VANTAGE - PEDESTRIAN ACCESS RAMP
Transcript of VANTAGE - PEDESTRIAN ACCESS RAMP
THE PROPOSAL This proposal is to consider the feasibility to develop a pedestrian access ramp from the
northern boundary of lot 603 (Vantage Riversedge Apartments), traversing the Swan
River foreshore reserve (lot 558 and lot 559) and terminating at the existing rivers edge
footpath.
Along with this proposal to develop the pedestrian access ramp is the associated pro-
posal to consider the feasibility of incorporating the Swan River foreshore reserve to
convey/treat stormwater runoff from the Vantage Riversedge Apartments. (See Vantage
Riversedge Apartments Foreshore and Stormwater Management Plan, Syrinx October
2016). The Swan River foreshore reserve is classified as a Parks and Recreation Reserve
held by WAPC, and is vested in the City of Belmont.
FORESHORE MANAGEMENTPrevious guidelines for the Swan River foreshore reserve include:
The Springs Foreshore Landscape Masterplan – Final Report (Plan E, 2010) locates the
foreshore reserve in a section called the Eastern Conservation Zone. The primary em-
phasis for the proposed landscaped works in this zone is to further enhance indigenous
woodland and understorey vegetation, and stabilise the foreshore in specific locations.
This will strengthen the ability of the riverine vegetation community to provide linking
corridors for wildlife, provide erosion control and improve water quality.
The Belmont Foreshore Precinct Plan (City of Belmont, Swan River Trust, UDLA, 2014)
pertains that the guiding principle for this area is to permit and enhance its social benefits
including:
• Maintaining the river and its setting as a community resource
• Securing public access to the river
• Maintaining a sense of place
• Providing opportunities for water transport
Guided by the principles and objectives of these guidelines, the pedestrian access ramp
proposal recognises the importance to “maintain the lawn understorey and understated
hard edge in this discrete area as it provides respite, variation in experience and allows
close interaction with the river”.
THE DEVELOPMENTConsistent with the principles outlined, the proposed Vantage Riversedge Apartments will
contribute to the emerging community within the Springs precinct through the introduc-
tion of a sophisticated, multi-residential development supporting a suite of new residents
entering the locality. The proposed pedestrian access ramp provides an exceptional op-
portunity to engrain the development within the “river connected” community.
Within the recreational and life-style attractions offered by the development are the
provision of canoe and kayak storage facilities. Along with the storage facilities is the need
to provide safe and convenient access to the river edge for residents. While subsequently
improving the existing recreational focus to the river edge at this point, the pedestrian
access also needs to reflect the design qualities of this development and make a positive
contribution to the landscape amenity of the Swan River foreshore.
THE AMENITYThe design approach has been to promote the pedestrian access ramp as a considered
intervention into the landscape, contributing to the amenity and assisting with activation
of the Swan River foreshore within the context of the Eastern Conservation Zone. It is
envisaged that public artwork will be incorporated into the treatment of the concrete
retaining walls to the pedestrian ramp as well as a stand-alone sculptural piece sitting
at the intersection of the pedestrian ramp with the existing footpath. Additional design
elements of the proposal, included to improve the community amenity and develop the
existing recreational focus to the river edge at this point, are:
• Seating
• Lighting
• Drinking fountain
Public safety and security principles adopted by the proposal include:
• Universal accessible design
• Vandal proof and passive security measures. Robust materials to prevent
vandalism and graffiti.
• Integrated specialist lighting design
• Clear signage of pathways
• Access control system to residences
• Passive and active recreational uses incorporating safe and accessible activities
for all age groups.
Public amenity is improved by:
• Allowing an additional treated stormwater connection to the bubble-up pit, and
• Reducing the impact of further construction within the foreshore reserve
THE LANDSCAPEThe proposed landscape strategy is to replace the existing grass with native revegetation,
integrated with swale and seep vegetation. With a proven track record of performing in
this environment, the landscape contributes to the marginal buffer between the Swan
River foreshore and the private residences in the Vantage Riversedge Apartments.
The existing shrubs have been retained, providing a level of privacy to the residences,
while minimising canopy interference with the developments adjacent to the site, main-
taining a strong visual connection, and providing seasonal colour reflecting the foliage
behaviour of the foreshore landscape.
THE MATERIALSA consistent approach to the material selection, with subtle variances in finish, texture
and appearance will ensure that the pedestrian access ramp provides visual relief, a
“natural” appearance and a human scale for users of the foreshore reserve. In most part
sympathetic materials in dark earthy tones are reflective of this section of the Swan River
foreshore.
The landscape character will also adopt a natural language which references the existing
land forms and history of the river foreshore.
This is reflected through the use of:
• Rugged exposed concrete forms
• Pebble mulch paving
• Robust public amenities
o Drinking fountain
o Seating
o Lighting
As briefly described above, the material strategy has been to generally adopt recycled,
eco preferred content that tie in with the existing material typologies in the locality.
MAINTENANCE The developer will be responsible for providing maintenance through the defects liabil-
ity period once practical completion is reached. During this period the Contractor will
be responsible for making good to defective works as identified by the Superintendent.
All softscape items fall within the responsibility of the Contractor - to replace any failed
plants within the 12 months defects liability period.
Once the defects liability period has been obtained and signed-off by relevant parties,
a formal handover process with the City of Belmont for on-going maintenance will be
agreed.
CONCLUSION The proposal will assist with the planned enhancement to the social benefits of the Swan
River foreshore - from an aging and underutilised adjunct to the river - into a vibrant,
active community amenity.
The proposal has received the positive support of the City of Belmont’s Building Depart-
ment and the Department of Parks and Wildlife, and is consistent with the management
vision for the foreshore. It is considered that the proposal will make a positive overall
contribution to the foreshore reserve and the public amenity.
01.03.17EXCERPT FROM THE SPRINGS FORESHORE LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN REPORT
CONSERVATION ZONE WEST CRACKNELL PARK CONSERVATION ZONE EAST
SK-002NTS
- RIVER ACCESS PATH
- RIVER ACCESS PATH
SWAN RIVER
LOTS 558 & 559 RIVERSDALE ROAD, RIVERVALE
SITE
01.03.17NTS SK-002
- RIVER ACCESS PATH
EXISTING BASEMENT 4 PLAN & FORESHORE RESERVE
LOTS 558 & 559 RIVERSDALE ROAD, RIVERVALE
01.03.17NTS SK-001
- RIVER ACCESS PATH
PROPOSED BASEMENT 4 & PEDESTRIAN PATH
LOTS 558 & 559 RIVERSDALE ROAD, RIVERVALE