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AnAlysis And OppOrtunities pAper

S t K i l d a R o a d

south

what are your ideas for the st Kilda road

south precinct?

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Analysis and opportunities paper this ‘analysis and opportunities Paper’ starts to develop a vision for the St Kilda Road South Precinct, and design principles to help achieve this vision.

Opportunities for improving each part of the precinct have been identified for discussion with the community.

This project presents an important opportunity to guide better outcomes for future new development in a way that benefits the whole community.

We would like to know what you think about the emerging vision, principles and opportunities outlined in this paper. in particular:

• What ideas do you have for the precinct?

• What issues and opportunities should be explored in greater detail in developing the draft Framework?

• How do you currently experience the precinct?

• What ideas do you have for its future?

Ways in which you can share your thoughts and ideas are detailed on the last page. In particular, we’d love you to share your photographs of the precinct to help illustrate your comments.

This is the first stage of the project which is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

project stages

intRoductionthe City of port phillip has started preparation of the St Kilda Road South Urban Design and Land Use Framework. The Council is committed to working with the community to establish a shared vision for the future of the precinct, particularly within the context of a significant increase in development pressure.

The project will focus primarily on St Kilda Road South, Wellington Street and Carlisle Street, as shown on the context Map, opposite page. the relationship of the study area to adjoining residential neighbourhoods will also be considered.

project Objectives Specifically, the project will result in built form controls to the Port Phillip Planning Scheme to guide better development outcomes. It will also review land use directions for the precinct and identify possible improvements to its streets, open spaces and transport connections.

this project presents the opportunity to:

• strengthen the identity of the precinct, particularly along St Kilda Road and Wellington Street

• improve the functioning of the precinct - its activities, linkages and amenity - for residents, workers and visitors

• provide greater certainty and direction for the community and development industry

• ensure new development and change within the precinct is well managed.

stage 2draft

Framework

stage 3Final

Framework

stage 1analysis and

opportunities Paper

Now July 2014 September 2014

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St Kilda FoReShoRe

St Kilda Road sOuth PRecinct

FitzRoy St activity centRe

caRliSle St activity centRe

ReSidential aRea

ReSidential aRea

context map

the PRecinct todaythe st Kilda road south precinct is located between the major focal points of st Kilda Junction, Chapel street and Carlisle street. The topography of St Kilda Road rises up to the crest of St Kilda hill, which is a metropolitan high point and geographic landmark. There are other important landmarks in the precinct, shown on the Existing Conditions Map opposite, as well as many heritage buildings.

currently, the overall image of the precinct is mixed, and its various neighbourhoods have differing roles, building styles and streetscape character.

To the passing motorist, the precinct may feel more like an ‘in between’ space, without the distinctive image of the St Kilda Road North boulevard, the well-treed avenue of Brighton Road to the south, or the vibrant hub of carlisle Street.

New, higher density residential development throughout the precinct is changing its role and character, and has caused some concern among the community. Increased traffic and parking problems are also important issues to be addressed.

While there is good access to the CBD by car or public transport, the busy roads of the precinct result in a poor quality environment for pedestrians, bike riders or people with limited mobility. In many places, streetscape treatments could improve conditions.

Existing attributes of the precinct to be protected and enhanced include the numerous ‘fine grain’ elements that make up its character; the local landmarks, the heritage scaled shopfronts and verandahs, the many small creative businesses, cafes, street art and boulevard planting.

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St MichaelsGrammar

School

St KildaJunction

AlbertPark

Junction Oval

Alma ParkWest

LEGEND

Study Area Boundary

Property Boundary

Busy Highway Streetscape

Busy Local Road

Principal Pedestrian Link /Bicycle Link

Sites Affected by a Heritage Overlay

Businesses & Retail

Mixed Use Area

Surrounding Residential Neighbourhood

Public Facilities

Park

Existing Buildings Over 8 Storeys

Future Buildings Over 8 Storeys (permit

approved)

St Kilda Junction

Southern Melbourne Topographic High Point

St Kilda Presbyterian Church

St Kilda Hebrew Congregation Synagogue

Former St Kilda Post Office

St Kilda Town Hall

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200 400mtrsNO

RT

H

carlisle St

Inkerman St

alma Rd

St Kilda Rd

Fitzroy S

t

Wellington St

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3

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1

32

5

4

6

St MichaelsGrammar

School

St KildaJunction

AlbertPark

Junction Oval

Alma ParkWest

LEGEND

Study Area Boundary

Property Boundary

Busy Highway Streetscape

Busy Local Road

Principal Pedestrian Link /Bicycle Link

Sites Affected by a Heritage Overlay

Businesses & Retail

Mixed Use Area

Surrounding Residential Neighbourhood

Public Facilities

Park

Existing Buildings Over 8 Storeys

Future Buildings Over 8 Storeys (permit

approved)

St Kilda Junction

Southern Melbourne Topographic High Point

St Kilda Presbyterian Church

St Kilda Hebrew Congregation Synagogue

Former St Kilda Post Office

St Kilda Town Hall

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2

3

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5

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200 400mtrsNO

RT

H existing conditions map

elements for a future vision here are some suggestions for the future direction of the St Kilda Road South precinct:

• The St Kilda Road South precinct will foster its role as a vibrant residential neighbourhood and creative business cluster.

• Well-designed contemporary buildings, which emphasise the local image of each sub-precinct, will sit respectfully alongside heritage sites and adjoining residential areas.

• The streets of the precinct will be attractive, friendly, safe and easy to move around by all forms of transport, particularly by foot or bike.

• St Kilda Road South will be enhanced as one of Port Phillip’s key boulevards and a gateway to the southern suburbs of Melbourne.

• The landscaping themes of St Kilda Road south will extend into Wellington and Carlisle Streets to form green links to the adjoining neighbourhoods.

develoPing a viSion FoR the FutuRe

What are your ideas for a vision and principles to guide the future of the precinct?What do you think the image and identity of the precinct should be in the future?

What type of activities should take place in the different neighbourhoods of St Kilda Road, Wellington Street or carlisle Street?

What type of buildings are appropriate in each neighbourhood?

How can local businesses be supported?

How can the precinct become a better place to live?

How can the streets be made more inviting for pedestrians?

are there enough places for people to enjoy outdoor life in the precinct?

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uRBan gReening

trees and landscaping in an urban environment can provide shade, visual relief and oxygen. there are many opportunities for greening the precinct, extending from the St Kilda Road boulevard into connecting streets. Buildings can also be greened as well as streetscapes!

thRiving BuSineSS cluSteR

there is a unique range niche retail, offices and cafes in the precinct, and an emerging cluster of creative enterprises. improvements to the public environment, better access and a growing residential population could all support these local businesses.

eaSy acceSS FoR all

currently the St Kilda Road South precinct is dominated by heavy car traffic. It is vital that easy access is enabled for all forms of transport. in particular, improvements could be made for cyclists, pedestrians and people with limited mobility.

a gReat Place to live

the St Kilda Road South precinct is home to a great diversity of residents and household types. improved access to a choice of housing, as well as day-to-day facilities such shops, cafes or local employment could enhance the precinct as a place to live.

Buildings must be designed to ensure residents are provided with a high level of internal amenity. in addition, the amenity and character of adjoining residential areas must be protected.

StReetS and SPaceS FoR PeoPle

every community needs streets and spaces that are designed for people to enjoy outdoor public life (and not just for cars!). Streets and spaces must be attractive, friendly and safe - day and night. New development can provide the opportunity for improvements to the public realm.

BeautiFul BuildingS Well-designed buildings create a strong local identity, and improve the attractiveness of the area as a place to live, visit or conduct business. Buildings should be of an appropriate scale to their context and designed to minimise adverse impacts on adjoining sites. Buildings should provide a transitional height where adjoining heritage sites or residential areas.

activity and identity

there are many opportunities to support local identity and expression in the urban environment, through art, landscaping, sharing of the area’s history or community events.

possible principles for future development

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St Kilda Road S o u t h

enliven th

e s

treet

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existing character

St Kilda Road South is a major arterial connection and a gateway to Port Phillip and Melbourne’s southern suburbs. However, the heavy traffic significantly impacts upon the area’s amenity.

there is a unique mix of businesses on St Kilda Road, including niche retail, offices and creative enterprises, all of which have the potential to grow in the future.

higher scale development is appearing at the crest of the hill which will change the character of the area and bring an increased residential population. there is community concern about the scale and design of new buildings, as well as impacts upon traffic and parking.

The east and west sides of the street have a very different character. on the east side are many heritage shopfronts on small sites, which are an integral part of the area’s character.

Road widening in the 1960s saw historic buildings on the west side demolished. As a result, there is a lack of consistency in built form and many underdeveloped sites which could be re-purposed.

Future character?

St Kilda Road South could become an enhanced boulevard and gateway to Port Phillip, with a thriving niche business role and increasing residential community.

St Kilda Road South could emerge as a hub for local business, start-up endeavours and creative enterprises with new shops and cafes to service the growing businesses and new residents.

ground level shops could support upper level apartments. New buildings could fill in the gaps on vacant land and ‘left-over’ sites, adding activity to the street life. the street should retain its distinctive, fine-grain heritage character.

the road space could be upgraded as a landscaped connection between the boulevard of St Kilda Road north and Brighton Road, improving the amenity of the area and reducing the impact of vehicles on footpath users.

Better access could be provided for pedestrian and cyclists, particularly for crossing the road.

New landscaping and public realm upgrades could improve the street environment for residents and businesses.

possible actions?

Buildings and land use:

• create a strong image for the area through well-designed buildings that have a defined street edge

• Maximise the opportunity for new development to add vibrancy to the street

• Ensure that new buildings are designed to achieve a high internal amenity and to protect the amenity and character of adjoining residential areas

• Consider how new buildings might be designed complement the topography of St Kilda hill

• Retain and reuse heritage buildingsStreetscape, access and public spaces:

• investigate options for mitigating the impact of heavy traffic, such as improving crossings or enhancing the boulevard treatment of St Kilda Road

• use design treatments to combat traffic intrusion and encourage street level activity

• encourage verandahs along the street frontage

St Kilda Road S o u t h

New buildings in ‘left over’ spaces and a well-defined street edge

More opportunities for street life

enliven th

e s

treet

What are your ideas for st Kilda road south?What do you think of these opportunities?

How can new development on St Kilda Road be designed to improve the area?

possible ideas for the future

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New buildings create a strong local image for St Kilda Road South, and the streetscape is enhanced by a long-term vision of a strengthened boulevard character

Wellington StReet existing character

Wellington Street has a distinctive mix of activities and buildings. the northern side of the street includes offices, community uses and apartments, some of which are in higher scale buildings. the southern side of the street has a residential character and a lower scale. At the western end is a cluster of cafes that provides for vibrant street activity.

Dwelling types include single detached houses and low to mid-rise apartments.

Recent developments have seen residential apartments replacing commercial development as the market’s preferred land use. this has occurred despite the existing land use which encourages commercial uses, particularly offices. This may suggest the opportunity to review the current commercial zone.

Wellington Street is a well-used connecting street and carries a high amount of traffic. There is community concern about the scale of new buildings, the interface with adjoining residential areas, traffic volumes and car parking.

Future character?

Wellington Street could become a vibrant mixed use village and a green link from Chapel Street to Albert Park.

Design controls will help create a more unified and stronger image for the precinct.

Public realm improvements could improve the area and promote sustainability.

The impact of traffic could be mitigated through upgrades to the public environment, including improved walking and cycle routes, crossing points and wayfinding signage.

New landscaping along the street and more active uses at ground floor level, such as cafes, could improve the street’s amenity.

possible actions?

Buildings and land use:

• enhance the local character through well-designed new buildings

• develop a coordinated design vision for the entire street to better manage the differences in building scale and character

• Revise current planning policy to allow residential development, with active uses provided at ground level where appropriate

Streetscape, access and public spaces:

• enhance the ‘village feel’ of Wellington Street by creating more places to stop and sit, with seating and landscaping

• investigate the possibility of providing median planting to create a ‘green link’ and filter views to buildings

• Establish a safe, low-speed traffic environment with improved access for all

• Require vehicle access for developments at the rear of properties where this is possible

• as a long term option, investigate the potential to divert through-traffic from Wellington Street onto nelson Street

Reinforce a distinct identity

an

d a lo

cal v

illage

feel

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Buildings have active edges, and there are more places to stop and sit

Well designed buildings create a strong local character, with landscaping to enhance the street and improve the environment for pedestrians

Reinforce a distinct identity

an

d a lo

cal v

illage

feel

What are your ideas for Wellington street?What do you think of these opportunities?

What types of land uses do you think are appropriate for Wellington Street?

How do you think new development should be designed to enhance Wellington Street?

possible ideas for the future

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establish a green lin

k

caRliSle StReet existing character

Carlisle Street, west of St Kilda Road, is a residential area with a mix of building styles and several non-residential uses.

There are a range of dwelling types, including single detached houses and low-mid-rise apartments.

development trends have seen pressure for more intense development which will need to be carefully managed.

this part of carlisle Street is a busy connection between East St Kilda and St Kilda. due to the roadspace requirements of cars and trams, the footpaths are narrow.

New street planting is at a low scale now, but will one day create a strong tree canopy.

there are limited outdoor places for people to stop and sit.

Future character?

Carlisle Street could be reinforced as a diverse residential neighbourhood of mixed dwelling types, set along a green link between East St Kilda and St Kilda.

Well-designed new development could help create a strong image for the area.

Sites with non-residential uses along the street may present redevelopment opportunities.

the amenity and visual image of the street will be greatly enhanced once the tree canopy is established.

possible actions?

Buildings and land use:

• enhance the local character through well-designed new buildings

• introduce building controls that create a more consistent streetscape image

Streetscape, access and public spaces:

• Augment the future tree canopy with planting along the edges of the road between car parking spaces

• identify opportunities for places to stop and sit, with seating and landscaping

• advocate for improved and accessible tram stops

• consider options to better use the space at the corner of St Kilda Road and carlisle Street as an outdoor space

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establish a green lin

k

What

aRe youR ideaS FoR

caRliSle StReet?What do you think of these opportunities?

How do you think new development should be designed to enhance carlisle Street?

New places to sit along the street

Well designed buildings create a strong local character and canopy trees between car spaces increase street landscaping

improved tram stop

possible ideas for the future

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hoW doeS thiS Study Relate to adJoining ReSidential neighBouRhoodS?This study will consider how new development within the St Kilda Road South precinct will affect adjoining residential neighbourhoods.

there has been much community concern about the scale of development within the St Kilda Road South precinct and the potential amenity impacts upon these neighbourhoods.

Residential neighbourhoods adjoining the precinct have a low scale character and include designated heritage precincts and sites. Residential streets have a low traffic speed and many have traffic calming treatments.

landscaping is important to the character and amenity of these areas. Some streets have impressive canopies of mature trees, while others have low scale planting with different themes.

Future development within the St Kilda Road South precinct must be designed to ensure that residential areas are not affected by overlooking or overshadowing.

The impacts of vehicular traffic movement throughout these streets is also an important consideration.

there may be opportunities to improve access through these neighbourhoods and to St Kilda Road. This will improve access for pedestrians and bike riders to public transport, community services and open space.

Built form controls will carefully manage the interface between new development in the St Kilda Road South precinct and adjoining residential neighbourhoods

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St Kilda Road Study Area

Adjoining Residential Area

Managing the interface

share your ideasShare your ideas about the St Kilda Road South precinct and your vision for its future.

What do you like about the st Kilda road south precinct as it is today?

how do you think the precinct could be

improved?

What do you think of the ideas

in this paper?

What’s your vision for the precinct’s

future?

tell us what you think Community photos

to participate in an online survey, please go to: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay by 1 June 2014.

This is a great way to share your ideas and photos of the study area.

Drop into our Mobile Caravan and speak with the study team at the following locations:

Wednesday 21 May 2014

12 noon - 4 pm and 5 pm - 8 pm

Wellington Street (between Robertson Avenue and St Kilda Road)

thursday 22 May

12 noon - 4 pm and 5 pm - 8 pm

argyle Street (near the corner of St Kilda Road)

Send us an email at stkildaroadsouth@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Strategic Planning department city of Port Phillip Private Bag 3 St Kilda, victoria 3182

A picture tells a thousand words!

upload your photos to instagram or email to council using the email provided and they will be shared with others in the community through public displays and project publications.

include a short caption for each photo (20 words or less) to explain your picture. Use the questions opposite and in this paper as a guide for your subject matter.

meet with us

email us

write to us

online survey

Council respectfully acknowledges the Yalukit Wilam Clan of the Boon

Wurrung, we pay our respect to their Elders, both past and present.

We acknowledge and uphold their continuing relationship to this land.

city oF PoRt PhilliP

Phone: 03 9209 6777

Facsimile: 03 9536 2722

SMS: 0432 005 405

Email: assist@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Web: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

Post: city of Port Phillip, Private Bag 3, Po St Kilda, vic 3182

if you are deaf, or have hearing or speech loss, contact us through the national Relay Service:

TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for 03 9209 6777

Speak and Listen users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 03 9209 6777

Internet relay users connect to the NRS (www.relayservice.gov.au) and then ask for 03 9209 6777

If you require this publication in an alternative format, such as large print, audio or Braille, please contact Council’s ASSIST centre on 03 9209 6777.