying the level of development around the Midland Train Station.
New State/Regional Planning Directions Sustainability is a concept that has emerged over recent years following recognition of Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Network City serve as the primary regional arterial roads facilitating the efficient movement of high-speed Network City: Community Planning Strategy traffic through the region and to the broader for Perth and Peel is the result of a community metropolitan region via connections with consultation process known as “Dialogue with other major metropolitan regional highways. the City” which involved the community in the These routes are appropriately identified under future planning of the greater Perth metropolitan Network City as Transport Corridors. region towards the year 2030. For these reasons, the current function of the The Strategy principles include: Great Eastern Highway/Victoria Street one- • Enhancing the efficiency of urban land use and way pair facilitating high-speed through traffic infrastructure; through the City Centre is inappropriate and undermines the role and function of the Great • Protecting and rehabilitating the environment, Eastern Highway Bypass, Roe Highway and Reid and improving resource efficiency and energy Highway network. use; and The development of Guildford Road/ Great • Enhancing community vitality and cohesiveness. Eastern Highway as an Activity Corridor and Midland as a major Activity Centre will be Network City identifies Midland as a major optimised if the one-way pair is converted to a Activity Centre, located at the end of a primary two-way slower speed environment. Activity Corridor (being the Perth-Midland rail line/ Guildford Road/ Great Eastern Highway). As such Midland can expect a significant level of State Government policy and funding support. Within a regional context, the Great Eastern Highway Bypass, Roe Highway and Reid Highway
Before After
Evolution of Midland from a road network to a City of Boulevards and Streets Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Population Target and Retail Demand - generator of employment; regional health By 2017, it is anticipated that the Midland City campus; a business and education hub; and Centre will be home to around 6000 residents, heritage and culture celebrated; with a target work force of up to 18,000 jobs and • Environmental Repair and Enhancement - demand for approximately 87,000m2 shop/retail removal of contamination; rehabilitation of river floor space. foreshores; provision of significant riverside Key Enquiry by Design Objectives and urban parks; and high amenity street environments; To address the Interlocking Challenges and Opportunities discussed previously and to • High Public Transport Use - high patronage on ensure that the EbD outcomes are in line train and bus services; a major destination and with state and local sustainability strategies point of origin; a new train station; and Transit and commitments, several objectives were Oriented Development; specifically identified to guide the Enquiry by Design and the implementation of future plans. • Sustainable and Local Resource Use - These objectives, which are embedded within substantial reduction in carbon emissions the Enquiry by Design outcomes, include: through energy efficiency and use of renewable • A Desirable Destination - develop a strong energy; improved water efficiencies; use of local identity; provide a safe community; a major materials; and recycling expanded; employment centre; a place people choose • Managed Traffic and Parking - traffic calming; to live: a residential hub; and a visitor/tourist improved legibility and access; and adequate attraction; decked parking; and • Diversity - develop a mixed use city centre; foster • Density - inner city residential population of a high degree of self containment; and need to 6,000 – 8,000 in 10 years. attract the Y-generation;
• Walkability - streets and spaces are desirable for walking and cycling; and north south linkages firmly established;
• Productive Capacity (and Asset Utilisation) 10 Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Enquiry by Design Outcomes
Summary of Key Enquiry by Design 8. Fronting medium-density residential Outcomes development onto the Swan Regional Riverside Park to improve safety through passive 1. Improving traffic circulation and access around surveillance and increase activity. the City Centre: • converting Great Eastern Highway/Victoria 9. Improving access from the City Centre to the Street one-way road network to a two-way Swan and Helena Rivers road network; 10. Celebrating Midland’s heritage to give it a special • new streets; and appeal and lead to investment in restoration and • reduce traffic speeds. reuse of heritage buildings, to assist in Midland’s 2. Improving connectivity and access between economic revitalisation. areas north and south of the rail line: 11. Expansion of Highway Service zoning north • relocating the freight rail out of the City of Great Eastern Highway to the east of Lloyd Centre Street. • grade separating Lloyd Street at the rail line • providing new pedestrian rail crossing Integrated City Centre Plan points. The integrated City Centre plan (refer to inserted 3. Relocating the Midland Train Station slightly plan) identifies all of the Enquiry by Design south to facilitate the redevelopment of the proposals together, demonstrating how each Train Station and surrounding area to achieve a inter-relates with the other. The plan, which shows only key areas of major intervention transit orientated development (TOD). explored during the Enquiry by Design, reflects 4. Increasing the City Centre’s residential the vision for the whole of the City Centre and is population by more intensive residential and indicative of how the City Centre could develop infill development in the: over the next 10 years. Although there are several proposals which affect the whole of the • Midland Oval Precinct; City Centre, more site specific proposals are also • the former Midland Primary School; identified. Whilst these site specific proposals • Railway Workshops sites; and collectively will contribute to enhancing the City • across the City Centre. Centre and making Midland a vibrant, safe and attractive place to live, work and visit, they are 5. Facilitating new mixed-use development independent of each other, thereby allowing (commercial and residential uses) to help each one to be prioritised and implemented enhance the vitality of the City Centre and foster when landowners, the community and business pedestrian activity. are ready to do so. 6. The provision of new decked public car parking facilities to help meet demand for public car It should be noted that there are many other opportunities for enhancement and development parking. that are welcomed on merit to assist with 7. Improving the amenity, safety and security of the Midland’s revitalisation. The redevelopment public realm throughout the City Centre with: opportunities within the City Centre should not be limited to those identified in this report. • enhanced streetscapes; and • improved shop fronts and building facades that overlook public areas. 8
Harper Street9
Morrison Road
Great Eastern Highway
William Street Victoria Street Victoria 6 4 5 5 4 10 Spring Park Road 3 1
Helena Street 6 1
1 Yelverton Drive Yelverton 6
The Avenue 5
The Crescent 5
1 Great Eastern Highway Eastern Great Keane Street
Centennial Place Parade Railway
Morrison Road 2 See amended concept for WA Police Cale Street site included within body of report. 1 5 4
9 Clayton Street Clayton
Sayer Street 7 5 5
Brockman Road
Lloyd Street 1 2
Lloyd Street 11 11
Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report 13
Interlocking Solutions for City Wide Proposals Interlocking Challenges and Opportunities Urban Amenity Driven Revitalisation Proposals City Wide Proposals and Precinct Specific “No urban area will prosper unless it attracts Plans those who can choose to live wherever they The Enquiry by Design revealed a range of design wish”. (Source: Jonathan Barnett). responses and initiatives to assist in revitalising This quote describes the highly skilled and Midland comprising several broad area wide creative workforce who demand both natural proposals (such as streetscape improvements) and urban amenity where they live, work, and which affect the whole of City Centre generally, recreate. and specific, detailed indicative plans for various One of the key underlying principles behind all precincts (or sites) within the City Centre. of the Enquiry by Design proposals is a need to It should be noted that the designs presented enhance the urban amenity which in turn will in this report represent one of several ways assist with the continued revitalisation of the of addressing the interlocking challenges and City Centre. opportunities described earlier and the specific Providing a high quality urban environment precinct influences described under the that is comfortable and safe for pedestrians, individual Proposal/Precincts. It is recognised will ensure the City Centre becomes a vibrant that alternative design responses may be and welcoming place that invites people to stop developed in the future. and enjoy the experiences and which is loved by The outcomes presented in this report citizens and visitors alike. represent the key areas of major intervention Urban amenity-driven revitalisation proposals explored during the Enquiry by Design. Where include: a property does not have a concept proposed over it, it is intended that the principles Improve Public Realm and recommendations identified within the Quality streetscape enhancements (such indicative design, project guiding principles as trees, footpaths), together with building and key actions for the relevant Precinct would frontages that provide good casual surveillance generally apply. of the public realm, is crucial to ensuring an In any case, further testing and design will be active, vibrant, safe pedestrian environment. A needed prior to implementation of any public or high quality public realm provides opportunities private development proposals. for activities such as walking and social interaction which in turn supports the economic development of the City Centre. 14 Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Provide for Climate Responsive Design Midland’s major entry points into the City Centre Midland’s distance from the coast means that are poor and do not define the entrance to the it often does not experience the cooling effect City Centre resulting in a poor first impression of the sea breezes which provide relief from of the City. Approach routes along regional the hot easterly breezes that prevail during the roads as well as the entrance/exit points of the summer months. This local climatic condition Midland Train Station building, do not provide together with a built environment that lacks for any form of entry statement which identifies shade and protection from the elements means and celebrates the City Centre as you arrive. that walking around Midland is often a hot and Linking North and South of the Railway uncomfortable experience for pedestrians. Addressing this local climatic condition requires The freight rail line which bisects the northern providing shade trees along footpaths and urban and southern parts of the City Centre severely public spaces, as well as encouraging new limits the ability for the different activity areas buildings to provide appropriately sized awnings either side of the rail line to properly integrate and shade structures over footpaths. and synergise. Notwithstanding the issue of relocating the Provide for Continuous Activity, Passive freight rail, the number and quality of efficient Surveillance and Residential Presence crossing points across the rail is still limited. Buildings should address streets with windows Currently there are three level crossing points, and entrances, clearly define the public/private being (from west to east) Morrison Road (Amherst realm and increase casual surveillance thereby Road), Helena Street and Lloyd Street. The enhancing actual and perceived pedestrian distance between these points is approximately safety and security. 650 metres between Morrison Road-Helena New mixed use development should be Street and 1 kilometre between Helena Street encouraged to provide activity at street levels - Lloyd Street, which is significantly more than with residential on upper floors to assist with the desired maximum of 300 metres. creating day and evening activity. Additionally, the existing Lloyd Street level Additionally, attracting more residents into the crossing is not ideal in facilitating emergency City Centre is critical to breathe life and vitality access for ambulances to the proposed hospital into the area’s streets and shops as well as from areas north of the rail. In its current format, provide for improved day and evening security ambulances requiring emergency access across through casual surveillance. the rail will be required to wait for several Identifying the Entry to the City Centre minutes in the event of a passing freight train. The provision of new links across the rail reserve Entry statements to town and city centres is critical to ensuring areas north and south of assist in enhancing the legibility of an urban the rail properly integrates and synergise. The area, wayfinding and place definition as well as removal of the freight rail line through the City creating a sense of arrival to an area. Centre will significantly contribute to achieving this objective. Whilst the freight rail remains, the scope for new links is limited to additional pedestrian crossings. Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report 15
Two-waying of Great Eastern Highway and Victoria Street A two-way road network is considered vital to enhancing local vehicular and pedestrian access as well as providing amenity benefits to the broader City Centre. Converting to a two- way road network will improve accessibility within the City Centre, provide more flexible and direct vehicular access and improved parking opportunities, as well more regulated traffic flows which will enhance pedestrian amenity, provide safe pedestrian crossings and benefit local businesses. The two-way road network, together with the extension of Keane Street and Old Great Northern Highway (across the Centrepoint Shopping Centre), has the potential to revitalise the City Centre and improve access and circulation throughout Midland.
Victoria Street and Great Eastern Highway Intersection looking East 16 Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for Great Eastern Highway and Victoria Street Just prior to the Enquiry by Design, a detailed two-way design was prepared by the Enquiry by Design consultants for consideration in the Enquiry by Design workshop. The design provided for slower speeds, better pedestrian comfort, balanced traffic loadings and no loss of parking. The design which was refined during the Enquiry by Design proposed: 1. A new two-way design suited to 50km/hr (which does not significantly affect through time) and shorter traffic light cycles as well as the retention of on street parking.
2. Victoria Street has been designed (at its western end) to provide priority eastbound whilst Great Eastern Highway has been designed (at its eastern end) to provide priority westbound. This design solution attempts to reverse ingrained behaviour and provide for the distribution of traffic loads which will assist to reinforce commercial potential on both Great Eastern Highway and Victoria Street and the streets in between. Central medians are proposed to provide safe crossing opportunities for pedestrians as well as to slow traffic down.
3. A new signalised intersection is proposed at Keane Street to facilitate vehicle movement and safe pedestrian crossing.
4. New on-street parking opportunities incorporating parallel parking to both sides of the street.
Two-waying of Great Eastern Highway and Victoria Street Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report 17
Lloyd Street Grade Separation and Southward Extension The City of Swan has committed to the extension of Lloyd Street south from Clayton Street through to Abernethy Road at the Great Eastern Highway Bypass, crossing the Helena River. Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for Lloyd Street The extension will provide for a direct link between Grade Separation and Southward Extension the Great Eastern Bypass and the eastern end of the Lloyd Street has been designed as a tree City Centre and will serve as a new main entry to lined boulevard road which together with new Midland, reducing through traffic movements within development will serve as a gateway entrance the City Centre as well as facilitating development of to the City Centre from the south. Key features the Hazelmere industrial area. of the street design include: Key considerations for the area include: 1. Lloyd Street at the railway is proposed to be • Opportunities to achieve new development fronting grade separated to allow for uninterrupted the Lloyd Street extension, particularly within the MRA traffic flow along Lloyd Street as well as facilitating direct access for emergency area to complement surrounding development and vehicles to and from the Health Campus and assist in defining the entrance to the City Centre from the WAP site. the south; and 2. The provision of a 6 metre central median, • A need to provide improved vehicle and emergency dual carriageways and service roads with access from the north across the freight rail corridor on-street parking separated by medians. to the Western Australian Police (WAP) facility and Two rows of trees could be planted to each proposed Health campus to provide a high level of median, enhancing the amenity of the street and serving as an entry statement to connection to the metropolitan road network and to the Midland City Centre. The service roads reduce emergency response times. and on-street parking areas will be able to efficiently handle passing trade for new commercial/office development fronting Lloyd Street, without compromising the street’s primary role of facilitating regional vehicle movement. 3. The design and alignment of Lloyd Street is cognisant of the underground powerline and associated easement which was recently constructed along the western edge of Lloyd Street. 4. A two lane roundabout is proposed adjacent to the south-eastern end of the WAP site, which will facilitate the distribution of traffic along the Helena River foreshore area thereby activating the foreshore and providing a good movement economy to the southern end of the Workshops Village area. The intersection will assist with local circulation as well as provide a physical ‘gateway’ to Midland. 5. A signalised intersection is proposed at the Indicative Design Outcome intersection of Clayton Street and Lloyd from Enquiry by Design Lloyd Street. Street Grade Separation and Southward Extension 18 Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Morrison Road West The Enquiry by Design considered the portion of Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for Morrison Road West Morrison Road between Great Eastern Highway 1. Efficient two lane boulevard treatment for Morrison and Spring Park Road as part of improving broader Road within a 20 metre road reserve consisting of City Centre circulation and access. a 2 metre wide central tree-lined median and a 3.5 Key considerations for the area include: metre wide carriageway, 1.5 metre wide bike lane, • Morrison Road is a barrier between the City Centre, 2.5 metre wide on-street parallel parking and a Swan Regional Riverside Park (SRRP), Woodbridge 1.5 metre footpath to both sides. Pedestrian safety and surrounding neighbourhoods and has the effect and access would be facilitated via crossing points at key locations as well as a 50km/hr speed limit to of creating a ‘high’ speed traffic environment which be imposed. The proposed design utilises, where allows for goods and services to efficiently ‘move’ possible, the existing road pavement and is within through Midland, yet not efficiently distribute these the existing road reserve. Parallel parking along benefits into the City Centre itself; Morrison Road could be progressively provided as redevelopment occurs. In this instance the 7 metre • The existing streetscape is not conducive to road widening is not required. facilitating safe pedestrian movement and crossing points; (Note: an alternative design comprising a wider 4 metre median and no cycle lanes was considered • A 7 metre wide road widening reservation along the during the Enquiry by Design. The future design of any southern side of Morrison Road which, together boulevard road cross-section will need to consider with current setback requirements, impacts on the whether the provision of cycle lanes is appropriate) redevelopment potential of affected properties; and 2. Until a resolution on the road reservation is made, setback dispensations should be allowed for • The City of Swan is currently considering options properties along the southern side of Morrison Road for future changes to Morrison Road and whether to stimulate development. there is a need for a dual carriageway and if this is 3. A new roundabout at William Street is proposed the best overall outcome for the community. to provide a slow vehicular point, as well as safe pedestrian access to the SRRP and proposed Interpretive Centre. This roundabout will service a new road connection proposed through to Harper Street and along the eastern boundary of the SRRP (shown in other Precinct concepts). The roundabout will need to be designed to be friendly for pedestrians and cyclists as it will be a key crossing point. It will also assist with improving legibility and access to William Street as well as helping to stimulate investment in the area. 4. The Poynton Avenue intersection could be redesigned to include a roundabout to slow traffic and provide a safe pedestrian access point. Other options could be considered for this intersection, including the retention of the current four way intersection or providing some other traffic calming devices to facilitate safe pedestrian movement. A roundabout would also assist with improving legibility and access to Poynton Avenue as well as helping to stimulate investment in the area. Morrision Road West - Indicative Design from EbD Workshop Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report 19
New Street Links the new SRRP park edge road with Harper Street could assist with the redevelopment of Parts of the City Centre suffer from poor circulation the area. and access due to the lack of through routes and direct connections to key areas of the City Centre. 6. Cale Street is extended into the Midland Oval Current way-finding and access in and around the Precinct as an 18 metre wide ‘boulevard’ street area is relatively convoluted with motorists forced utilising existing Council land. The street would to make circuitous trips to get around the City. provide for an extension of the central public open space, connecting through to The Crescent and linking Cale Street with Old Great Northern Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for New Street Links Highway (via The Avenue) as well as enhance Several new street links are proposed providing for the amenity and walkability of the area. improved circulation and access to various parts of the City Centre. Although described under the individual 7. Extension of Keane Street through to Victoria Precinct Indicative Plans, these roads are described Street to complete the creation of Keane here to provide context to overall City wide circulation Street as a centrally located north-south route and access improvements. linking Great Northern Highway to the centre of Midland and to assist in creating the street as 1. A new road extension from Old Great Northern the gateway road into Midland from the north. Highway west through the existing public parking area (which is privately owned) and the 8. A new street through the Centrepoint Shopping existing Police car park (in public ownership) Centre site connecting the Midland Train to connect with Spring Park Road (comprising Station with Great Eastern Highway could be part of a greater continuous pedestrian link designed to provide for a visual link between the and improved east-west connectivity through Station and the Town Hall and assist with the to the SRRP). This road will also assist with revitalisation of Old Great Northern Highway. circulation on Old Great Northern Highway and This street could comprise angled parking for help to bring back some of the traffic lost with visitors to new retail uses in the area. the creation of the mall at the northern end. 9. Several new access streets are proposed to 2. A new road through the former Midland facilitate greater connectivity through and Primary School site (which is in public around the Health Campus. An access street ownership) heading west from Spring Park into the Campus from Yelverton Drive via a new Road before turning south and connecting roundabout would facilitate emergency access with Poynton Avenue will facilitate access and and patient pick-up/drop-off. This road could redevelopment opportunities on the school connect through to a new service road located site as well as comprising part of a greater along the rail corridor boundary and which continuous pedestrian link and improved east- would provide an east-west connection through west connectivity through to the SRRP. the Health Campus between Centennial Place and Cowie Place. Whilst these roads could be 3. A new road connecting Burgess Street private roads, providing them as public roads with William Street could provide improved would ensure that long term accessibility circulation as well as the ability for new through the precinct is secured. development opportunities within the area. 10. A new Helena River foreshore road along the 4. A new road along the edge of the SRRP site southern edge of the WAP site would enable new (over public and private property), connecting development to front on and activate the Helena Morrison Road at its northern end and Bayley River environs as well as provide for access and Street at its southern end would provide good a movement economy to the southern portion connectivity and access from surrounding areas of the Workshops Village from Lloyd Street. to proposed park destinations to the west (i.e: river, major family playground). The creation 11. Minor adjustments to proposed roads through of this road could include some public/private the Railway Workshops site would enhance land exchanges. visual links, circulation and development opportunities. 5. Two new road links on publicly owned land (City of Swan and the Water Corporation) connecting 20 Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Parking 3. A new multi-deck park and ride station on PTA land west of the Midland Train Station could Redevelopment and revitalisation efforts over have sections cordoned off for commercial recent years have resulted in increased pressure development wrapping around the parking on parking facilities around the City Centre. decks for all day park and ride, and for short Key parking considerations within the City term visitor parking. Developed to 4 storeys Centre include: will yield approximately 1392 bays. • The provision of full parking requirements 4. Land abutting the rail corridor could be on small sites is uneconomical for new designed to provide at grade parking in the development; and short term and possibly decked in the longer term with development sleeved along street • The Enquiry by Design provides opportunities to edges and public areas. The design of these identify potential multi-storey car parking sites facilities will need to ensure views into the and how they integrate with the surrounding Railway Workshops site are protected. urban fabric as well as identify parking solutions 5. The smaller parking stations outlined in for the City Centre generally in line with recent the draft Midland Oval Precinct Outline sustainability and TOD objectives. Development Plan (February 2007) could be retained as an opportunity but if Stafford Street is developed as described above, they Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for Parking may be smaller facilities. 1. A new multi-deck parking facility behind the existing City of Swan offices (on land comprising separate titles under the ownership of the City of Swan and the State Government) facilitating the provision of additional well distributed parking for the Midland City Centre. Developed to 3 storeys will yield approximately 408 bays. Single aspect development comprising ground floor retail with commercial/office and residential above to the edges of the facility fronting Morrison Road and the new east-west road could be developed. 2. A second multi-deck parking facility located on the existing Stafford Street car park (which is in private ownership) could be developed as part of a 4 storey development fronting Stafford Street comprising 2 levels of office with 2 floors of residential above. Developed up to 5 levels will yield approximately 422 car bays.
Parking Structure Location Plan Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report 21
View Across Bus Interchange looking North West
Public Transport The first option of redeveloping the existing station generally at its current location was Recent redevelopment of parts of Midland, considered by the Enquiry by Design to be the as well as proposed initiatives (such as the most viable option (refer to the Midland Station Midland Health Campus), provide opportunities Transit-Oriented Development Precinct under to review the existing and future public transport the Precinct Indicative Plans for further detail). requirements in the context of Transit-Oriented Development planning principles. The Enquiry by Design identified several options for the Midland Station and passenger rail extensions including: • Rebuild the station generally in its current location (staged development);
• Construct two stations – one at Lloyd Street and the other at its current location;
• Construct one station mid way between the two (at Cale Street); and
• Construction of an additional station at Ferguson Street (as a long term option i.e: 30 years) once the freight storage yard area has been relocated and the brickworks buffer associated with the Metro Brick brickworks located to the south of the Railway Workshops site (which prohibits residential uses) is removed. 22 Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Bus Transport and Interchange with Rail Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for Bus Transport and Interchange with Rail The existing bus interchange configuration is 1. The bus interchange has essentially been considered to work well. retained but with improvements to user amenity. A proposal to relocate Victoria Street southwards The roundabout area and existing trees have (west of Helena Street) to enable Centrepoint been retained within a new “European plaza” Shopping Centre to expand south was considered by landscape incorporating a café/kiosk to the the Enquiry by Design, however, this option would centre. A paved pedestrian link through the compromise the gains possible by locating the rail area would facilitate pedestrian access from station south (as proposed and discussed further in the train station/bus interchange through to this report under the Midland Train Station Transit- the Helena Street/Victoria Street intersection. Oriented Development Precinct Indicative Plan) and utilising the land south of Victoria Street for parking 2. The existing Helena Street bus access point and development. It would also likely require the could be retained as this point is more reconfiguration of the bus interchange into a more desirable than Victoria Street as it achieves land intensive elongated design. less congestion (and therefore minimises time delays) and provides better access to existing bus routes. This would hinder the urbanisation of Helena Street and demand that good shade and shelter be created on this edge to link to the Railway Workshops site. 3. New commercial development beside the existing bus interchange platform overlooking the roundabout area will provide passive surveillance over that area. 4. The Station could be designed to extend to Helena Street and connect with the existing at- grade pedestrian crossing thereby providing pedestrians from the Railway Workshops direct access to the Station and the bus interchange (refer also to Precinct Indicative Plan for the Midland Station Transit-Oriented Development).
Bus Transport and Interchange with Rail Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report 23
Precinct Indicative Plans As well as these initiatives, the Enquiry by Design developed various proposals (described Precincts Identified throughout this report) which will assist with achieving TOD objectives. For the purpose of structuring this report and describing the Enquiry by Design proposals, Several key considerations for the Precinct the City Centre has been divided into several include: precincts generally based on key land use nodes • Little direct connection between the Midland as outlined below. Train Station and the Old Great Northern Highway main street; Midland Station Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) • The approach into Midland by train as well as the amenity of the Train Station and bus interchange The Midland Train Station TOD Precinct comprises the Midland Train Station, the Centrepoint is generally poor and its configuration does Shopping Centre site and surrounding adjacent not contribute to an active, vibrant urban land. environment;
The MRA and the City of Swan are seeking a • A desire by the PTA to provide for a 1200 bay park long term TOD solution for the City Centre and ride facility in the future as well as a Station that supports the Western Australian Planning building that integrates more effectively with Commission’s Network City plan which identifies Midland as a Major Activity Centre. Helena Street; Several existing and proposed initiatives • Various landholdings in private ownership east are being progressed which will assist with of Helena Street which present opportunities for achieving TOD objectives for the Midland City urban infill development; and Centre including new mixed-use development along The Crescent/Keane Street and within • Possible contamination of the Centrepoint the Railway Workshops as well as within the Shopping Centre site associated with railway Midland Oval Precinct. workshop operations. 24 Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for Midland and the Town Hall. The street comprises on- Station Transit - Oriented Development (TOD) street angled parking and street trees and The key feature of the design concept for this area footpaths to both sides to provide amenity is that it enables the key landowners in the area to and shade for pedestrians walking through develop their sites incrementally and independently the area. of each other. 8. A new 4000m² supermarket and small 1. The Midland Train Station’s platform and shopping mall with roof top parking is associated building is proposed to be proposed over the area currently comprising relocated south and further east to Helena the existing shopping centre car park. To the Street, freeing up a 20m wide parcel of land west of the right of way new development allowing for a more efficient redevelopment comprising ground floor commercial uses opportunity for the PTA site without impacting with upper floor residential apartments could on the existing Station’s current operations. be developed. An alternative development 2. The design of the Station protects the scenario could comprise the ground floor operation of the existing rail services in retail as proposed, however with up to 4 the area as well as the ability to extend the floors of commercial/residential above. electrical metropolitan passenger line in the 9. New development comprising ground floor future (if required) by building pedestrian commercial with upper floor residential walkways over the alignment of that line. (possibly 3-4 storeys high) is proposed along 3. The Station should be designed to extend to the Great Eastern Highway frontage. Helena Street, connecting with the existing 10. The existing shopping centre is proposed at-grade pedestrian crossing thereby to be redeveloped to comprise a 1200m² allowing pedestrians from the Railway ‘boutique’ supermarket with active ground Workshops direct access to the Station and level frontages sleeved against a pedestrian the bus interchange. walkway connecting Helena Street with 4. Multiple or single points of access to the the new north-south street. Access to the Station platform could be provided depending supermarket service and loading bay has on PTA requirements. been provided via the rear lane and located in the vicinity of the existing Centrepoint 5. Relocating the train station (in a staged Shopping Centre. Upper floor residential manner) enables an efficient redevelopment apartment development (possibly up to 3 opportunity of the PTA land to be achieved storeys) serviced by ground floor parking incorporating a 52 metre deep multi-deck could then be developed along the street parking facility which can provide parking for frontages. rail commuters as well as for new adjoining development possibly up to 4 levels providing 11. New mixed use development comprising 1392 car parking spaces. ground floor retail with commercial/ residential above is proposed to the corner of 6. New commercial mixed use perimeter Great Eastern Highway and Helena Street. development around the parking facility fronting Victoria Street and the bus 12. A 2-4 storey office building is proposed to the interchange would provide several urban Helena Street/Victoria Street intersection. benefits whilst supporting the car parking Parking tucked under the first floor is facility. proposed accessed from the rear service lane. This building, which could currently 7. A new north-south street is proposed be developed independently of the existing through the Centrepoint Shopping Centre shopping centre, would enable the existing landholding, linking the Midland Train Station Woolworths service dock area to be screened with Great Eastern Highway and providing a from the street. more direct visual link between the Station Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report 25
Midland Station Transit - Oriented Development
13. A landmark mixed use building comprising 15. New incremental development comprising ground floor commercial and upper floor multi storey mixed use buildings with residential is proposed on existing road ground floor commercial and serviced reserve (west of the Centrepoint Shopping apartment/housing above is proposed Centre landholding). A pedestrian link has east of Helena Street. Ground floor retail been provided to the rear of this development is envisaged to the Helena Street/Victoria providing a connection with William Street. Street intersection possibly to include a corner café/restaurant. Parking is proposed 14. Redevelopment of the eastern end of the via an at-grade car park generally accessed existing showroom building just west of from surrounding streets in a manner that the train station redevelopment comprising enables a continuous active frontage to ground floor retail with offices above (partly Helena Street. The provision of underground on private and PTA land) would front the parking would allow for the more intensive new street link from Victoria Street. This development of the site. building could be developed as part of, or independently of any possible future 16. Existing heritage buildings are retained redevelopment of the showroom site. however improvements to the existing shopfronts should be made. This could be achieved as part of a whole of City shopfront façade improvement program for existing development.
Old Great Northern Highway extending across Centre Point Shopping Centre from Victoria Street looking North 26 Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Centrepoint Shopping Centre/Helena Street – Interim Enhancements The Enquiry by Design identified several (relatively low cost) interim enhancements to the Centrepoint Shopping Centre and Helena Street which can assist in converting the currently blank facades along Helena Street and its intersection with Victoria Street into a more active urban edge, whilst protecting the ability for a wholesale redevelopment of the Centre at a later stage. The enhancements include:
Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for Centrepoint Shopping Centre/Helena Street 1. The south-east corner redeveloped with a 2-4 storey office building (as described above) which allows the existing service dock area to be screened from the street. The service dock has been reorganised to allow for trucks to enter from Helena Street and then reverse into the dock after which they can exit via Victoria Street. 2. The existing rubbish bin area along Helena Street is proposed to be screened by locating a small kiosk building(s) within the existing road widening (which is currently developed as a small car park). The kiosk building would enable activation of the Helena Street. The former Midland Primary School kindergarten building could be relocated and converted into a kiosk providing for temporary uses such as coffee/muffin. 3. Helena Street and Victoria Street have been redesigned to comprise on-street parallel parking to both sides. Centrepoint Shopping Centre / Helena Street The design of this on-street parking enables the same Interim Enhancements number of bays currently provided for in the existing car park to be retained in the area. 4. The interior of the north-east corner of the shopping centre is proposed to be reorganised to enable the existing blank wall to be opened up onto the corner plaza thereby increasing activity at that location.
Helena Street looking North Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report 27
Midland’s West End Key considerations for the Precinct include: Midland’s West End comprises the traditional • Limited residential development despite the area Midland City Centre including the Old Great being zoned favourably to allow it to occur; Northern Highway shopping, civic and office • Poor circulation and access due to the lack of area. through routes as well as limited direct connections Some new development and various superficial to adjacent City Centre areas (particularly through building improvements have occurred over the last 10 years since the Charrette which have resulted to the SRRP and the Midland Train Station); in new tenancies and businesses locating to the • High parking demand; and area. However, the area still lacks a distinct role and identity and does not properly integrate with • Parts of the public realm are of poor quality and other areas within the broader City Centre. are perceived as being relatively unsafe.
Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for Midland’s West End 1. A new road extension from Old Great Northern Highway north-west through the existing public parking area (which is privately owned) and the existing Police car park to connect with Spring Park Road, creating a continuous pedestrian link and improved east-west connectivity through to the SRRP. This new road extension would require a land swap with the Police in exchange for parking provided as part of a new decked parking facility. 2. A new multi-deck parking facility behind the existing City of Swan offices (on land comprising separate titles under the ownership of the City of Swan and the State Government) facilitating the provision of additional well distributed parking for the Midland City Centre. Developed to 3 storeys will yield approximately 408 bays. Single aspect development comprising ground floor retail with commercial/office and residential above to the edges of the facility Midland’s West End fronting Morrison Road and the new east-west road could be developed. 3. Expansion of the existing City of Swan Council offices to front up to Morrison Road to better define the Morrison Road edge. 4. A new ‘plaza’ pocket park is proposed to the triangular wedge of land created as a result of the new through road. This park which retains some existing trees will serve as a focal point for pedestrians walking between Old Great Northern Highway and Spring Park Road, as well as providing an attractive outlook for new residences to the north-east. 28 Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
5. New development up to 3 storeys is proposed 10. The creation of a public lane generally in around the intersection with Old Great accordance with the Swan Chamber of Northern Highway and comprising ground Commerce proposal. floor retail/office with residential above. 11. New perimeter block development (with rear 6. New commercial/office development at parking accessed from the lane) is proposed the intersection of Morrison Road and at No. 3 The Crescent (which is in private Spring Park Road. This development would ownership) as the street setback of the activate these streets with the Police parking existing development does not align with the rationalised. street setbacks of adjoining developments. The rear parking could possibly integrate 7. A new multi-deck parking facility is identified with the parking facility proposed in Point 7, on the existing Stafford Street car park (which providing a consolidated key parking facility is in private ownership), developed as part for the City Centre. of a 4 storey development fronting Stafford Street comprising 2 levels of office with 2 12. Encourage site consolidation redevelopment floors of residential above. The car park that complements existing new development could be developed up to 5 levels (resulting on The Crescent, fronting and activating The in approximately 422 car bays). Crescent and Great Eastern Highway (this land comprises land owned by the MRA and 8. The existing car park on City of Swan land land under private ownership). should be sold to fund other redevelopment works and redeveloped as a 3 storey small 13. A new 3-4 storey building is proposed on the office complex. former Wesco site (which is owned by the City) at the intersection of Old Great Northern 9. Redevelopment of private property to comprise Highway and Spring Park Road, comprising a multi-level development fronting both The ground floor commercial with residential Crescent and Stafford Street, similar to new above with balconies overlooking Carnegie development opposite. Redevelopment could Park and Town Hall. also include a small pocket park to facilitate the creation of an informal pedestrian link between Stafford and Keane Streets. Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report 29
View through new apartment development looking towards Morrison Road and Swan Regional Riverside Park
Former Primary School The Midland Primary School site is one of very few large land parcels within close proximity to the City Centre. The site represents an important redevelopment opportunity to provide for a level of development intensity that contributes to increasing the residential population of the City Centre, as well as assisting in improving linkages within the City Centre and between the City Centre and adjoining 6. A widening and extension of the existing lane areas, in particular, from Spring Park Road through (behind properties situated along the western to the SRRP. side of Spring Park Road) could be progressively developed to provide rear access to those properties and to new 2-3 storey townhouse development on Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for Former Primary School the school site. 1. New 4-5 storey development (with possibly up to 7. New 2-3 storey townhouses are proposed 7 storeys at the north-western end), is proposed along the northern side of Poynton Avenue. on the school site. Development could incorporate This development could comprise home-based a mixture of residential types, possibly including business development on 11-12 metre wide lots retirement housing with some independent (similar to new development along The Crescent) apartments. The development would be serviced accessed via a rear laneway. Studios over garages by centralised at-grade parking areas as well as would provide surveillance of the laneway. semi-basement parking areas throughout the 8. The provision of a pedestrian path through the development (as required). school site is proposed as part of a continuous 2. If in the future the City decides to remove the pedestrian link and view corridor between the current road widening reservation, apartments Midland City Centre and the SRRP. could be developed up to Morrison Road on 9. Significant trees should be retained on the site to existing City of Swan land. provide natural amenity. 3. Poynton Avenue is proposed to be redeveloped to incorporate a widened footpath and parallel parking to both sides which could provide visitor parking to new 2-3 storey home-based business development along Poynton Avenue. 4. A new road is proposed through the school site heading west from Spring Park Road before turning south and connecting with Poynton Avenue. New 2-3 storey office development is proposed to front the new intersection at Spring Park Road. 5. On the southern side of Poynton Avenue, 2-3 storey mixed use development comprising ground floor commercial with residential above is proposed as a transition between the commercial uses along Great Eastern Highway and the surrounding residential uses. This development is dependant on the ‘pairing up’ or amalgamation of lots in order to make more efficient use of the land and to maximise development potential. Former Primary School 30 Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Poynton Avenue The Poynton Avenue Precinct comprises land south of Poynton Avenue and east of William Street as well as land fronting Burgess Street. Existing development in the Precinct generally consists of single storey detached housing on privately owned landholdings. Given their City Centre location and proximity to the Midland Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for Poynton Train Station there are opportunities for low Avenue scale redevelopment infill that can contribute to 1. New 2-3 storey mixed-use townhouse the level of development intensity desired in a development to Poynton Avenue comprising City Centre location. home based businesses to ground floors The City of Swan has identified the need to with residential above. This development review the zoning and develop a redevelopment is serviced by a rear lane with 2 undercroft plan that is appropriate for the Precinct. parking bays per townhouse. 2. New 2-3 storey mixed-use townhouse development on to William Street and Burgess Street comprising home based businesses to ground floors with residential above. This ‘paired up’ development is serviced by shared crossovers with rear parking for businesses. 3. A new road is proposed connecting Burgess Street with Williams Street providing improved circulation as well as the ability for new development opportunities in the south of the Precinct. 4. New 2-3 storey townhouse development is proposed in the southern portion of the Precinct accessed via a new road. This ‘paired up’ development is serviced by shared crossovers with rear parking for residences. Development may be built over the shared accessways.
Poynton Avenue Precinct Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report 31
Morrison Road Adjoining Developments Enquiry by Design Initiatives for Morrision Road Investment along Morrison Road has been stifled Adjoining Developments by the ongoing impact of the road widening 1 Design Morrision Road upgrades to allow for reservation and the high traffic speeds and access to abutting properties. volumes (as discussed earlier in this Report). 2 Create incentives or a requirement that Given its proximity to the City Centre and the properties be amalgamated prior to Midland Train Station, existing properties along development to minimise cross overs. Morrison Road present opportunities for more intensive development. 3 Traffic Calm Morrision Road to encourage The Enquiry by Design discussed a range of redevelopment of lots fronting Morrision options for the area. It was concluded in light of Road. the need to minimise crossovers onto Morrison Road that properties should be developed in pairs (or greater) as part of a redevelopment strategy. This is likely to have benefits in terms of yield of units under its R100 zoning and is integral to avoid Morrison Road becoming a 4 lane road. 32 Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Swan Regional Riverside Park and Key considerations for the Precinct include: Related Developments • Opportunities to provide for a level of development This Precinct comprises the southern and eastern intensity which contributes to and supports the extents of the SRRP and adjacent residential viability and vitality of the City Centre; land in private ownership. Development on this • Poor passive surveillance and amenity along adjoining land backs onto the SRRP resulting in a poor quality interface that does not provide the edge of the SRRP as well as limited direct adequate levels of surveillance, amenity and access between the SRRP and the City Centre safety of the park area. due to the extent of private landholdings backing onto the park;
• Possible contamination issues along the southern portion of the SRRP site and adjacent rear portions of lots along Harper Street associated with the former uncontrolled fill;
• Parts of the area are low lying and subject to flooding; and
• An existing wetland to the north of the area (near Elvire Street and within the SRRP) which is likely be subject to a buffer limiting the extent of development in that area. Swan Regional Riverside Park and Related Developments
Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for Swan Regional 5. New medium density residential development Riverside Park and Related Developments on amalgamated sites is proposed along the new 1. The William Street No. 4 car park has been re- park edge road to the rear of existing houses. configured to allow for tourist buses and visitor This development could possibly be 3-5 storey parking. buildings (comprising grouped town houses or 2. The proposed Indigenous Cultural Centre has walk up apartments) and will provide increased been located as close to the wetland as possible density and activity fronting the park. to maximise its relationship with the natural 6. Existing large trees have been retained where environment. possible throughout the area. 3. A new road link is proposed connecting Harper 7. Two new intra-block street links (on City of Street with Morrison Road comprising on-street Swan/ Water Corporation land) are proposed parking. connecting the new park edge road with Harper 4. A new road is proposed along the edge of the Street. The Water Corporation pump station has SRRP site, connecting Harper Street and Bayley been retained with new development around. Street improving connectivity and access from 8. A key bike route is proposed along the new park surrounding areas to proposed park destinations edge road. to the west. Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report 33
Great Eastern Highway looking East
Great Eastern Highway / Victoria Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for Great Eastern Street East Highway / Victoria Street East 1. New infill development is proposed on several The Great Eastern Highway/Victoria Street East vacant sites comprising 2-3 storey mixed use Precinct comprises those properties fronting the development with ground floor commercial portions of Great Eastern Highway/Victoria Street uses at street level and residential uses east of Helena Street. above and to the rear of properties. Achieving Generally the streetscape amenity is poor and is a good and viable outcome may require the dominated by passing traffic resulting in little or development of several existing land parcels no pedestrian activity. at the same time, thereby requiring landowner cooperation. This could be facilitated through joint ventures.
Great Eastern Highway / Victoria Street East 34 Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
2. A new commercial ‘liner’ building is proposed Improvements to shopfronts should include: on along the northern side of Victoria Street • Ensuring the greatest level of business activity is (east of Cale Street) to assist with defining located towards the front of shops; and reinforcing the streetscape at that location. This building could be developed on • The provision of uniform setbacks (ideally nil) the corner as a gateway landmark building. along the street to clearly define and reinforce 3. To assist with creating an enhanced the street; streetscape that fosters increased • The provision of shade structures (such as pedestrian activity and safety, improvements awnings) to provide a comfortable environment to existing shopfronts should be encouraged. Shopfronts which activate the street will for pedestrians; and assist with creating a more successful • Facades which promote visual richness and urban environment which will benefit local which create a strong street presence through businesses. appropriately sized windows that frame views into the shop as well as clearly defined entrances that enable safe and comfortable access. These could be provided as part of 2-3 storey redevelopment with residential or commercial above.
Great Eastern Highway looking West Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report 35
Midland Gate Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for Midland Gate The key feature of the proposal is that car parking and The Midland Gate Precinct occupies land bound by service areas have been retained yet screened from Cale Street to the west, The Crescent to the north, the public realm by new development which provides Lloyd Street to the east, and Great Eastern Highway attractive and active street frontages, thereby enhancing to the south. the amenity of the surrounding area. Midland Gate Shopping Centre occupies most of 1. New development incorporating active ground the Precinct. The Shopping Centre represents the floor commercial uses with upper floor offices is largest retail complex in the north-east corridor proposed along Great Eastern Highway to provide serving a substantial primary catchment into the for a built form edge to the street. Decked parking hills and beyond. is located behind this development accessed from Key considerations for the Precinct include: internal circulation aisles. • Despite recent expansions to the Centre providing 2. New 2-3 storey development is proposed in the some limited active frontages along The Crescent south west corner comprising street level retail and Cale Street, Midland Gate draws pedestrian and upper floor businesses sleeved around activity away from the streets around it, weakening existing development. The existing ramp up to the the overall appeal of the City Centre; upper deck parking is retained.
• The Great Eastern Highway and Lloyd Street 3. The existing Rebel Sports store site is proposed to be redeveloped to comprise ground floor frontages contribute to this problem due to the lack businesses with upper floor serviced and/or of development and pedestrian based activity along residential apartments, situated along a new these streets; north-south street. This tighter urban street • There are opportunities to included a mix of uses contains a central heavily ‘treed’ park which and active frontages, thereby increasing the range of together provide park amenity for residents. people who visit the area and the number of hours 4. A landmark office building to Great Eastern per day when activity is taking place, which will Highway/Lloyd Street intersection is proposed to capitalise on the strong movement economy contribute to the vibrancy of the area; and at that location whilst providing for a built form • Whilst the Enquiry by Design did not investigate a edge to the corner which defines the entrance to design solution for the Western Power site to the the City Centre from the east. This building could north-east corner of the Precinct, retail expansion of be developed to be 4-6 storeys in height with Midland Gate in this direction or along The Crescent potential views towards the Helena River environs to the south. is not supported as it would further fragment the City Centre.
Midland Gate Shopping Centre 36 Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Brockman Precinct The Brockman Precinct comprises portions Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for Brockman of land around Brockman Road. The Precinct Precinct is characterised by multiple landholdings in 1. New mixed use development (incorporating private ownership comprising predominantly ground floor medical specialty facilities and low density residential development with some upper floor walk up residential or serviced low intensity government and non-government apartments) up to 3 storeys is proposed commercial uses. generally throughout the Precinct. Key considerations for the Precinct include: 2. Consideration of a ‘paired up’ redevelopment • Opportunities for high quality intensive strategy to enable the creation of efficient development sites of sufficient dimensions development given its proximity to the City possibly by way of development incentives Centre, the Midland Train Station, the proposed (such as reduced setbacks, increased plot Swan Regional Health Campus and good ratios). accessibility to regional roads;
• Existing ‘residential’ lot configurations and fragmented landownership potentially impede achievement of desired development intensity and requires formulation of redevelopment strategies which can stimulate investment in the area and overcome the urban blight;
• Proposed Lloyd Street underpass impacts on the Precinct’s accessibility as it necessitates closing or realigning the portion of Railway Parade at Lloyd Street; and
• The retention of access into the Precinct from Lloyd Street will be important to ensuring a movement economy can be provided which facilitates redevelopment opportunities that Brockman Precinct capitalise on the Health Campus as well as meeting TOD objectives. 3. Termination of Railway Parade to facilitate the Lloyd Street underpass. 4. Provision of a new east-west road linking Lloyd Street with Brockman Road, located to enable sufficient depth for new development sites whilst ensuring appropriate intersection spacings along Lloyd Street are achieved. Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report 37
Great Eastern Highway (East of Lloyd Street) The Great Eastern Highway (East of Lloyd Street) Precinct comprises existing car based Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for Great Eastern commercial/showroom development along the Highway (East of Lloyd Street) portion of Great Eastern Highway between Lloyd The concept prepared for the Precinct, which Street and Roe Highway. represents a typical design approach for a section of Key considerations for the Precinct include: Great Eastern Highway, provides for improved and efficient access to commercial properties as well as • Relatively high vehicular accident rates due enhanced streetscape amenity. Key features of the to motorists turning off the highway into design are described below. commercial car park areas via crossovers at 1. A new median strip to enable safe right numerous relatively unpredictable points along turns. the highway; and 2. A new “service street” comprising angled 45° • A relatively poor and uncomfortable pedestrian parking is proposed to facilitate good ease of environment along Great Eastern Highway access and efficient parking, thereby reducing dominated by high traffic volumes on one side the number of crossovers to development and large car park areas on the other side. which currently exist as well as improving Generally it is not safe to cross anywhere the safety and amenity for pedestrians. along Great Eastern Highway with the only 3. New business development towards the front opportunities provided by the limited signalised of lots to upgrade urban quality and amenity intersections which are spaced well apart from of Great Eastern Highway. each other. 4. Service access and additional parking to development is provided to the rear of development, serviced by an efficient circulation system with access to adjacent streets ideally limited to single points. 5. Curb extensions have been designed to accommodate trucks (towards Great Eastern Highway) and cars only (for residential to the north). 6. Additional links to the car park could be provided at the end of the service street.
Great Eastern Highway (East of Lloyd Street) 38 Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Midland Oval (Southwest Corner)
Midland Oval (Southwest Corner) The Midland Oval Precinct is bound by Keane Street to the west, Morrison Road to the north, Sayer Street to the east and The Crescent to the south. In 2007, Council resolved to endorse a Masterplan and support a Draft ODP for the Precinct with a view to adopting the ODP once developer Midland Oval (Southwest Corner) - Basement contributions were formalised. Although and Intra-block Parking Configuration planning for the Precinct is being progressed, the Enquiry by Design presents an opportunity to review in particular the southwest corner of • A need to ensure appropriate levels of parking the Precinct due to the area’s proximity to the City Centre and Midland Train Station, its likely can be provided to support such development and role as a catalyst point for development within designed in an integrated manner with limited the Precinct, and review parking requirements access so as to not compromise pedestrian in light of other Enquiry by Design City Centre walkability; public car parking proposals. • Implications associated with the fragmented Key considerations for the Precinct include: land ownership on the ability for the Precinct • A need to achieve a level of development intensity to be redeveloped in an integrated and effective and public realm amenity that contributes to manner; and and supports the viability and vitality of the City Centre; • Possible redevelopment of the Swan District’s Senior Citizens Association building into a new facility which better integrates with the pocket park proposed under the Midland Oval Masterplan. Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report 39
Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for Midland Oval levels of privacy are achieved, whilst providing The Enquiry by Design investigated an option where an appropriate level of amenity for new residents parking demands generate from other precincts are overlooking the space. This distance is widely seen accommodated elsewhere (e.g: Stafford Street) and this as a comfortable minimum dimension between corner is developed without the public car park. The private room windows of differing dwellings. benefit of this option is that development yields are likely 7. The area situated immediately to the south of the to be significantly more than that which can currently be pocket park is considered to represent one of the achieved under the ODP. best opportunities to provide for a mid-rise (at 1. The three refurbished buildings along The Avenue least 6 storeys) residential development within are to be retained, as are the two existing very large the City Centre. Along with its attractive City eucalypts to their south, along with the grove of Centre location close to shopping and commercial eucalypts at the south end of the oval, along with precincts, it also enjoys a sunny aspect overlooking the adjoining remaining fragment of the historic the pocket park. velodrome. 8. The provision of an incrementally developable 2. Extending Cale Street into the Precinct as a 20 basement parking, beneath shared at-grade metre wide boulevard road with a tree lined central intra-block parking for commercial, civic and median, and on-street parking and pedestrian residential guest parking. The design is based footpaths to both sides. on properly located shared ramps, located adjacent to a shared property boundary, enabling 3. A new Swan District Senior Citizens Centre is incremental development (requires Council to proposed to be developed over the existing gravel effect and administer a legal agreement that car park (owned by Council) just to the west of the ensures equitable compensation by future pocket park and east of the existing senior citizen’s adjoining developers to the initial developer, as facility. This development is proposed to include at well as provide for shared rights of access). least 5 floors of seniors apartments atop the new senior citizen’s centre. A land swap is proposed 9. Development up to 6 storeys along The Crescent for these two lots between the Council and the between Keane and the Cale Street extension Seniors Association, enabling the existing facility comprising street-level business (mostly smaller to continue uninterupted. office) premises, with a possible retail premise (possibly a café or restaurant) at the corner of 4. The development of a 12 metre wide pedestrian Keane and The Crescent. extension of Oval Park to Keane Street. This park extension would sit above the private basement 10. Development along Keane Street could be 6 carpark extending beneath it. Because of the storeys or more of apartments with a possible basement below, this park extension would not graduation downwards toward The Avenue’s have large trees. The green structures shown on smaller buildings. the walkway in the plan are pergolas with vines for 11. Multi-storey mixed-use development is proposed shade over seating areas, barbies, and so forth. east of the Cale Street extension, similar to that 5. Fee-simple terraces or apartments of up to 3 proposed above for The Crescent, although it storeys framing the parkway extension, with might not be as tall as development west of Cale private tuck-under garages. Street, solely because the site is smaller, meaning a basement carpark may be harder to achieve 6. The 12 metre width of this park extension has been cost-effectively. carefully considered to ensure that comfortable
View from Keane Street / The Crescent intersection looking North East 40 Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
View towards Health Campus from Clayton Street Health Campus Site As the Health Department of Western Australia is yet to commence detailed planning and design for the Swan Regional Health Campus, there are opportunities to examine possible built form outcomes and design principles which optimise the internal layout of the campus and its integration with surrounding land uses and development. Key considerations for the Precinct include: • Access to the campus including location of entrances, access to emergency departments, and location of on- site parking areas for staff and visitors as well as resolution of external transport issues including access from the north-east across the rail line;
• Opportunities to integrate other transport modes including appropriately located cycle paths, CAT bus provision and pedestrian links over the rail (subject to liaison with PTA/Westnet);
• Ensure building design and layouts provide for a strong relationship with the public realm and surrounding land uses and development, and provide passive surveillance opportunities through providing publicly accessible roads and appropriately designed buildings which front on to public areas; and
• A 500 metre buffer applies to the Metro Brick brickworks (located immediately south east of the Railway Workshops site), which precludes residential development from locating within the area.
Health Campus Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report 41
Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for Health 5. A new two way vehicular access road Campus Site accessed from a new roundabout on Clayton The concept proposed for the health campus Street providing emergency access and represents a schematic multi-storey development patient pick-up/drop-off at the eastern end designed to efficiently accommodate hospital access of the main building as well as providing a needs and programme requirements. link through to the service road located along Ideally development would be 3-5 storeys with the rail corridor boundary. Whilst these roads possible basement development (for functions could be private providing them as public such as operating theatres), however there is the roads will ensure long term accessibility potential to compress the footprint via achieving through the precinct is secured. higher development thereby freeing up land for 6. An at-grade car park for approximately 460 other development opportunities. cars is proposed in the northern section of 1. The concept represents an efficient approach the site behind development and serving to design as it enables one intra hospital as a buffer to the rail noise and vibration department to be accommodated per floor impacts associated with the freight rail line. (grouped around the courtyards). Corridors Access to the car park is provided by Clayton are double loaded overlooking courtyards to Street as well as a new road along the rail the north and Yelverton Drive to the south. line connecting Cowie Place and Centennial The design of ground floors will ensure Place. This parking could be decked initially activation of the street. or developed later, however its design should not compromise northern solar access to the 2. Treed/landscaped north-facing courtyards hospital building. providing natural light to internal areas as well as a relatively peaceful healing 7. The eastern secction of the site represents environment for patients. a development opportunity for a complementary use (or possible additional 3. It is envisaged that there would be a general parking if required). gravitation of hospital uses to the west with the main entrance and administration 8. A pedestrian rail crossing is proposed at Cale component located at the western end, Street to improve accessibility between the providing a good relationship to development/ areas north and south of the rail as well as to uses within the adjacent Workshop Block assist with stimulating viability and amenity buildings, as well as proximity to the Midland of surrounding businesses. Train Station. There is also the opportunity 9. Clayton Street redesigned to comprise a 5 to enable private medical offices and other metre median with a 5 metre pavement, 2.5 ancillary uses to locate at this end and west metre parallel parking lane and a 2.5 metre of Centennial Place. verge to both sides. 4. The detached development at the eastern end of the site is envisaged to accommodate mental health services (as per the programme). 42 Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Western Australia Police (WAP) Site as serving to define the gateway entrance to & Helena River Frontage the City Centre from the south (if the WAP are The WAP are currently reviewing their Masterplan supportive); for the site in light of several changes to their • A 132kV underground powerline and easement programme. These include the horse and exists along the western alignment of Lloyd canine sections now locating eleswhere, a Street; need to locate a storage facility for proceeds of crime and approximately 400 extra car spaces • Poor direct public access to the Helena River identified under the current WAP Masterplan foreshore area south of the WAP site has the now not being required. potential to compromise safety and security in Key considerations for the Precinct include: that area; • A need to ensure a high level of security is • The siting and design of new development should achieved in site planning and building design; provide passive surveillance opportunities to • A need to ensure built form outcomes along the public space areas; and Centennial Place frontage, which respect the • A 500 metre buffer applies to the Metro Brick Workshops built form; brickworks (located immediately south east of • Opportunity for the surplus land (which comprise the Railway Workshops site), which precludes the contaminated bunds) along the Lloyd Street residential development from locating within the south extension to be made available for new area. development which extends on the existing showroom development around the Clayton Street and Lloyd Street intersection as well Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report 43
Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for WAP and a business boulevard comprising new Helena River Frontage WAP development fronting the western The concept proposed for the WAP site reflects side of Lloyd Street and two storey new opportunities in response to the WAP showroom development fronting the revised programme and spatial requirements eastern side, which could be developed as well as a need to activate the Helena River into office uses in the long term. These foreshore area. (As the WAP were not available to buildings are setback from Lloyd Street participate in the Enquiry by Design, the concept to accommodate a service road and avoid is purely an Enquiry by Design team initiative). the power easement to the west of Lloyd 1. A foreshore road connecting Lloyd Street and will enable Lloyd Street to be Street and the southern portion of activated as well as serving to define the the Workshops Village, activating the gateway entrance to the City Centre from foreshore area. This road will reduce the the south. burden on Clayton Street and facilitate 4. Additional WAP development designed to good access to the WAP site and the front streets (where possible) to promote southern edge of the Workshops Village passive surveillance of the public realm. as well as enhancing the amenity of the 5. An improved parking arrangement is foreshore area. proposed to Centennial Place through 2. New police development is proposed the relocation of the existing trees and to the centre of the site along the new a realignment of the road to allow for foreshore road, activating the area and better on-street parking. This parking is promoting passive surveillance of the located on the western side of the road river environs. and within the median, but not on the 3. The Lloyd Street frontage is proposed as east side of the road so as to maintain the WAP site security requirements.
WAP and Helena River Frontage 44 Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
The Workshops • Several characteristics of the existing fabric present unique challenges to ensure their future The Precinct comprises land bounded by Wallsend Road, the rail line, Centennial Place adaptation and re-use whilst endeavouring to and the Helena River and includes many of the support TOD objectives, achieve good activation former Railway Workshops historic buildings. of public areas, create a vital and safe place and Current MRA planning for the Precinct will respond to local climatic conditions; provide for a mixed-use village incorporating • Several vistas through and out of the Railway commercial, educational and residential Workshops site contribute to the character and apartment development in and around the existing heritage buildings. experience of the place and should be protected Although planning for the Precinct is progressing, and augmented in new development; the Enquiry by Design reviewed the area with a • Ensure appropriate levels of passive surveillance view to identifying possible new development are provided along the Helena River foreshore; as well as re-use opportunities for several of the heritage buildings which are yet to be fully • Ensure appropriate access points are provided resolved in detail. to facilitate pedestrian movement to areas south Key considerations for the Precinct include: of the river (which are within the TOD walkable • The provision of a mixed use urban village catchment) should they be developed in the focussed around the Midland Train Station future through to the Midland Train Station; and incorporating TOD principles (including • Soil contamination resulting from the site’s higher residential densities) which respects the former rail activities which may impact on the heritage of the existing urban fabric; ability to construct basement parking (depending • Attracting residents into the City Centre to on extent of remediation); ensure a level of vitality and security is achieved • Implementation of the approved subdivision is especially given the existing fabric and the likely progressing (with the residential development non-residential uses within existing buildings site fronting Helena River due to be released to limits achieving desired levels of passive the market in early 2008). Substantial restoration surveillance and security; has occurred to several buildings. Remediation • A desire for a local centre located within the works has commenced with the design of Precinct to serve new development in the area, infrastructure and servicing to other parts of the limited to a small supermarket/deli; Precinct being substantially progressed; and
• Several heritage curtilages exist across the • Opportunities for appropriate sized development Railway Workshops which relate to various open sites which have the potential to make spaces, views and vistas to and from the site; construction staging easier and benefit from economies of scale in terms of labour, materials • Ensuring new infill development is complementary and transport. to the existing fabric and contributes positively to established building patterns whilst revitalising the area and adding interest to existing built forms; Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report 45
Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for Railway Square 3. A landscaping theme which reflects the and Foundry Road industrial character of the place comprising formalised placement of trees and a north-south Railway Square and Foundry Road oriented water feature serving to “break-up” the 1. Maximise development around the Railway vastness of the Square, providing a visual link Square which ‘tightens’ the Square whilst between the statue and new development to the respecting the heritage curtilage at its eastern south. end, comprising ground floor (and possibly 1st floor) office/institutional uses with residential 4. Realign the road reserve boundary adjacent to apartments above and some local retail/cafe uses the Foundry extension by 5 metres to the south at its eastern end. Basement parking would be to create an uninterrupted axial view down the provided to accommodate the new development street, through the Blocks 1 and 2 and to the and potentially parking requirements for the Darling Range beyond as well as providing CME building and Block 1 (either in part or additional developable area to new development whole dependant on the extent of remediation). to the north around the Railway Square. Foundry Road is proposed as an 18 metre reserve (except 2. Possible taller building developed to the south- where it narrows around the Foundry extension), east corner of the Square to assist with achieving accommodating two-way traffic with parallel desired density levels, contemporary style and parking either side. which is sympathetic to the massing, proportion and rhythm of the Block buildings. 5. A chicane is proposed adjacent to where a protrusion to the Foundry building exists. This chicane deals with the reduced reserve width at that point as well as serving to slow traffic and create a safe pedestrian environment. 6. Additional traffic calming measures proposed include a roundabout at the 4-way intersection west of Block 1 and 2 as well as a deviation to the road pavement where it connects to Helena Street. 7. Upgrade Helena Street to include a central tree- lined median to provide pedestrian crossing points and enhance the amenity and pedestrian environment. 8. Create a two-way street between Blocks 1 and 2 instead of the one-way street (eastbound) with occasional parallel parking dictated by the protrusions to the Block buildings currently Railway Square and Foundry Road planned, to optimise the vehicular movement economy for the Workshops Village. 46 Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for Blocks 1, 2 & 3 5. Intra-block parking by way of car stackers, The Enquiry by Design primarily focused on ensuring an efficient approach to parking. producing a detailed design for the adaptation 6. The car park areas are accessed via the of Block 1. It is considered that similar principles existing doors with 3 metre wide access as those proposed for Block 1 could be adopted aisles that respect the dimensions of the to guide future adaptation and re-use of Blocks 2 door ways. The car parking areas could be and 3. The adaptation of these blocks is critical to capped with a slab, creating an open space the successful revitalisation of the workshop as area above that creates and maintains the they form the link between the workshops and the vast sense of space defined by the existing proposed significant institutional uses to the east, building. including the Health Campus. 7. Block 3 was identified as the logical place to 1. New development within Block 1 has been introduce any height into the Block buildings influenced by a desire to provide for a as this location is not as significant from a museum use/large gathering area at its heritage viewpoint compared to the potential western end with uses related to the hospital impact on views to the northern areas of the at its eastern end. Railway Workshops. 2. New 3 storey terraced residential development is proposed within the Block off-set from the existing façade by a 1.5 metre passage, retaining a view corridor that reflects the existing vast spaces whilst ensuring direct passive surveillance through to the external public realm. The widths of the units are defined by the location of the existing columns and comprise light courts facing north and south. Active frontages overlooking and through the existing windows has been achieved through upper floor residential balconies and courtyards. 3. The mid section of the design is proposed to be setback further to vary the space along the northern wall and ensure the vastness of the space is recognised. This development is proposed to accommodate ground floor commercial uses with residential above fronting the existing facades and north-south ‘axial passages’. 4. The eastern end is proposed to be capped with 2-3 storeys of medical offices (with lifts). The concept sketch prepared during the Enquiry by Design provides for a contemporary design that evokes the industrial character of the existing fabric through incorporating columns along the façade as representations of the existing column alignments within the Blocks 1, 2 & 3 Block building as well as serving as load bearing structures. Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report 47
Enquiry by Design Creative Industries Precinct 1. Several existing buildings (including the Foundry, Pattern Store, Patten Shop, Powerhouse and Copper Shop) are proposed to be reused to accommodate a Creative Industries Centre as well as a museum accommodating working displays of the State’s Rail heritage. 2. A new courtyard style building is proposed just east of the Foundry building comprising up to 3 storeys as additional floor space for these uses. 3. Relocating the proposed theatrette/café/ restaurant extension to the Foundry building to the west, detached from the Foundry building, to facilitate a direct pedestrian route through the area linking Helena Street with the river foreshore area.
Creative Industries Precinct 48 Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for Main Store and Enquiry by Design Concept Plan for Existing South Proposed Development Parcels and Adjustments to 1. A lane to the southern side of the Main Them Store building is proposed to provide private 1. Modifying the proposed apartment sites south access and parking to that building and new of the Foundry Park to be slightly deeper, to development immediately to the south. Both more effectively achieve basement parking. the Main Store building and the new building 2. Possible street level business with (medium- to the south will comprise 3 storey residential high) residential above. The Tarpaulin Store terraces. At-grade parking will be provided can be reused as a commercial development from the lane comprising “head-in” parking preferably in a form that facilitates general adjacent to the Main Store and parking tucked public use and access. The new riverside road to under the upper floor of the new building. Lloyd Street improves the commercial potential 2. Extension of the currently planned east-west of this site. street, to connect to the Helena River frontage road proposed across the WAP site, facilitating a good movement economy for this southern area of the Workshops Village from Lloyd Street. 3. Residential apartment development generally comprising four floors with tower development along the riverfront potentially up to 10 storeys to capitalise on views over the Helena River environs whilst limiting the potential for overshadowing of adjacent development. North facing apartments will overlook upper floor courtyards to the north.
Existing Proposed Development Parcels and Adjustments to Them
Main Store and South Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report 49
Next Steps as a Result of The Enquiry By Design The Enquiry by Design Detailed Outcomes Report provides the basis for guiding future planning within the Midland City Centre, including the preparation of a Centre Plan in accordance with the Western Australian Planning Commission’s Statement of Planning Policy No. 9: Metroplitan Centres Policy Statement. Following public advertising extensive planning and project work will need to be undertaken to ensure the ideas and plans generated through the Enquiry by Design can be realised. The development of an Implementation Plan is essential to achieving this. The key elements of this plan will include: • Seeking government and community support for the outcomes;
• Obtaining commitments to key actions by government, business and community;
• Providing a supportive administrative and statutory environment;
• Undertake risk management analysis and determine funding requirements and sources for implementing the outcomes;
• Identify roles and responsibilities for key actions as well as set priorities and the likely sequence and timeframes for the actions; and
• Identify marketing and communication strategies for implementation of proposals. 50 Enquiry by Design - Outcomes Summary Report
Contacts and Further Information
Midland Redevelopment Authority Yelverton Drive (cnr) Helena Street PO Box 1335 MIDLAND WA 6936 P: (08) 9374 5500 F: (08) 9250 2437 W: www.mra.wa.gov.au E: [email protected]
City of Swan Cnr Morrison Rd & Old Great Northern Hwy PO Box 196 MIDLAND WA 6936 P: (08) 9267 9267 F: (08) 9267 9444 W: www.cityofswan.com E: [email protected]