Albion Neighbourhood Plan - Brimbank City Council

Albion Neighbourhood PlanThe PlanDRAFT 11 JUNE 2013

CONTENTS1 INTRODUCTION 31.1 About this study 31.2 Structure of this report 31.3 The Project Team 31.4 The Community Reference Group 31.5 Community Consultation 31.6 Our Study Area 41.7 Key Opportunities and Issues 42 OUR VISION 52.1 Vision Statement 52.2 Components of our Vision 53 OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 63.1 Overview 63.2 Our Shops, Services and Community Facilities 63.3 Our Open Space and Streetscapes 93.4 Our Neighbourhood Character and Built Form 123.5 Getting Around our Neighbourhood 144 FUTURE DIRECTIONS 202 ALBION NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN - THE DRAFT PLAN

1. INTRODUCTION1.1 About this studyThe Albion Neighbourhood Plan has been developed inresponse to the Brimbank Housing Strategy, ‘Home andHoused’ and the Regional Rail Link works. Consultationundertaken as part of the Brimbank Housing Strategy, ‘Homeand Housed’ identified community concern regarding changesin built form and impacts on neighbourhood character inAlbion. Concerns have also been raised regardingaccessibility and traffic management associated with theclosure of King Edward Avenue and ‘rat running’ along internalstreets.This study aims to ensure that Albion develops in acohesive way.The Neighbourhood Plan sets out a long term vision toguide the development of Albion in a cohesive way to ensureits special character is retained and enhanced, it improves asa functional and accessible place and it caters to the needs ofall residents and visitors.The vision is supported by strategies and ideas that will assistin determining future public realm improvements and capitalworks and will ensure that the existing and future communityare well served by community, social and recreationalfacilities. Guidelines are also provided to ensure futurehousing is compatible with the preferred character of Albion.1.2 Structure of this reportThis report consists of twoparts -■ The Plan; and■ The Background and Issues Paper.The Plan provides ideas and suggestions for improvementswithin Albion in response to issues and opportunities identifiedin the Background and Issues Paper.The Background and Issues Papers provides an analysis ofthe study area, including its strategic context. It also identifiesissues and opportunities to be addressed in order for Albion todevelop appropriately.Both parts of this report have been prepared in consultationwith a Community Reference Group and the wider community.1.3 The Project TeamThis neighbourhood study project is being undertaken byBrimbank City Council in conjunction with a number ofspecialist consultants. The project team includes:■ Brimbank City Council;■ Tract Consultants - Lead Consultant/UrbanDesign/Landscape/ Planning;■ GTA - Movement and Access / Traffic Management; and■ The Community Reference Group.1.4 The Community ReferenceGroupThe Community Reference Group (CRG) brings together theexperiences and ideas of a range of community stakeholdersto provide a balanced and representative understanding of thefuture needs of Albion. The purpose of the CRG is to:■ Add value to the preparation of a neighbourhood plan forAlbion; and■ Participate in and contribute to the project outcomes.1.5 Community ConsultationThe Albion Neighbourhood Plan Community Reference Groupprovided their priorities and ideas for Albion to ensure that thedraft background report and ideas paper (now theneighbourhood plan) was informed by local residents.Opportunities for the wider Albion community to have their saywere provided through a range of methods including:■ A Community BBQ at Selwyn Park;■ An information session;■ Discussions with Council officers at the communityBBQ or information session or by calling the StrategicPlanning Department;■ An online survey on Council’s website;■ A written or email submission; and■ Information on council’s website, Facebook and Twitter pages.Comments received during the community consultation periodwere considered during the finalisation of the neighbourhoodplan and background report.A summary version of comments received during communityconsultation is included in the background report.Images 1- 3 – Impression onlyALBION NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN – THE DRAFT PLAN 3

1.6 Study AreaThe study area broadly includes the suburb of Albion.Ballarat Road ( Western Highway) forms the northernboundary and Forrest Road forms the southern boundary.These key roads provide access to the internal roadnetwork within Albion. East - west connections in Albion werepreviously provided along King Edward Avenue fromAnderson Road, however this link has been closed to allow forthe Anderson Road North Grade Separation (part of theRegional Rail Link Project).The area including and adjacent to the Albion Station formspart of the Sunshine Town Centre and is subject to therecommendations made in the Sunshine Town CentreStructure Plan (2012).Housing is the predominant land use throughout the studyarea and is supported by local retail uses, passive and activeopen spaces and community uses. The train stationprecinct provides major public transport access for residentsand visitors.Neighbourhood Character and Built FormThe Brimbank Housing Strategy identified change areas toencourage growth and / or protect the character of existingresidential areas within Brimbank. The study area isincorporated in the incremental change and limited changeareas.Limited change / heritage precincts include high quality builtform with a strong character. Incremental changes areas havea mixed built form character. There is the opportunity todefine and enhance the character of these areas and toenhance the study area’s sense of identity in accordance withthe Brimbank Housing Strategy.Feedback from the CRG indicated that many are willing toaccept greater intensification and housing diversity withinincremental change areas (in certain locations), however itwas noted that there needs to be greater consideration as tothe style and quality of development.1.7 Key Opportunities and IssuesGetting Around AlbionAnalysis undertaken as part of the Background and IssuesPaper identified the following issues and opportunities to beaddressed:Shops, Services and CommunityFacilitiesCommunity facilities within the study area are generallyclustered around the intersection of Derrimut Street andAdelaide Street and within Selwyn Park. There is theopportunity to improve and strengthen connections betweenthese community facilities including to the station and toprovide greater safety for pedestrians.An Eco Living Centre and Community Gardens to be providedwithinSelwyn Park will reinforce this park as the focus forcommunity uses.Open Space and StreetscapesThe open space network within the study area is anchored bySelwyn Park, a key recreational node that provides thelocation for a number of sporting and community uses.Planned upgrades will significantly improve this open spaceand reinforce its role as an active node for the community.Kororoit Creek is another important part of the open spacenetwork within the study area. There is the opportunity toimprove physical and visual connections between thestudy area and the creek to acknowledge the importanceof this natural asset within the community.Other opportunities identified included improving open spaceand streetscapes within the study area, enhancinglandscaping along key roads to provide an attractiveenvironment for pedestrians, enhancing pocket parks andother open spaces to improve their amenity and functionality,improving the visual and physical permeability of BarclayReserve and utilising the transmission easement / corridor aspart of the open space network.Movement and access within the study area generated themost discussion during CRG consultation sessions.An undefined streetscape hierarchy and limited wayfindingmeasures within the study area provide a street network thatis unclear and illegible. Key links are not clearly definedand there are no visual cues to assist in moving around theneighbourhood. There is the opportunity to reinforce key linkswithin the study area to improve legibility and enhancewayfinding.Another key concern was traffic speeds and traffic cuttingthrough the study area. While it was acknowledged that theAnderson Road Grade Separation might alleviate someconcerns of traffic using along King Edward Avenue, AdelaideStreet and other key local streets was still a concern. Thepotential for local traffic management measures to reducetraffic speeds and deter traffic cutting through was proposed inresponse to these concerns.The train station precinct is a key destination for people butmovement for all modes of transport is unclear and confusing.There are opportunites to provide safe and legible movementpaths around the station for vehicles, pedestrians, bikes andbuses.Other opportunities identified to improve movement andaccess within the study areas include the opportunity tostrengthen wayfinding and connections to Kororoit Creek,provide bike lanes along key links including PerthAvenue, King Edward Avenue and Adelaide Street,investigate a signalised intersections at the intersection ofBallarat Road and Perth Avenue, minimise the impact ofcommuter parking on residential areas surrounding thestation, upgrade facilities provided for bus commuters andprovide a pedestrian link between Talmage Street and Albionstation.Figure 1 - Study AreaOpportunities for improvement to the station precinctOpportunities to enhance connections to Kororoit Creek4 ALBION NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN – THE DRAFT PLAN

2. OUR VISION2.1 Vision StatementThe vision provides a statement of the preferred future forAlbion over the next 20 years. It has been developed througha consultation process with the Community Reference Groupand Brimbank City Council.Future ideas and possible actions that follow throughout thedocument aim to achieve this vision.Albion in 2032Albion is an inclusive community, a placewhere everyone can feel welcome anda place where people can shop, live, play andinteract.2.2 Components of our VisionAlbion is focused around an active andwelcoming train station that connects the localcommunity to Melbourne and the wider regionof Brimbank. It is supported by a mix of thrivingbusinesses and community facilities, creating aliveable place for the community.An active and accessible stationprecinct (Impression only)Beautiful streets for people(Impression only)Prosperous and unique local businessesThe lifestyle qualities of Albion are enrichedby a network of high quality public open spacesand streetscapes, including Selwyn Park andKororoit Creek that provide a strong sense ofcharacter and identity to Albion. Cateringfor a diverse range of users and functions,these spaces are a lively and interestingenvironment for all members of the communityto meet, greet and socialise. Safe, clear andaccessible pedestrian and cycle links provideconnections to Sunshine Town Centre, KororoitCreek and the surrounding neighbourhoodsincluding Ardeer and Sunshine North.Network of green open spaces(Impression only)Strengthen Albion’s neighbourhoodcharacter (Impression only)Maintain and enhance Albion’s valuedbuilt form.Albion is a great place to live with a range ofhousing choices located close to shops,services and facilities. It incorporates aconcentration of high quality, medium densityhousing around retail, community uses and thetrain station, while respecting the historicalbuilt form that makes Albion distinctive.Diverse housing and affordable living(Impression only)A safe and legible street network forall user (Impression only)Places for the community tocome together (Selwyn Reserve)ALBION NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN – THE DRAFT PLAN 5

3. OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN3.1 OverviewThe neighbourhood plan provides key directions, strategiesand ideas / potential actions which aim to achieve thevision and respond to the analysis, key issues andopportunities identified in the Albion Neighbourhood Plan -Background and Issues Paper. Four themes are consideredacross Albion so that it can be planned in a logical andsustainable way. These themes include:■ Our Shops, Services and Community Facilities;■ Our Open Space and Streetscapes;■ Our Neighbourhood Character and Built Form; and■ Getting Around Our Neighbourhood.3.2 Our Shops, Services andCommunity FacilitiesKey Directions■ Prosperous and unique local businesses -The local shops and businesses of Albioncontinue to thrive providing the localshopping and service needs of theneighbourhood and creating places to meetand interact.■ Places for the community to come together -Albion’s community facilities, schools,kindergartens continue to play an importantrole in bringing people together. SelwynPark will strengthen its focus as acommunity hub. Redevelopment of theshops and the renewal of the Mills andsurrounding land uses foster social inclusionand safe new places for the community tocome together.This could be achieved by:■ Strengthening the Eco-Living Centre as a majordestination for the community.■ Maintaining Perth Avenue Shops through public realmimprovements to provide a safe and comfortablesetting for pedestrians and shoppers.■ Encouraging kerb-side dining, particularly at PerthAvenue Shops.■ Providing flexible community meeting spaces andoffices that can be used for start-up groups, nongovernmentorganisations and other communitygroups which create community cohesion.■ Encouraging active uses around the train stationprecinct and within existing shopfronts through thepotential renewal of the John Darling Mills site.■ Encouraging the take-up of vacant shopfrontsthroughout the neighbourhood with businesses thatcreate activity on the street.■ Encouraging convenience retail uses within thePerth Street shops to provide for local shoppingneeds.■ Emphasising key connections between communityfacilities within Albion through cohesive public realmtreatments.■ Ensuring future community uses are located toreinforce existing community hubs.Ideas / Potential Actions:Idea A1■ Continue to work with the Eco Living Centre andAlbion Community Centre to establish links withother community groups within Brimbank. Thismay include opportunities to engage with localprimary schools.Idea A2■ Investigate opportunities to promote activities andevents at the EcoLiving Centre to developcommunity participation, awareness andappreciation of this facility.Hold events that engage the community and createawareness of the Eco Living Centre (Selwyn Park).Idea A3■ Investigate the opportunity for multi-use facilities forcommunity groups to alleviate the costs ofmaintenance and upkeep of buildings and to ensurethe most efficient use of land within Albion.Idea A4■ Work with land owners to facilitate high qualitydevelopment outcomes within the station precinctwith a focus on retail / convenience / communityuses at ground level and housing / offices above.Develop housing / offices above retail / community facilitiesto activate station precinct at all times of the day.(Impression only)Idea A5■ Continue to support the ‘Streets Ahead’ programthat encourages the Brimbank community toexplore their local neighbourhood and provides aforum to socialise and build relationships withinthe community.Idea A6■ Consider streetscape upgrades to Perth Avenue,Derrimut Street and Adelaide Street to provide ahigh quality public realm link between communityfacilities. Refer to Our Open Space andStreetscapes Section 3.3 for details.6 ALBION NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

Public realm upgrades toPerthAvenue Shops.Activate shops aroundstation precinct.Public realm improvementsto improve linkagesbetween communityfacilities.Enhance Eco Living Centreand Community Gardens toencourage public interestand participation.Upgrade and improve SelwynPark and associated community/ sporting facilities inaccordance with the MasterPlan.0 50 100 150 200 250mFigure 2 - Our Shops, Services and Community Facilities Summary PlanALBION NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 7

Idea A7■ Continue to implement key recommendationsidentified in the Selwyn Park Master Plan that aim toenhance community and sporting facilities andreinforce Selwyn Park as a focus for communityactivity.Idea A8■ Consider streetscape upgrades to Perth Avenue Shopsincluding:▬ High quality and robust paving, a coordinatedsuite of street furniture andadequate lighting.▬ Additional street tree planting and low levellandscaping.▬ Allowing kerb side dining.▬ Traffic calming measures in order to improvepedestrian safety around the shops.▬ Crossing opportunities within thestreetscape as a way to calm traffic andimprove access to the shops.▬ Facilitating a continuous awning above theground floor of shops in this precinct.▬ Provide facilities for cyclists including bike racks.Upgrade public realm around Perth Avenue Shops toprovide a safe and comfortable place for people.Selwyn Park Master PlanSource - Selwyn Park, Ardeer, Master plan Report,Brimbank City Council, March 20128 ALBION NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

3.3 Our Open Spaces andStreetscapesKey Directions:■ Beautiful streets for our community - Thestreets of Albion are places of pride – theyare designed for people to walk, cycle andmeet, they are green, and places for publicart.■ Network of green open spaces -Albion’s open space elements are keyfocal points for the community. SelwynPark provides a strong passive and activerecreational focus with good connectionsinto the natural and ‘wild’ environment ofKororoit Creek. Smaller pocket parksprovide casual opportunities for people tomeet, relax and enjoy the outdoors.This could be achieved by:■ Emphasising key pedestrian streets within Albionthrough cohesive public realm treatments.■ Providing attractive, accessible and comfortable streetsfor pedestrians to encourage walking and a healthylifestyle.■ Enhancing connections to Kororoit Creek in a mannerthat respect the natural qualities of this setting.■ Enhancing Selwyn Park as a significant community andopen space area within Albion.■ Providing safe and attractive connections betweenAlbion and Sunshine Energy Park to ensure Albionresidents benefit from their proximity to this keyrecreational node.■ Encouraging built form within the War Service HomesEstate to engage with the adjacent pocket parks.■ Improving the visual amenity and functionality of cornerparks and the roundabouts within Albion through theprovision of high quality public realm treatments thatrespond to the character and local context of Albion.■ Providing public realm treatments at the truncation ofKing Edward Avenue to enhance the amenity of thepedestrian connection across Anderson Road.■ Improving the permeability and accessibility of BarclayReserve.Ideas / Potential Actions:Idea B1■ Consider streetscape improvements for PerthAvenue, Derrimut Street, King Edward Avenue,Adelaide Street and Sydney Street including:▬ High quality and robust paving, a coordinatedsuite of street furniture (at roughly400m intervals) and adequate lighting.▬ Additional street tree planting and low levellandscaping.▬ Kerb out stands to allow for additional streettree and low level planting opportunities.▬ Traffic calming measures in order to improvepedestrian safety.▬ Additional crossing opportunities within thestreetscape as a way to calm traffic.▬ Public art work at key locations. Investigatethe potential to include interactive andtemporary art also.▬ Water sensitive urban design ( WSUD) tocontrol and treat stormwater runoff.Provide public art to enhance the character and identity ofthe streetscape. (Impression only)Idea B2■ Consider open space upgrades to pocket parkswithin the War Service Homes Estate including:▬ A high quality and attractive space forchildren and may include formal and informalplay opportunities, areas of lawn and softlandscape treatments.▬ Prompt removal of rubbish or graffiti in pocketparks, to ensure spaces are well presented andinviting.Upgrade pocket parks in War Service Homes Estate andencourage landowners to improve interface.(Impression only)Idea B3■ Consider upgrades along Kororoit Creek including:▬ A physical connection / path close to the edgeof Kororoit Creek and may include a lookout /platform that enables closer engagement withthis features.▬ Sensitivity to the natural setting of the creek.▬ Celebrating the history of the site,including archaeological references andits past use as a swimming hole.▬ Way finding techniques including signage,public art and landscape treatments toenhance connections between Albion,Selwyn Park and Kororoit Creek.▬ Investigating opportunities to implementWSUD techniques to improve the qualityand health of Kororoit Creek.▬ Creating a seating node adjacent Selwyn Parkand along Kororoit Creek, that enables peopleto engage with the creek.▬ Working with adjacent landowners to improveKororoit Creek interface.▬ Supporting ‘Friends of Kororoit Creek’ andtheir efforts to enhance this waterway.Improve Kororoit Creek access.Opportunities for WSUD within the streetscape.(Impression only)Provide opportunities for people to engage with the creek.(Impression only)ALBION NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN – THE DRAFT PLAN 9

Idea B4■Continue to implement the Selwyn Park MasterPlan.Idea B5■ Consider open space upgrades to corner parkswithin Albion including:▬ Tree, shrub and ground cover planting withincorner parks to screen adjacent residentialfence and provide visual impact within thestreetscape.▬ Seating nodes within corner parks that allowpeople to relax enjoy and value these openspace areas.▬ Investigating the opportunity to improve thevisual amenity and presence of theroundabout through low level planting thatcomplements the existing palm tree.Idea B6■Pursue preparation of a master plan to guide the future development of Barclay Reserve including consideration of:▬ A formalised pedestrian and cycle path within Barclay Reserve that provides safe and accessible accessbetween Talmage Street (and proposed link to the station and footbridge across the rail line) and King EdwardAvenue.▬ Enhanced passive surveillance opportunities within the reserve.▬ Encouraging active use of the reserve, particularly when not used for baseball associated activities.▬ A playground to enhance activity within the reserve.▬ Adequate lighting that enables the reserve to be used for night time games / activities.▬ Tree and ground cover planting to improve the amenity of the reserve.▬ A landscaped area at the end of King Edward Avenue with connections to Barclay Reserve to improve theamenity of this area for local residents.Railway corridorIdea B8■ Consider expediting the implementation of plannedfencing improvements to Barclay Reserve toreduce fence height to 1.2m and to create greatersense of openness.Idea B7■ Pursue plans for a landscaped area at thetruncation of King Edward Avenue, as part of theRegional Rail Link, are followed through toimprove the amenity of this space for localresidents.Idea B9■ Work with Melbourne Water to establishopportunities for the reinstatement of Stony Creekas a landscape asset. (Note that Stony Creek isoutside the study area)Idea B10Formalise pedestrian link toprovide access through BarclayReserve and connect topedestrian network.Prepare a master plan for BarclayReserve.■ Investigate the opportunity to enhance thetransmission easement as an open space corridor.(Note that Stony Creek is outside the study area)Upgrade corner parks to provide space for people to sit andcontemplate. (Impression only)Investigate opportunities toactivate the truncation of KingEdward Avenue i.e. a kiosk.Provide a landscaped area at theend of King Edward Avenue aspart of master plan for BarclayReserveDevelop Master Plan for Barclay ReserveProvide low planting to improve roundabout amenity.(Impression only)10 ALBION NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN – THE DRAFT PLAN

.Support . the master planprocess for Sunshine EnergyPark to create an activerecreational nodeEncourage existing builtform to address / engagewith adjacent pocket parks..Improve connectionswith SunshineEnergy ParkEnhance landscapingalong key roads toprovide an attractiveurban environment andassist in way finding..Upgrade and improveSelwyn Park inaccordance with theMaster Plan.Purse a shared pathand planting withintransmissioneasement to improveits amenity andfunctionality as anopen space linkImprove connectionswith Kororoit Creek andencourage activeengagement with thisfeature.Create a seating node alongKororoit Creek to enablepeople to enjoy this naturaland ‘wild’ setting. Landscapetreatments should besensitive and complementthis feature.Enhance roundabout as akey focal point within theWar Service Home EstateStrengthen.existing.threshold treatments.Seek to retain and protectexisting Sugar GumsPursue a new link throughBarclay Reserve.Improve the permeabilityand accessibility of BarclayReservePursue preparation of amaster plan for BarclayReserveSupport proposed plans toprovide a landscaped area /kiosk at the intersection ofKing Edward Avenue andAnderson Road to improveits amenity and visualappearance, as part of theRegional Rail LinkALBION NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN - THE DRAFT PLAN 11

land s c ap e setti ng of ho m e s.A LB ION NE IG HB OUR HO OD S TUDY - D RA FT NE IGHB OURH O ODGUIDE LINE S■ Front g ar de n s shoul d in c o rp or at e per meablee sta bli sh ed trees.s pa cio u sn e s s.■ Front g ar de n s shoul d in c o rp or at e canopyhard surfaces.■ To rein fo r ce pla ntin g along key r oads tr ee and l ow shr ub / g r ou nd cover pl anting, ■ Front ga rd en s withlimited orand in open space ar ea s . pa rti c ula rly al ong key links and adjacent no vegetati on.open space, while allo win g for filtered views■ Front gar den pla ntin g thatof the home from the street.ob s c ur e s vi ews of thehome fr om the street.illustraNote - Refer to Appendix for Albion Neighbourhood3.4 Our Neighbourhood CharacterCharacterand Built FormIdea C1Idea C3Idea C5Key Directions:■ Strengthen Albion’s neighbourhoodcharacter - Existing heritage and periodbuildings will continue to contribute to thecharacter of Albion and new development willintegrate with the spacious character of thestreets with high quality build form responses.■ Diverse housing and affordable living – Avariety of household types are providedthroughout Albion with a focus on key sitesclose to the station, shops and along keymajor roads. This housing will be designed tointegrate with the valued characteristics of theneighbourhood.■ Implement the policy recommendations of the ‘Homeand Housed Housing Strategy’■ Implement the built form recommendations of theSunshine Town Centre Structure Plan which apply tothe properties around the Albion Station Precinct.■ Continue to work with the owners of the H.V. McKayHouse to seek its restoration and resuse.This could be achieved by:Seek restoration of the HV McKay House■ Continue to protect heritage buildings and places(existing heritage overlay applies).■ Enhancing the character of residential streetsthroughout Albion through high quality design of newdwellings and additions to existing dwellings.■ Ensuring new medium density housing respects thepreferred future character of the street and is designedin a way to provide a high standard of living foroccupants.■ Support a range of housing types for people of all agesand circumstances.■ Focusing denser forms of housing in locations close tothe station, on key redevelopment site and aboveshops.■ Promoting ecologically sustainable design in newdevelopmentHome and Housed – The Brimbank Housing StrategyIdea C2■ Consider the development and introduction of aNeighbourhood Character Overlay into the BrimbankPlanning SchemeIdea C3Sunshine Town Centre Structure Plan■ Work with land owners of the John Darling Mills site todevelop innovative ways to reuse the significantheritage buildings in a way that activations the AlbionStation Precinct.3.4 Our NeighbourhoodCharacter and Built Form■ To m ain tai n and e nh an c e the sense of surface la nd s c a ping . ■ Front g ar de n s do m in ate d by Investigate innovative options to reuse and developthe John Darling Mill Site.12 ALBION NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

Subject to further strategic workThe following planillustrates the underlyingprecincts identified duringanalysis work and CRGconsultation, undertakenas part of the preparationof the AlbionNeighbourhood Plan.A neighbourhoodcharacter overlay couldbe developed to protectthe valued characteristicsof Albion supported byprecinctdesignguidelines.A neighbourhoodcharacter overlay is amechanism which couldhelp preserve thecharacter of Albion byproviding statutoryplanners with the ‘teeth’to press for better designoutcomes in relation topreferred character.Thesuccessfulimplementation of thecharacter overlay wouldrequire approval by DPCD,Selwyn Park interfaceand involves a publicexhibition process.POTENTIAL NEIGHBOURHOODCHARACTER OVERLAY (subject tofurther strategic work)Implement recommendationsin Sunshine Town CentreStructure PlanHV McKay House.War Service HomesEstateHV McKay Housing EstateThere may be opportunityto examine preferredcharacter through theimplementation of theState Government’s newresidential zones.Implementation of the newresidential zones willincorporate Council’sHousing Strategy ‘Homeand Housed’.0 50 100 150 200 250mFigure 4 - Our Neighbourhood Character and Built Form Summary PlanALBION NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN – THE DRAFT PLAN 13

3.5 Getting Around ourNeighbourhoodKey Directions:■ A safe and legible street network for allusers - Albion’s streets are places whereeveryone feels safe and can convenientlyget around. Connections in and out ofAlbion are improved providing safe accessto shops, services and public transport.■ An active and accessible station precinct -The station is a key focal point for theneighbourhood with surrounding buildingsenlivening the streets with ground levelactive uses and housing above. The streetsand footpaths within and around the stationwill be focused on pedestrians making it asafe place that people want to be in.This could be achieved by:■ Strengthening pedestrian connections between thestation, key open space nodes, local shops and theSunshine Town Centre.■ Providing safe and direct bicycle links throughout theneighbourhood to connect key nodes.■ Providing safe and convenient pedestrian, cycle andvehicle access in and out of Albion.■ Improving the station and bus interchange precinct tocreate a high quality environment for pedestrians andcyclists and managing vehicle movements through thearea■ Managing vehicle movements throughout theneighbourhood so to create a safe environment forpedestrians and cyclists and deter traffic cutting through.Ideas / Potential Actions:Idea D1■Work with VicTrack, and land owners of the John Darling Mills site to create a new pedestrian link between the stationand Talmage Street. Ensure passive surveillance is provided along the link through future renewal of the Mills site.Activated edge to engage withthe pedestrian linkOpportunity for a newpedestrian link betweenTalmage St and Albion StationInvestigate opportunity to create pedestrian link betweenTalmage Street and Albion StationIdea D2■ Pursue VicRoads to undertake further detailedinvestigation to provide signalisation ontoBallarat Road with a preference for signalisationat Perth Avenue. Work with VicRoads, thecommunity, key landholders and otherstakeholders during this process. Keyconsiderations should include:▬ Discouraging traffic cuttingthrough the neighbourhood.▬ A location that best services thelocal traffic movements in and out ofthe neighbourhood.▬ A safe connection into the futureSunshine Energy Park.▬ Meeting VicRoads requirements forspacing and sight lines.▬ Funding opportunities for signalisation.▬ Safe connections into strategicredevelopment site at 520 BallaratRoad.Idea D3■ Encourage school children within the study area towalk to Albion Primary School and St TheresasCatholic Primary School through a ‘Walking SchoolBus Program’ or similar. Such programs promote ahealthy and active lifestyle and allow children tosocialise.Idea D4■ Continue to support the ‘Footloose Footpaths’program which aims encourage children and thecommunity to walk by creating footpath sites inAlbion into games and sites of interest for children.Additional sites along Perth Avenue, DerrimutStreet, Adelaide Street, Sydney Street and KingEdward Avenue should be investigated.14 ALBION NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN – THE DRAFT PLAN

Investigate the opportunity to providesignalised intersections along BallaratRoad at Perth Avenue to enable safepedestrian access into Albion and toSunshine Energy Park.Investigate opportunity toprovide left in - left out access toAdelaide Street from BallaratRoad to improve access into andout of Albion.Support plannedround about atSydney andFerguson Streetintersection.Consider safe, clear andaccessible walking andcycling movements,especially between nearbybus stops and the trainstation.Reinforce key pedestrianlinks through landscaping,the provision of streetfurniture, public art anddirectional signage. Referto open space andstreetscapes for actions.signage.Investigate the opportunity toenhance pedestrianmovement between NorthSunshine and Albion.Consider bus shelters anddefined waiting area forbus users.Consider new pedestrian linkthrough the Mill site toconnect residents toTalmage Street.Enhance way finding andstrengthen the connectionbetween Kororoit CreekReserve and Selwyn Park.Minimise commutersparking on residentialroads around AlbionStation.Monitor traffic cuttingthrough due to the closure ofKing Edward Avenue andinvestigate measures tocontrol vehicle speeds alongRidley Street, if required.0 50 100 150 200 250mFigure 5 - Getting Around our Neighbourhood Summary PlanConsider dedicated cycle routesalong Forrest, King Edward andPerth Avenue and AdelaideStreet.Consider measures to control vehiclespeeds and deter traffic cutting alongAdelaide Street and King Edward Avenue.ALBION NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN – THE DRAFT PLAN 15

Idea D5Idea D5■ Work with VicTrack, Metro Trains, bus operators,owners of the Darling Flour Mill Site and thecommunity to develop an Albion Station Precinctmaster plan, in accordance with Precinct 4 of theSunshine Town Centre Structure Plan and any urbandesign framework considering:▬ Clear, safe and prioritised pedestrianmovement across Sydney Street, DerrimutStreet, the Ballarat Rd service road andthrough the station car park.▬ Bus shelters with seating and timetableinformation.▬ Rationalising a minimal number of car parks tocreate an improved pedestrian entry to thestation.▬ Safety and amenity of the underpass.▬ Improved bicycle storage at the station i.e. a‘Parkiteer’.▬ Implementing traffic calming measures alongthe Ballarat Road service road (northern) intothe precinct.▬ Providing for activation of the Darling Flour MillSite.▬ Synergies with existing strategic and urbandesign work.Provide a safe bus shelter with seating for bus users. (Impression only)Consider trafficcalming measuresand signage toreduce traffic speedson ramp (i.e. ‘reducespeed’ or ‘ pedestrianarea ahead’)Consider removingexisting give - wayrestriction fromservice roadapproach.Consider bussheltersandseatingConsider pedestrianpriority across keystreets with raisedpavingEncouragenew development toprovide active groundfloor frontagesConsideradvanced warningsignage to ensuremotorists are awareof approachingintersectioncontrols.Enhance links to the north toservice future residentialdevelopmentConsider pedestrianpriority through thecar park withconsistent raisedpavingConsiderlandscapingaround the stationto enhanceamenity andcreate greaterpedestrian /vehicle separationInvestigate therelocation of thecar park access tobetter align withDerrimut Street.Consider removingexisting traffic islandand replace with linemarking to clearlyindicate priorities andenable vehicleaccess to stationparking.Investigate opportunity to provide a ‘Parkiteer’ at thestation (Impression only)Enhance the station and bus interchange precinct.Note: A number of the initiatives identified arethe responsibility of VicRoads, VicTrack andMetro Trains and will require further discussionswith these authorities.16 ALBION NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN – THE DRAFT PLAN

Idea D6■ Investigate further traffic calming measures along keystreets in the neighbourhood considering kerbextensions with landscaping and raised pavement atkey intersections. Adelaide Street should beconsidered a priority for these measures. PerthAvenue, Sydney Street and King Edward Avenueshould also be considered.Idea D7■ Investigate opportunity to create mark shared lanesto promote awareness of bicycle movements alongDerrimut Street. The narrower width of DerrimutStreet may require other bicycle lane treatments tobe provided such as that demonstrated below.Derrimut Street – existing street viewKerb out stands that reduce the distance pedestrians needto cross. (Impression only)Raised PavementPlantingPotential for raised pavement to allow for traffic calming an safepedestrian crossingPlantingPotential upgrade of Derrimut Street - street view(Impression only)Kerb out stands that allow for bike access and pedestrianpriority. (Impression only)Investigate opportunity to provide marked shared lanesalong Derrimut Street.ALBION NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN – THE DRAFT PLAN 17

Idea D8■ Investigate the opportunity for bicycle lanes alongKing Edward Avenue to connect Sunshine toAlbion and Selwyn Park, along Perth Avenue toconnect Selwyn Park to Ballarat Road and thefuture recreational nodeof Sunshine Energy Park and along AdelaideStreet to connect to local schools.Idea D9■Investigate measures to discourage traffic cutting alongAdelaide Street that considers:▬ Traffic calming to discourage throughvehicle movements and improve safety.▬ Left in - left out access onto AdelaideStreet from Ballarat Road.▬ Options for reducing overflow commuterparking into residential streets.Idea D10■ Enhance way finding and strengthen theconnection between Kororoit Creek Reserveand Selwyn Park through streetscaping andsignage.Adelaide Street - existing street viewOpportunity to provide bike lanes within Albion. (Impressiononly)Idea D11■ Work with VicRoads to ensure alignment anddesign of the St Albans Road extensionsupports pedestrian movements and futureredevelopment opportunities as recommendedin the Sunshine Town Centre Structure Plan.Indicative bike lanes along Adelaide Street / Perth Avenueand King Edward Avenue. (Impression only)Indicative bike lanes along Adelaide Street / Perth Avenueand King Edward Avenue. (Impression only)Idea D12■ Investigate and pursue measures to minimisethe impacts of commuter car parking inresidential streets surrounding the station. Thisshould include:▬ Continuing to lobby for train station zonechange that extends Zone One north of Albionand reduces the demand for commuterparking.▬ Working with VicTrack and Public TransportVictoria to better manage commuter carparking demand.▬ Considering the extension of on-street carparking restrictions around the vicinity of thestation and provide a greater level ofenforcement to control commuter parking in thearea. Local residents will be able to apply for apermit that enables them to park an eligiblevehicle in these areas.18 ALBION NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN – THE DRAFT PLAN

Idea D13■ Consider a north south pedestrian and cycling link through Barclay Reserve to enhance access for residents tothe south of Albion to the station. This should be considered as part of an overall master plan for BarclayReserve.Idea D14■ Investigate opportunity to provide a new pedestrian and cycle link between Ardeer and Albion across KororoitCreek. This could connect from Tower Street in Ardeer across to the Kororoit Creek path in Albion. A pedestrianbridge across the creek would be required.Pedestrian and cyclinglink to provide access throughBarclay ReserveOpportunity for pedestrianbridge across Kororoit Creek.Pedestrian and cycle connectionto Ardeer.Indicative pedestrian path through Barclay ReserveIndicative pedestrian link between Albion and Ardeer, including bridgeALBION NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN – THE DRAFT PLAN 19

4. FUTURE DIRECTIONSThis section summarises the ideas and actions identified through the preparation and consultation of the Plan under the following themes: Our Shops, Services and Community Facilities. Our Open Space and Streetscapes. Our Neighbourhood Character and Built Form. Getting Around Our Neighbourhood.LegendTimeframeOngoing - business as usualShort - 1 to 3 yearsMedium - 3 to 5 yearsLong 5 years plusBudget ScopeLow – Less than $100,000Medium - $100,000 to $500,000High – More than $500,000Individual actions are subject to allocation of resources through Council’s annual capital works and operational budget process.Theme Directions Timing Responsibility Budget ScopeOur Schools, Services and Community LiveabilityAction 1Action 2Action 3Encourage the Eco Living Centre and Albion Community Centre toestablish links with other community groups and local primary schools topromote activities and events and encourage greater communityparticipation and awareness of the facility.Encourage development of multi-use community facilities with improvedcommunity access.Continue to promote and facilitate high quality development in andaround the Albion Station precinct consistent with the Sunshine TownCentre Structure Plan.* Note that other actions identified under this section have been incorporated under “Our Open Spaces and Streetscapes”OngoingOngoingOngoingCommunity Planning andEngagement,EnvironmentCommunity Planning andEngagement, LeisureServicesSunshine Town CentreManagementLowHighLow20 ALBION NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN - THE DRAFT PLAN

Theme Directions Timing Responsibility Budget ScopeOur Open Spaces and StreetscapesAction 1Action 2Action 3Action 4Action 5Action 6Action 7Action 8Action 9Action 10Continue to pursue streetscape upgrades to Perth Avenue adjacent to theshops including provision of high quality and robust paving, coordinatedstreet furniture, adequate street lighting, additional street trees, lowlevel landscaping, kerb side dining, traffic calming to improve pedestriansafety, and cycling facilities.Note: A significant amount of work has already been delivered in2012/13 financial year.Pursue general streetscape improvements to Perth Avenue, DerrimutStreet, King Edward Avenue, Adelaide Street and Sydney Street.Continue to implement improvements to Kororoit Creek consistent withBrimbank’s Creating Better Parks strategy.Pursue upgrades to identified corner parks (Coolamon Street HeritageReserve and Kamarooka Street Heritage Reserve) within Albionconsistent with Brimbank’s Creating Better Parks strategy.Pursue the preparation of a master plan to guide the future developmentand upgrade of Barclay Reserve.Consider fast tracking the implementation of fencing improvements toBarclay Reserve, including reducing the height of the perimeter fence toimprove the interface and connectivity with the surrounding area.Pursue delivery of landscape improvements to King Edward Avenue byRegional Rail Link to improve the amenity of the area followingtruncation works.Pursue opportunities to improve Stony Creek as a landscape assetconsistent with the Sunshine Structure Plan.Investigate the opportunity to enhance the transmission easement as anopen space corridor consistent with Council’s Creating Better Parksstrategy.Continue to implement the Selwyn Park Master Plan reinforcing SelwynPark as a focus for community and sporting activities.Ongoing Urban Design LowLong Urban Design MediumLong Urban Design MediumLong Urban Design MediumShort Leisure Services HighShort Leisure Services MediumShort Urban Design LowOngoing Urban Design HighLong Urban Design HighOngoing Urban Design HighTheme Directions Timing Responsibility Budget ScopeNeighbourhood Character and Built FormAction 1Action 2Action 3Action 4Action 5Action 6Pursue the implementation of a planning scheme amendment to create aNeighbourhood Character Overlay to protect and promote preferredneighbourhood character in Albion.Develop built form design guidelines to address built form and siting offuture residential development and encourage the retention of theexisting preferred character.Continue to pursue the policy direction for Albion outlined in Council’sHousing Strategy ‘Home and Housed’.Continue to pursue the preferred heights identified in the Sunshine TownCentre Structure Plan in and around the Albion Station through theproposed planning scheme amendment.Encourage the restoration and reuse of heritage buildings at the DarlingFlour Mills to activate the Albion Station area consistent with theSunshine Town Centre Structure Plan.Encourage the restoration and reuse of H.V. McKay House consistentwith the Sunshine Town Centre Structure Plan.Short Strategic Planning LowShort Strategic Planning LowOngoing Strategic Planning LowShort Strategic Planning LowOngoingOngoingStrategic Planning,Sunshine Town CentreManagementStrategic Planning,Community Planningand EngagementLowHighALBION NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN – THE DRAFT PLAN 21

Theme Directions Timing Responsibility Budget ScopeMovement and AccessAction 1Action 2Action 3Action 4Action 5Action 6Action 7Action 8Action 9Action 10Action 11Action 12Action 13Action 14Pursue appropriate pedestrian access and connections between theAlbion station and Talmage Street and through the Darling Flour Mill site.Advocate for the development of an Albion Station Precinct Masterplanconsistent with the Sunshine Structure Plan and any other relevant urbandesign framework.Advocate to VicRoads for the introduction of signalisation on BallaratRoad particularly at Perth Avenue as a matter or priority.Encourage the continuation or introduction of programs that encouragewalking including the Walking School Bus Program” and Council’s“Footloose Footpaths” program.Pursue the development of traffic management plans along the keystreets including Adelaide Street, Perth Avenue, Sydney Street and KingEdward Avenue with consideration given to kerb extensions includingraised pavements at key intersections and appropriate landscaping.Investigate the opportunity to create bicycle lanes along Forrest Street,Perth Avenue, King Edward Avenue, and Adelaide Street and a sharedbicycle lane along Derrimut Street, and promote bicycle awarenessthrough appropriate treatments.Pursue treatments to strengthen connections between Kororoit CreekReserve and Selwyn Park through streetscaping and signage.Pursue opportunities to slow traffic and discourage traffic cutting throughAlbion including the consideration of speed humps in appropriatelocationsPursue a high quality pedestrian environment and connections along theproposed future St Albans Road realignment and surroundingdevelopment consistent with the Sunshine Town Centre Structure Plan.Continue to pursue measures that minimise commuter car parking inresidential streets surrounding the Albion station.Explore the development of a formal north south pedestrian and cyclinglink through Barclay Reserve as part of the preparation of a futureBarclay Reserve Masterplan to improve pedestrian access to the Albionstation.Investigate the opportunity to provide a new pedestrian and cycle linkacross Kororoit Creek between Ardeer and Albion by a new bridge.Pursue pedestrian safety improvements across St Albans Road near theAlbion Station.Advocate to Metro Trains for provision of bicycle storage at the AlbionTrain Station.LongLongOngoingUrban Design, StrategicPlanningUrban Designadvocating to MetroTrainsEngineering Servicesadvocating to VicRoadsLowLowLowOngoing Community Safety LowShort tomediumMedium toLongEngineering Services,VicRoadsEngineering ServicesMediumLowMedium Urban Design LowShort Engineering Services LowLongOngoingEngineering Services,Strategic Planning,Urban DesignLocal Laws, EngineeringServicesHighLowShort Urban Design LowShortShortShortUrban Design,Engineering ServicesUrban Design,Engineering ServicesUrban Designadvocating to MetroTrainsLowLowLow22 ALBION NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN – THE DRAFT PLAN