1.0 Urban Context Report 1.1 Site Context
The subject site is located within the City of Yarra, .rellirt ask " luasr 111‘14-. approximately 5 km from the centre of Melbourne. The site borders active and passive open spaces including frontage to Fairfield Park to the south and TH Westfield Reserve to the west. The site is located approximately 250 metres from the Yarra River. ittialr,1247i. 4113);t1ostrefitNiitNitr The site is serviced by the 51+6 bus route (Heidelberg - Melbourne University) on Heidelberg Road. The closest train station is located 750m away at Cain Avenue, Northcote (Dennis Station, Hurstbridge line to Flinders Street).
The Porta site is remarkably unique in its context, located in the nexus of multiple different land uses and urban contexts.
To the north, the site abuts Heidelberg Road, a six-lane divided major arterial road, connecting the Melbourne CBD with the eastern suburbs. North of Heidelberg Road is a mix of commercial uses (including a petrol station and office buildings), as well as significant residential iC f development. aletiferef • To the west, the site has frontage to Yarra Bend Road, a two lane tree lined avenue. Further west lies TH Westfield Reserve which stretches to Merri Creek, approximately 350 metres from the site.
To the south, the site fronts an active sports reserve used primarily for soccer and cricket. The sports reserve includes a newly developed clubroom and pavilion and a car park, which abuts the Porta site. Further south, beyond the active sports reserve lies a highly urbanised environment, which includes Melbourne Polytechnic and the Thomas Embling Hospital.
To the east, the site abuts a precinct of existing residential and commercial development, with a four level residential apartment building adjoining the Porta site. Further east, lies the Yarra River environs, including the Fairfield Amphitheatre and Boathouse.
As described, the site context is highly unique, providing a key juncture between an active sports reserve to the south, parkland to the west, a major arterial road and suburban environment to the north and existing residential and 00, commercial development to the East.
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