WODEN, ATHLLON, MAWSON (WA M) COMMUNITY, SPORT AND RECREATION (CSR) STUDY Phase 2: Narrative Report

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Buckley Vann TOWN PLANNING CONSULTANTS

VII- 0 E rl° AN S JSTA[NA; LE EVELO MENT DIRECTORATE (ESDD): ACT GOVE' N ,Ei

WODEN, ATHLLON, MAWSON (WA M) COMMUNITY, SPORT AND RECREATION (CSR) STUDY

P h a s e 2: Nar ra t ive Report

DECEMBER 2012

DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES

STRATEGIC PUNNING

SPECIALIST PLANNING

atlas@buckleyvann,com.au vombuckleyvann.comaLF

Prepared by:

Buckley Vann Town Planning Consultants, Briggs & Mortar Pty Ltd and Strategic Leisure Group

Document Management

Author/s: Kylie Rolley, Amanda Jordan

Reviewer/s: Sharyn Briggs, Martin Lambert, Kylie Rolley, Liza Valks

Date: 21.12.12

Revision History

Revision Revision Date Approved By Details of Revision

A 11.10.12 Amanda Jordan Draft for review by Briggs & Mortar

B 16.10.12 Sharyn Briggs Review of draft report

C 17.10.12 Kim Amos Additions from SLG and formatting of draft report

D 18.10.12 Amanda Jordan Final changes to draft report

E 19.10.12 Liza Valks Review of draft report

F 19.11.12 Amanda Jordan Amendments based on client feedback

ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) WAM CSR Facility Study

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Introduction to the WAM CSR Study 1 1.2 Purpose of this Report 1

2.0 Context 2

2.1 Aim 2 2.2 Key Considerations for CSR facility provision 3 2.3 Selection of Case Studies 5

3.0 Green Square Case Study 7

3.1 Case Study Overview and Background 7 3.2 Population and workforce 9

3.2.1 Resident Population 9 3.2.2 Employment and Workforce 9

3.3 Past and Present Development and Density 10 3.4 Range and Nature of Urban Intensification and Impact on CSR Facility Use

and Supply 11

3.5 Provision of Community Sport and Recreation Facilities 16 3.5.1 Existing CSR Facility Provision 16 3.5.2 Proposed CSR Facility Provision 18

3.6 Key Learnings from Green Square Town Centre 25 4.0 False Creek North Case Study 30

4.1 Case Study Overview and Background 30 4.2 Population and Workforce 31 4.3 Past and Present Development and Density 32

4.4 Range and Nature of Urban Intensification and Impact on CSR Facility Use and Supply 32

4.4.1 Residential Development 32 4.4.2 Retail and Commercial Development 35

4.5 Provision of Community Sport and Recreation Facilities 36 4.5.1 Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre 39 4.5.2 Turntable Plaza 42 4.5.3 False Creek Community Centre 43 4.5.4 David Lam Park 44 4.5.5 Andy Livingstone Park 44 4.5.6 George Wainbome Park 44 4.5.7 Coopers' Park 44 4.5.6 BC Place Stadium 45

4.6 Key Learnings from False Creek North 45 5.0 Pen rith City Centre Case Study 51

5.1 Case Study Overview and Background 51 5.2 Population and Workforce 54

5.2.1 Resident Population 54

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5.2.2 Employment and Workforce 56

5.3 Past and Present Development and Density Commercial and Retail Development 56

5.3.1 Residential Development 57

5.4 Range and Nature of Urban Intensification and Impact on CSR Facility Use

and Supply 57 5.4.1 Overall Strategy 57 5.4.2 City Centre 59 5.4.3 Future Development Expectations 60

5.5 Provision of Community, Sport and Recreation Facilities 64 . . . . . . . . 5.5.1. Existing CSR Facility Provision 64

5.5.2 Proposed CSR Facility Provision 68

5.6 Key Learnings from Penrith City Centre 69

6.0 Summary of Findings 75

TABLES Table 1: Key Lessons from Elton Case Study Research 3 Table 2: Case Study Matrix 5 Table 3: Key Elements and Learnings 25 Table 4: Overview of CSR Facility Requirements and Provision 36 Table 5: Approximate gross floor area of Roundhouse and specific components 41 Table 6: Key Elements and Learnings 47 Table ] : Key Elements and Learnings 69 Table 8: Case Study Comparison Table 75

FIGURES Figure 1: Location Map 8 Figure 2: Aerial Plan showing Green Square Town Centre Area 8 Figure 3: Aerial Image of Green Square Town Centre and former South Sydney Hospital 10 Figure 4: Green Square Town Centre Structure Plan 12 Figure 5: Development Precincts 13 Figure 6: Maximum Building Heights 14 Figure 7: Anticipated Development Form 15 Figure 8: Current Facility Provision 18 Figure 9: Location of future Library and Cultural Facility 20 Figure 10: Reuse of Heritage Buildings on South Sydney Hospital Site 22 Figure 11: Existing and proposed open space in Green Square (City of Sydney, 2008, p.27) 24 Figure 12: Location Map 30 Figure 13: Maximum allowable heights in False Creek North as per City of Vancouver's Official Development Plan for False Creek North 33 Figure 14: False Creek North residential unit development as at 2004 34 Figure 15: Development styles in False Creek North as viewed from the seawall 34 Figure 16: Office and Mixed Use development locations and densities 35 Figure 17: Location of Key CSR Facilities in False Creek North 38

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ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) INA1111 CSR Facility Study

Figure 18: Proposed phasing of Parks and Community Facilities (Official Development Plan) 38 Figure 19: Lower and Upper Floor Plans of the Roundhouse 40 Figure 20: Views of the Roundhouse facility 42 Figure 21: Photograph of Turntable Plaza and False Creek North 43 Figure 22: Location Map 52 Figure 23: Aerial image of the Penrith city centre 53 Figure 24: Penrith City Centre Precincts (DP 2007, p.45) 54 Figure 25: Penrith Community Profile Catchment 55 Figure 26: Penrith City Centre Urban Design Study — 2006 59 Figure 27: Proposed City Park at Allen Place — Penrith City Centre Vision 61 Figure 2-8: Riverlinkr Precinct and proximity to .Penrith CRY Centre * " • • 63

Figure 29: Penrith City Centre and.current CSR facility provision 65 Figure 30: DCP Character Areas 67

ACRONYMS

CSR Community, Sport and Recreation

DCP Development Control Plan

DP NSW Department of Planning

ESDD Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate

FCN False Creek North

GFA Gross Floor Area

FCCA False Creek Community Association

LEP Local Environmental Plan

ODP Official Development Plan (for FCN)

RCARS Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Society

WAM Woden, Athllon, Mawson (Woden Town Centre, Athllon Drive Corridor and Mawson Group Centre)

DEFINITIONS

Urban Intensification An increase in density o f dwellings, activity/employment areas and population over an existing density, within a defined area.

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ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) !NAM CSR Facility Study

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Introduction to the WAM CSR Study This narrative report has been prepared by Buckley Vann Town Planning Consultants, Briggs & Mortar Pty Ltd and Strategic Leisure Group in fulfilment of a deliverable for The Woden, Athllon, Mawson (Woden Town Centre, Athlion Drive Corridor and Mawson Group Centre) Community Sport and Recreation Study (hereafter termed the `WAM CSR Study'), for the Strategic City Planning and Design Branch of the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD), of the ACT Government • • • • •

The aim of the WAM CSR Study is provide a background technical report that will inform a review of the Woden Town Centre Master Plan (2004) and preparation of a Master Plan for the Mawson Group Centre and Athllon Drive to occur in 2013 (the 'parent projects'). The Master Plans will inform the development of ACT Government Territory Plan Precinct Codes, guiding land use and providing development controls for these Centres.

1.2 Purpose of this Report This report provides a narrative documentation of the findings of Phase 2 of the project in accordance with the overall project plan prepared by the project team and approved by ESDD in

response to the study brief.

The following provides an excerpt from the methodology section of the consultant team proposal report outlining the best practice comparative analysis task:

Phase 2, item 2.1

Undertake a high level comparative analysis of two (2) or three (3)1 best practice examples of Town Centre urban intensification, particularly in relation to demand and supply of CSR facilities and land and potentially also considering socio-economic

characteristics, employment and residential trends, urban intensification management techniques, and techniques to promote a 'social city' environment. The assessment will draw

on the social city framework as described in the Grattan Institute report, supplemented with other relevant literature as required.

Phase 7, item 7.2 (d)

How comparative urban intensification 'best practice' in CSR facility and land provision (site size and GFA) can be applied to the study area.

I Noted three preferred by the client

A narrative description of comparative examples and accompanying visual representations (this narrative will form a chapter Of the final issues paper)

A sub-section of the draft and final Options and Recommendations Report

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2.0 Context

2.1 Aim

The aim of the best practice case study comparative analysis is to understand current approaches and !earnings with respect to the provision of CSR facilities and associated land within areas experiencing urban intensification that may be applied to, and assist in the master planning of the WAM study area.

When urban intensification occurs and there are an -increased "number o f residents, 'workers a-hd visitors to an area, the requirement for CSR facilities and associated land increases and changes. Given that urban intensification also alters the built form and physical dimension of an area, the approach to providing CSR facilities and associated land also needs to respond to this in order to facilitate community integration, diversity and sense of place.

Analysing current approaches to CSR facility and associated land provision in urban intensification areas aims to generate understanding and insight into the types, location, size and nature of facilities provided and how these are implemented and managed.

The approach for the comparative analysis study involved the selection of three (3) case studies of areas that have experienced/are experiencing urban intensification, where adequate documentation exists with respect to CSR facility and associated land provision. Attempts were made to select case studies which most closely reflected the likely physical, demographic and functional characteristics of Woden Town Centre; however this proved difficult in some cases, particularly in relation to the availability of adequate published information. Further information on the case study selection process is provided in Section 2.3.

The analysis aimed to initially identify and understand the following elements of each case study:

• development and density (past, present and proposed); • range and nature of CSR facilities and associated land provided, land supply provision

levels and catchment populations (past, present and proposed); and • range and nature of urban intensification (economic, employment, and residential) that

occurred (or is occurring), and its effect, trends and patterns of demand on CSR facilities and associated land provision;

in order to identify key learn ings with respect to:

• innovations in provision of facilities; • opportunities for staging/delivery and re-use/upgrading of facilities; • political and financial considerations; and • approaches to governance and management of facilities.


ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) WAIVI CSR Facility Study

Further to the specific case study reviews, additional documentation considered to provide best practice for CSR facility provision in urban intensification areas has also been reviewed. Information that was drawn upon in the analysis included:

(i) Planning Social Infrastructure and Community Services for Urban Growth Areas project prepared by Brian Elton and Associates, 2011;

(ii) Case Studies — Social Infrastructure in Urban Growth Areas is prepared by Elton Consulting

on behalf of the City of Charles Sturt and others dated 27 May 2011; (iii) Service Planning Model prepared by Elton Consulting on behalf of the City of Charles Sturt

and others 10 November 2011; and - • • - (iv) Grattan Institute "Social City" report prepared by Jane-Frances Kelly in 2012.

2.2 Key considerations for CSR facility provision The 'Social City' report produced by the Grattan Institute in 2012 considers how cities are built and organised can impact on social connection, which establishes a useful context for CSR facility provision in urban areas (Kelly, 2012). Three key guiding principles can be drawn out of this research and these are:

• changing the urban landscape through making better use of and increasing activities within under-utilised spaces and providing active street frontages with mixed uses;

• bringing people together in key areas and through concepts like community gardens; and

• enhancing access (and mobility levels) to facilities to increase levels of participation

Undertaken in late 2011, the 'Planning Social Infrastructure and Community Services for Urban Growth Areas project' (City of Charles Sturt et al, 2011) for a number of local governments in South Australia presents the outcomes of a review of best practice research on social infrastructure provision in urban growth areas.

This research involved an extensive case study analysis of 15 areas and has provided detailed documentation on the overall findings. Based on this research a number of key lessons have been identified, which bear relevance to the WAM study. These lessons have been summarised and adapted in the Table 1.

Table 1: Key Lessons from Elton Case Study Research

'key Trends

Number Size and Scale

ldentifiediBest'Peactice Rtquirements

• a more urban, compact form of social infrastructure

• fewer, better appointed, more centrally located, multi-purpose facilities

• larger facilities that provide a higher quality and wider range of spaces • development that is sensitive to and integrated with the local setting



.1;

Location

CO-location

Multipurpose and multifunction

Place making and community identity

Community building and social gathering

Sustainability

Resourcing

•

IdentifiecatostoPiadticeRequiremOhts

effective links with the transport system clustering of community facilities in centres to enhance accessibility and connectivity location within town/village centre of urban infill projects important for users to combine visits to community facilities with other activities consideration of options such as community space within mixed use buildings or leasing spaces for community.use

_

co location joint use and integration of community facilities within mixed use development can address challenges associated with high land values in urban intensification areas move away from building stand alone facilities pooling resources to provide better facilities important for urban infill projects where land is scarce and expensive

flexible and able to respond to changing needs provide for multiple uses and serve a range of population groups capable of adapting as needs change over time

design can enhance the physical quality and appearance of public places and reinforce a place's identity when located in or within retail and commercial uses, community facilities can help reinforce the role of these areas for public gathering, meeting and information sharing

• more places for social gathering and meeting as a result of smaller household sizes and higher densities

• income-generating activities to ensure the long term sustainability of facilities (examples include commercial cafes, fitness activities, monthly markets or including retail outlets)

• capacity for commercial operations should be built into the design of facilities

• well-used, active and vibrant facilities tend to be the most well-resourced

• income generating space (outlined above) assists with long term: resourcing

• fewer, larger facilities increases levels of activity and utilisation • joint bidding for funds, cross-agency collaboration

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.0Y IllFef10...

Management

Technology

.eritiftediaeaPradtic0 Rettairenlents

• coordination of infrastructure delivery through an overall coordination •unit or body

• cross-agency collaboration and a partnership approach • a multi-agency approach allows for integrated planning for joint-use

models and efficiencies • strategic asset management using asset management plans —

provides benefits for long term management of facilities

. , • increasing role of technology which may influence the floor space requirements for facilities like libraries

• in some cases less floor space is required for some functions but the same or more for other functions or meeting/gathering spaces

2.3 Selection of Case Studies The following criteria were identified and used to select the case studies:

(i) established town centre area and with a similar public transport function and possibly a transport corridor area that links to a centre/links two centres;

(ii) area that has undergone (or is undergoing) urban intensification; (iii) is relatively comparable in projected population size for the district and town centre; (iv) involves/will involve mixed use and medium to high density housing development; (v) involves/will involve comparable levels of employment if possible; (vi) availability of documentation, particularly post-occupancy evaluation.

Based on these criteria, research was undertaken to identify a number of areas that may have been appropriate for undertaking a case study analysis. Table 2 below identifies the short list of case study areas and the matrix that was used to determine the final three case study selections.

Table 2: Case Study Matrix

1 Town 1 Urban i Similar i ! Involves I, centre ( 1 intensification , i public ! mixed ,

and II I transport I use I

, transport 1 i function. " Medium ' I I corridor , 1 i i.: 1' 1 fo tii-h- " I : •::: il

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: t ' tiot!silld :

!MI ete:016Welitetiao

Comparable Comparable Available i population employment documentation

size levels2

Green Square, Sydney NSW

2 This column has been left blank as employment levels for the WAM study area are still to be confirmed.



False Creek North, Vancouver, Canada

Bowen Hills, Brisbane OLD

Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, OLD

Claisebrook Village, East Perth, WA

Chermside, Brisbane, OLD

Penrith City, NSW

Town centre

and transport corridOr

Urban intensification

Similar public

transport function

Involves mixed use /

medium to high density housing

Comparable 1 Comparable I population employment

size i levels2

Available '! documentation

unknown

Yr

Following discussion with the client, the case studies that were selected for a more detailed review included:

• Green Square Town Centre, Sydney;

• Penrith City, Sydney; and

• False Creek North, Vancouver.

The case study investigations are presented in sections 3-5. See section 6 for a summary table of the selected case studies.



3.0 Green Square Case Study GREEN SQUARE

Why it was selected? * Similar locational and population characteristics to Woden Town Centre

• Ability to understand how the use of existing facilities vs new facilities has played out

e Significant workforce as well as residential population Available post-occupancy evaluation

• Available information with respect to social infrastructure provision in an established area undergoing urban intensification/revitalisation

• Similar size and development nature to WAM study area • Similar distance to Sydney CBD as WAM is to Canberra

3.1 Case Study Overview and Background The Green Square redevelopment area encompasses 278 hectares in South Sydney, located 4.5 kilometres south of the Sydney CBD, and is 'considered to be the largest urban renewal project in Australia' (Harrison, 2008). The overall Green Square redevelopment area is intended to accommodate approximately 40,000 residents by 2031. Green Square is part of the 'global arc' corridor of Sydney which encompasses industries and businesses that are 'important drivers in the global competitiveness and prosperity o f Sydney' (Architectus, 2012).

The 13.74 hectare Green Square Town Centre is the redevelopment area's emerging commercial, retail and cultural hub and is expected to accommodate 5,500 residents and 7,000 workers by 2031. The town centre is located in the existing suburb of Zetland at the intersection of Botany Road, Bourke Street and O'Riordan Street and focused around the Green Square Station and Airport Link Railway. Figure 1 shows the location of the Green Square redevelopment area and town centre within the context of the greater Sydney region.

Green Square is currently served by a network of bus routes and the passenger rail line that connects directly with Central station (in the CBD) and Redfern, as well as being on the rail line that connects Central station with the domestic and international airports. The Eastern Distributor passes by the eastern edge of Green Square giving Green Square providing access to Sydney's motorway route that serves the metropolitan area (Architectus, 2012). Green Square is in close proximity (and accessible by public transport) to three major universities, regional attractions such as Moore Park and the Entertainment Quarter, hospitals, and schools.

The Sydney Metropolitan Strategy 2006 (regional level plan) identified the Green Square Town Centre as a 'Planned Major Centre' (of a typology comparable to Bondi Junction and Chatswood) and which is intended to play a key role in achieving housing targets for the overall City of Sydney (City of Sydney, 2008). This is echoed in the current Metropolitan Plan for Sydney 2036 which retains the Green Square Town Centre's status as a 'Planned Major Centre' (NSW Planning and Infrastructure, 2012).

Figure 2 shows the Green Square town centre in the context of the surrounding Green Square redevelopment/urban renewal area.



Figure 1: Location Map

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Figure 2: Aerial Plan showing Green Square Town Centre Area


ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) WAN1 CSR Facility Study

The Green Square Town Centre is intended to be a place 'where people can live, work, and go out either during the day o r at night for entertainment, cultural and community activities'. The vision for the town centre is for it to become a 'vibrant residential, commercial, retail and cultural centre for the Green Square urban renewal area' and suggests that 'high quality public

spaces, including civic plazas totaling 4,200sgm, a centrally located park and new community facilities, will provide a new community hub for this emerging urban place' (City of Sydney, 2008).

The majority of landholdings in the town centre are in public ownership (with some private ownership),

3.2 Population and workforce 3.2.1 Resident Population

In 2011 the population of the Green Square redevelopment area was 18,839. In 2016 the population is expected to increase to 26,798, 35,449 by 2021 and ultimately 48,852 people by 2031 with a working population of 26,987 workers (forecast.id, 2010). Notably this growth is the highest proportionally and absolutely than in any other part of the City of Sydney (City of Sydney, 2012).

When compared with the other areas within the City of Sydney, Green Square is also the fastest growing area in the City with an average annual growth rate of 4.9% and has the highest proportion of home owners (forecast.id, 2010 and City of Sydney, 2012).

The Green Square area currently has a large proportion of 25-34 year olds (more than double the Sydney average) and also has the highest proportion of children in the City (City of Sydney, 2012). In addition, there are a range of cultural and ethnic groups including a high proportion of Asian immigrants in the South Sydney area and part of the Green Square redevelopment area (Green Square and City South — Sydney 2030).

Projected changes in age distribution to 2021 include:

• largest proportional increase will be in 10-14 year olds;

• similar number of people aged 0-9 years and 20-29 years as the existing situation;

• significant increase in people aged 30-39 years; and

• reasonable increase in people aged over 65 (forecast.id, 2012).

The dominant household type has been couples without dependents and the main changes are expected to be in one parent families. A high proportion of households are projected to be small, with 55% expected to be single person or couple households with no dependents (forecast.id, 2012).

3.2.2 Employment and Workforce

Currently, Green Square residents are highly educated, with high employment levels (City of Sydney, 2012). Increasing numbers of young professionals have moved into the area, given the area's proximity to the CBD and access to public transport.


ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) WAN1 CSR Facility Study

In 2006, the key employment industries within Green Square (entire redevelopment area, not just the town centre) included manufacturing, retail, wholesale trade, business, storage and transport (Architectus, 2012).

The vision for Green Square Town Centre envisages that young singles, couples and empty nesters will be the demographic focus for the development (Landcom undated).

3.3 Past and Present Development and Density

The South Sydney region, including the Green Square redevelopment area, has a history of diverse socio-economic and cultural groups, and an industrial past: Of recent time§ there have been many changes in the area south of the Sydney CBD where industry began to move out, and new commercial and government premises moved in.

3.3.1 Commercial and Retail Development

The Green Square redevelopment area is currently characterised by a mix of uses including 1-2 storey commercial and warehouse buildings, office buildings of up to 10 storeys, commercial heritage buildings, traditional terrace housing and more recent/newer styles of multiple unit development along with lower density housing. Overall the area would be considered to have a medium density development form.

The Green Square town centre currently has a similar medium density form and currently includes the former South Sydney Hospital site. An aerial image of the town centre (including the former hospital) and its immediate surrounds is provided in Figure 3.

Figure 3: Aerial Image of Green Square Town Centre and former South Sydney Hospital



3.3.2 Residential Development

The area has a higher proportion of non-residential properties than most of the City of Sydney, other than the CBD (City of Sydney, 2012). Notwithstanding this, there has been significant development within the Green Square area since 2001 in the housing sector (Architectus, 2012) and currently more than three-quarters of homes are in multi-storey apartments (City of Sydney, 2012).

Furthermore, it is understood that approximately 5,700 new dwellings have been built since the

year 2000, bringing in close to 11,000 new residents (City of Sydney, 2011).

The established neighbourhoods of Zetland, Rosebery and Beaconsfield (which form part of the broader Green Square redevelopment area) are characterised by tree-lined streets and historic terrace and cottage homes. In the suburbs of Alexandria and St Peters the development form involves heritage homes and new apartments along with existing industrial warehouses, factory outlets and car yards (City of Sydney, 2012).

In the northern portion of the redevelopment area, a food and arts precinct has been established on Danks Street, referred to as the Danks Street Depot' and has emerged as a new food and arts precinct.

3.4 Range and Nature of Urban Intensification and Impact on CSR

Facility Use and Supply The 2012 Development Control Plan for Green Square intends for the Green Square redevelopment area to become 'an attractive, vibrant and sustainable urban place' (City of Sydney, 2012).

The planning for the Green Square redevelopment area commenced in the 1990s as the local and state governments sought to create growth and economic development within an established community, to provide new facilities and improve connections between this community and the Sydney CBD. The City of Sydney sought to have social sustainability principles as a key focus for the redevelopment including the protection of heritage, delivery of quality community facilities, good transport connections, parks and open spaces and infrastructure to current and future residents and workers.

Through the community facility planning a 'green kids wonderland' vision emerged along with other key concepts of:

• 'forward-looking,

• learning,

• sustainable,

• generous, • quality,

• welcoming and safe,

• community strength and

• productive' (City of Sydney, 2008)

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The anticipated floorspace has been identified at 410,00sqm of floorspace within the town centre (Landcom, 2012) and (Architectus, 2012).

An analysis by Architectus of potential yields for the Green Square town centre identifies:

• 2,867 dwellings at 100sqm per dwelling; • 5,447 residents (within the core3);

• 4,931 jobs (within the core).

The anticipated 410,000sqnn of expected GFA will be comprised of4:

.• 106,822sqm commercial use; _ . • 16,464sqm retail use; • 286,714sqm residential use.

Figures 4 to 7 outline the way in which the Green Square town centre is proposed to be redeveloped to accommodate the redevelopment expectations.

Figure 4: Green Square Town Centre Structure Plan

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3 The core area is that identified as The Green Square Town Centre' on Figure 2. 4 GFA breakdowns for community, sport and/or recreation uses were not available.



Figure 5: Development Precincts

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Page 13 B u c k l e y V a n n T o w n P l a n n i n g Consultants,

B r i g g s & M o r t a r P t y Ltd,

S t r a t e g i c L e i s u r e Group

ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) WAIN CSR Facility Study

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Figure 7: Anticipated Development Form

http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.qov.au/development/cityimprovements/GreenSquare/documents/2012Remai ninqsitesofTownCentrePlanninqProposal.pdf

The vision identified through the structure plan envisages a new community, at its heart:

"a stunning new public domain that creates the foundation for an abundance o f life. A civic plaza for community gatherings, markets and public events is complemented by a more intimate neighbourhood plaza for taking a break and watching the passing scene. A new park provides stimulating areas to play or simply relax in the sun. And an urban stream forms a playful watercourse that dances with light, a reminder o f the creek that once ran through this place.

Planning will create streets that make for easy cycling and walking, accessible parking for business and trouble free access to transport. A focus and commitment to design excellence will also provide the right environment for inspiring architecture to flourish.5

Progressive environmental initiatives to conserve water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions will underpin all facets o f the community, ensuring the Town Centre becomes a flagship for sustainable development".

5 See: http://www.landcom.nsw.qov.au/downloads/uploaded/GS Vision broc 6602.pdf

Page 15 Buckley Vann Town Planning Consultants, Diggs & Mortar Pty Ltd, Strategic Leisure Group

ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) WA1111 CSR Facility Study

Overall the vision is that:

"Green Square Town Centre is the ultimate destination for lifestyle and business. A place where commercial and cultural worlds converge. Residential, office and retail space will combine with entertainment and community facilities, while dynamic piazzas and parks come alive with restaurants, concerts, markets and street festivals. A place to delight, inspire and reconnect with others, it is both the designated town centre and a major new regional destination for the people of the Inner South."

Socially the vision includes:6

A Portrait of Intimacy

"Things will be different here. This will be a village style community. Intimate, not empty. A place of European-style piazzas buzzing with life. Bars and restaurants that spill onto the street, as well as quieter spaces. Here, space is crafted and sculpted into a series of rooms for you to discover, one by one. It's a place to stop and enjoy life's journey."

A Melting Pot of Culture

"...an environment that stimulates all five senses at once. The colour and movement of Chinese New Year. The sound of live jazz. The aroma of bread from an artisan bakery. It's a cultural mosaic that taps into Green Square's working class roots to create a unique sense of place. Authentic, unmistakable soul. The perfect platform for creativity and commerce to flourish."

Here, People Talk To Each Other

"This is a new way of living: a unique urban village built to bring people together, not drive them apart. Where public spaces encourage you to stop and simply say hello. Where people know and trust their neighbours, just as in the past, when workers in local factories shared a strong camaraderie. A values-laden community based on inclusiveness, concern for others and respect for different cultures. A collective spirit that adds joy to life. So go on... Break down the barriers. Seek a better world."

3.5 Provision of Community Sport and Recreation Facilities 3.5.1 Existing CSR Facility Provision

As a result of its history as an employment/industry area and lack of an established town centre heart, existing community facilities appear to be spread throughout the Green Square redevelopment area within the established residential areas, rather than focused in any key location.

6 As above



The current facilities include:

• 4 schools, 3 public schools and 1 private school;

• 2 community centres — at Beaconsfield and Roseberry;

• 1 library and customer service centre — Green Square;

• 1 community hall — Green Square;

• 1 child care centre — Roseberry;

• various community facilities supporting services such as Meals on Wheels, Youth Services etc;

• several local parks;

• tennis and basketball facilities (at Separate lotations);

• current provision of open space across the city of Sydney LGA is estimated at 2.36ha per 1000 people which is below the standard benchmark of 2.43ha of open space per 1000 people (City of Sydney, 2008, p. 31). The Green Square area is included in three Planning Districts within the LGA which have varying rates of open space provision based on Council-owned space: Inner South 0.69ha per 1000 people, South East 0.86ha per 1000 people, and South West 7.8ha per 1000 people (high ratio due to low residential population in a predominantly employment area) (City of Sydney, 2008, p.31);

• Sydney Park which contains 44 hectares of parkland in St Peters and includes a sports oval and playground. It is located approximately 1,200m from the Green Square Town Centre and approximately 500m from the edge of the Green Square Development Area. The site

was converted from former industrial usage into the city's largest park in 1991 (City of Sydney, 2010);

• Moore Park is located directly adjacent to the north east corner of the Green Square Development Area and approximately 1km from the Town Centre. The site was dedicated in 1866 for recreation purposes by Sydney City Council. It comprises of 115 hectares of parkland providing a range of leisure opportunities including an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts and netball courts, athletics track, equestrian facilities as well as the Sydney Football Stadium and Sydney Cricket Ground. Moore Park also connects with the 189 hectare Centennial Park comprising gardens, ponds, grand avenues, status, historic buildings and sporting fields.

Figure 8 shows the location and spread of the existing community facilities within the Green Square redevelopment area.



Figure 8: Current Facility Provision

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3.5.2 Proposed CSR Facility Provision

A comprehensive community facility needs assessment was undertaken in 2002 to establish community facility requirements for the projected Green Square resident and workforce populations. Based on a report prepared by Michael Harrison, Director City Strategy and Design for the City of Sydney 'Cultural and Community Services Committee' on 5 May 2008, the identified 'needs' as at 2002 included:

• 'a library, cultural and community centre (including space for older people); • a multipurpose recreation and community centre; • a child care centre (capable of providing long day care for approximately 65 children); and; • a local neighbourhood centre'.

'Community Centre'

The Green Square Town Centre Community Facilities Planning Report undertaken by Environmetrics in 2008 'confirmed the following community facilities components, with an approximate gross floor area o f 6,000m2' for the community centre with preliminary costs at $35 million to include:

• a library component of 2,190sqm; • arts and cultural space of 1,418sqm, including:

o community gallery; o performance space (theatrette); O art workshops;



• general community spaces of 1,250sqm, including:

O community hall and meeting spaces; o older peoples' space (for healthy ageing programs and a frail aged day centre);

o community office/service delivery space; o one stop shop counter;

• coffee shop and complimentary retail (income generating component).

Principles underpinning the location and design of the library, cultural and community centre include:

• consultation and -collaboration;

• identity and presence; • equity and diversity;

• access; • safety;

• flexibility and innovation;

• amenity and compatibility;

• integration.

The provision of the library and cultural centre is 'considered integral to the renewal of the Green Square area' and its recommended location was within the town centre plaza (western end) to 'provide a focus and identity for the Green Square town centre and a catalyst for its development' and for the centre to 'operate as a vehicle for cultural tourism and economic development'.

Funding is anticipated to be via a combination of developer contributions (approximately $3 million), general funds, and possibly State and Federal government grant funding (such as through the NSW Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care).

It is understood that the City of Sydney has allocated $25 million for the library works, and a further $15 million for the public domain and plaza works for the Green Square Town Centre.

The design of the community centre has been through a competition approach. A significant number of entries have been received and are in the process of being judged by a panel. This approach engenders creativity and community ownership.

The location of the future library and cultural centre is shown in the aerial image below (Figure 9):



Figure 9: Location of future Library and Cultural Facility

Examples of two of the (five) final designs being judged in the competition are shown below:



Community facilities within the Former South Sydney Hospital Site

Four heritage buildings retained as part of the former South Sydney Hospital site (on Joynton Avenue) will be restored and used as a community hall, theatrette, artists' studios, exhibition spaces, a "community shed" and meeting rooms. The City has allocated a budget of $12 million in its Corporate Plan and Long Term Financial Plan to provide these'. These are shown on Figure 10.

• The former South Sydney Hospital site is to include public open space in the new Matron Ruby Grant Park. The park is identified as essential infrastructure under the Infrastructure Strategy (referred to as Hospital/Heritage Park) and will be funded through the essential infrastructure contributions, including that required by the un-deferral of the site.

7 See http://www.cityofsvdnev.nsw.goy.au/Council/documents/meetinqs/2011/Committee/Planninq/281111/111128 PDTCTEM04.odf (meeting report for Planning Policy Sub committee 28 Nov 2011 and

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/demolition-marks-the-start-of-cireen-square-redeyelopment-20111031- 1msc5.html#ixzz28xuMB7D3



Figure 10: Reuse of Heritage Buildings on South Sydney Hospital Site

COMMUNITY BUILDINGS SOUTH SYDNEY HOSPITAL SITE

; •

DEVELOPMENT .ITE ,.fSLITPATIEUTS '* •

. . „ . CASUALTY tist Studios

• Theatsette, Purpose ipace

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE ADMINISTRATION

CITY WEST'

AFFORDABLE HOUSING'

•••., t p PATHOLOGY BUILDING

tConTintiily,Shed)

ESME CAHILL 7 r .

tCoralnanity & BUILDING

Artist? Woriiskops)

Other Community Facilities Identified

Community facilities as part of the broader Green Square redevelopment area include:

• a $2.4 million refurbishment of the Waterloo Oval Youth Facility, now modernised and including a 'green roof', next to the 'Fernside' Waterloo Skate Park, Sydney's first skate park to copy an urban streetscape; and

• the iconic Tote building in Zetland providing a temporary library and neighbourhood service centre.

Sport and Recreation Facilities

City o f Sydney Green Square Urban Renewal Area Background Paper outlines the identified requirements for provision of open space for Green Square based on the controls of the Green Square Development Control Plan (DCP) and the provisions of the Section 94 Plan.

Green Square is contained within the Section 94 Plan's 'Southern Precinct' for which the plan designates 143,004sqm of open space for the whole precinct, to be provided by 2021. Nine 'open space catchment areas' are identified within Green Square in the Open Space and Recreation Needs Study 2007, under which a quantity of open space is designated, including a minimum size for the main park within each catchment area. 73,000sqm of open space is required across these catchment areas, as well as 24,340sqm in the Town Centre to be provided in two civic plazas and two local parks. Although some areas do not currently comply, Green Square DCP and Section 94 Plan seek to ensure the standard of 500m distance to open



space is rectified in areas within Green Square that it are not compliant with this standard. Further, the Section 94 Plan highlighted a need to achieve funding to upgrade 'Beaconsfield Park' and 'Waterloo Oval and Skate Park' to meet new needs within Green Square. (City of Sydney, 2008; Stratcorp and Clouston, 2007)

Redevelopment of two major sites within Green Square, Victoria Park and Crown Square, has provided new parks and detention basins. Provision of additional public open space and stormwater detention basins is to be achieved at new development sites throughout Green Square.

. . Green Square design connects public spaces to each other in an "accessible, safe and convenient manner", including:

• Transport Place;

• Green Square Plaza;

• Neilson Square;

• The Drying Green.

The Drying Green is a proposed central 5,500sqm (minimum) public open space charactised by soft landscaping and deep soil planting, seating areas, public amenities, BBQs, shade structures, playground and integrated play elements and will also double as a stormwater retention basin. A sunlight measure of 50% of the park receiving direct sunlight between 11am and 2pm is identified.

Neilson Square is a 1,559sqm (minimum) neighbourhood plaza intended to act as an entry to the Town Centre core which is proposed to be fronted by retail and cafe/restaurant uses, support small public gatherings, enable small temporary markets

, incorporate integrated play

elements, and have landscaping providing shade. A measure of sunlight is sought that sees 50% of a 4m wide strip along the southern edge receive sunlight between 12 midday and 2pm.

Green Square Plaza is proposed to be a minimum 6,257sqm public open space which acts as a principal gathering space for the Town Centre. Green Square Plaza is intended to include a range of outdoor spaces, integrated play elements, be fronted by retail and café/ restaurant

uses and support community events and large temporary markets. A sunlight measure of 'consolidated areas of direct sunlight between 12 midday and 2pm on 21 June' is sought.

Matron Ruby Grant Park is proposed to be a small park (750sqm) providing local passive recreation opportunities. Matron Ruby Grant Park will include deep soil planting providing shade, seating, skateable elements and will enable small scale events.

The 2007 Open Space and Recreation Needs Study for City of Sydney highlighted the need for

a 'recreation precinct' in Green Square which provides for a range of structured and unstructured recreation opportunities and incorporates an integrated aquatic (with hydroptherapy pool/ program pool), indoor multipurpose space and health and fitness facility, and outdoor family recreation areas (playground, skate and BBQ/picnic areas) and sports field(s), as well as a possible youth centre. In addition, the study recommends investigation of

Page 23 Buckley Vann Town Planning Consultants, Beggs & Mortar Pty Ltd, Strategic Leisure Group


the feasibility of developing a key open space connection from Sydney Park to Alexandria and Green Square. (City of Sydney, 2008; Stratcorp and Clouston, 2007).

Both Moore Park and Sydney Park are located in close proximity to the Green Square Development Area, providing accessibility by walking or cycling. It is estimated it would take approximately 15 minutes to walk from Green Square Town Centre to Sydney Park and approximately 10 minutes to walk from the Town Centre to Moore Park, acceptable distances for these park types (Stratcorp and Clouston, 2007, p. 23). Public transport to these parks from Green Square Development Area is limited however a bus route connects the Town Centre to Sydney Park.

. .

Figure 11: Existing and proposed open space in Green Square (City of Sydney, 2008, p.27)

Map A. Green Square 11/IGIFI . 1 . . . . . I . G . 1 1 . 6 7 9 U.1

ea Open Space

Legend c..-..

I M I Existing 1„..ti Open Space Catchment areas 'M C Z ] Proposed • - ,,,- Refer to South Sydney OOP 1997-Pee i t Green Square Town Centm

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ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) VVAIVI CSR Facility Study

3.6 Key Learnings from Green Square Town Centre Although much of the development of community facilities has not yet occurred in Green Square, there are several findings that could potentially be applied to the redevelopment of 3.4 Town Centre. Table 3 summarises the key elements and learnings from the case study for the

provision of CSR facilities in a redeveloping town centre.

Table 3: Key Elements and Learnings

Area Of ‘denSidraticm

Greebo`tquare_Tbwri Centre berience.-

General provision of • The aim has been to provide centrally-located and consolidated facilities multi-purpose facilities to provide better levels of service to more

community members — urban renewal is seen as an opportunity to create this;

• The proposed location of the library and cultural centres in the central plaza of the town centre were 'considered integral to the renewal of the Green Square area' to 'provide a focus and identity for the Green Square town centre and a catalyst for its development' and for the centre to 'operate as a vehicle for cultural tourism and economic development';

• There has been a focus on providing facilities that are 'main street', highly useable and accessible, flexible and adaptable to changing community needs over time.

Innovations in Provision of CSR

• The town centre itself has been seen as a place where people can interact either during the day or at night for entertainment, cultural and community activities;

• High quality public spaces, including civic plazas totaling 4,200sqm,

a centrally located park and new community, sport and recreation facilities, have been considered integral in establishing a new community hub for this emerging urban place;

• Public plazas were designed to create interaction, including:

o a new public park featuring a landscaped lawn and a children's play room; and

o public art that creates a dialogue with the area's past;

• Social sustainability principles identified as a key focus for the redevelopment have included the protection of heritage, delivery of quality community, sport and recreation facilities, good transport connections, parks and open spaces and infrastructure to current and future residents and workers;

• A planning and development approach focused on engaging the local community members and encouraging civic participation has

8 Original Council reporting and needs assessment identified the need for a 'community centre' to include various components. This is now referred to as the library/cultural centre.


reentS' cliia re pTow,riCentre EXperience


--,7Are;o1

Consideration

Staging/Delivery

been supported — example of this is in the 'competition for design of a the library and cultural centre;

• Extensive consultation with services and local communities has been• seen as a more effective way of determining the requirements for facilities rather than relying primarily on benchmarks and standards;

• Re-use of four heritage buildings as part of the former South Sydney _Hospital site has provided an opportunity to accommodate a range of community uses and community managed spaces which has linkages to other key facilities and directly into the town centre. a

• Combining open space and retention basins maximizes space but introduces some risk in provision. Design to ensure functional recreation use is possible the majority of time and that recovery from rain events is rapid and low cost is essential.

• Providing a range of open spaces of varying scales, themes and• serving varying purposes creates diverse opportunities for recreation , and adds to the sense residents have of a richness in provision. To some extent the use of diverse themes, design styles and treatments " compensates for a lower quantum of space.

• Proximal location to major community sport and recreation facilities (Sydney Park & Moore Park) outside of the Town Centre supports the sport and recreation requirements of those that live and work in Green Square. Without these significant precincts, provision for community sport and active recreation would be regarded as poor in this development.

• Social infrastructure was considered early on in the planning for the redevelopment area to ensure a strategic focus and to encourage human service agencies to plan ahead;

• There has been a focus on the timely provision of social infrastructure (though no information is available to determine if this was successful or not, and indications are that the process has been seen by Council to be a long and arduous one);

• There has been a focus on utilising existing spaces, such as the Zetland Tote building, to provide temporary community services (prior to the establishment of the larger purpose-built community centre).

Political and • Overall the project has had strong local government commitment and Governance a whole of government approach has been facilitated by the City of Arrangements Sydney;

• Cross-agency collaboration (and a multi-agency approach) in planning and delivery of community, sport and recreation facilities has been considered essential;

• A Social Infrastructure Working Group was established in 2009


ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) WA11/1 CSR Facility Study

rea'of •Consicleration• Green Square Town;;Centie,Experience

1■1•M2

Financial

Management

Implications for patterns of demand

on CSR facilities /land in the area

through the Department of Premier and Cabinet, to specifically work

on the strategic provision of social infrastructure including opportunities for partnerships and co-located services. The Group included:

o City of Sydney;

o NSW Department of Education;

o NSW Health; . . „

o NSW Ageing, Disability and Home Care;

o NSW Police;

o NSW Department of Planning;

o Federal Department of Health and Ageing;

• The City of Sydney employed a social planner to provide specific social planning advice and input on all of the City's urban renewal projects including Green Square;

• A significant amount of land in the Green Square Town Centre is within public ownership and in large landholdings which makes the• coordination of the redevelopment more straightforward than if smaller parcels in private ownership.

• Current funding practices as facilitated by NSW legislation allow local government to utilise rates, usage charges, developer contributions, grants and State infrastructure contributions for CSR;

• It is understood that community, sport and recreation facilities will be funded through a combination of these mechanisms.

• The overall project is managed through Landcom, a NSW State-owned corporation to deliver the major projects as part of the Green

Square redevelopment;

• Public programming in the plaza is recommended to be actively managed with the involvement of local community groups from the outset;

• The design of facilities for efficient staffing is recommended.

• Urban intensification within a town centre requires a centrally-located multi-purpose community facility, typically including a library and other cultural elemetns

• Such a facility is best supported by public plazas and park spaces to provide gathering spaces

• Typically these facilities should be provided `up-front' however temporary measures can be used whilst larger/more complex style developments are designed and constructed.



References

Architectus. 2012. Green Square Redevelopment Area Built Form Review— Final Report, Architectus: Sydney.

Casey, S. (2005) Establishing Standards for Social Infrastructure, The University of Queensland: Brisbane.

Centennial Parklands, NSW Government. 2012. Centennial Parklands— Centennial Park and Moore Park. Accessed October 12 2012. http://www.centennialparklands.com.au/our places/moore park

City of Charles Sturt et al. 2011. Case Studies — Social Infrastructure in Urban Growth Areas, prepared for the City of Charles Sturt: Adelaide.

City of Charles Sturt et al. 2011. Service Planning Model — Planning for Social Infrastructure and Community Services for Urban Growth Areas, prepared for the City of Charles Sturt: Adelaide.

City of Sydney. 2008. Green Square — Urban Renewal Background Paper— Final Report, City of Sydney: Sydney.

City of Sydney. 2008. City of Sydney Green Square Urban Renewal Area Background Paper Final Report, City of Sydney, Sydney.

City of Sydney — Cultural and Community Services Committee. 2008. Green Square Town Centre Community Facilities — Library, Cultural and Community Centre, City of Sydney: Sydney.

City of Sydney. 2010. Sydney Park, Alexandria. Accessed October 11, 2012. http://www.citvofsydnev.nsw.gov.au/aboutsvdnev/historvandarchives/SvdnevHistorv/ParksHi storv/SvdnevPark.asp

City of Sydney. 2011. Public Exhibition of Planning Proposal— Green Square Town Centre, City of Sydney: Sydney.

City of Sydney. 2012. Green Square Town Centre DCP 2012, City of Sydney: Sydney.

City of Sydney. 2012. Planning Proposal — Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2010— Green Square Town Centre, City of Sydney, Sydney.

City of Sydney. 2012. Green Square and City South — Sydney 2030. Accessed September 27, 2012, http://www.svdnev2030.com.au/in-vour-villaqe/green-square-villaqe

City of Sydney. 2012. Green Square Development. Accessed October 5, 2012, http://www.cityofsvdnev.nsw.gov.au/Development/Citylmprovements/GreenSquare/Default.a

s_g

Department of Infrastructure and Planning. 2010. Transit oriented development: guide to community diversity case studies. The State of Queensland: Brisbane.

Forecast.id. 2012. Community Profile — Green Square, City of Sydney. Accessed September 27, 2012. http://profile.id.com.au/svdnev/about?WebID=340



Id.consulting. 2010 City of Sydney Population and Household Forecasts — Green Square — report (forecasts based on 2006 data). Accessed September 27, 2012. http://forecast2.id.conn.au/templates/forecast2/Clients/148Sydn/PDF/10.pdf

Kelly, J. 2012. Social Cities. Grattan Institute: Carlton.

Landcom. Undated. Green Square Town Centre Sydney, a unique urban village that's built to bring people together (undated). Available at http://www.landcom.nsw.pov.au/downloads/uploaded/GS Vision broc 6602.pdf. Accessed 15 10 12

Moore, M. 2011. Demolition marks the start o f Green Square redevelopment — The Sydney Morning Herald, 1 November 2011.

NSW Government Planning and Infrastructure. 2012. Metropolitan Plan for Sydney 2036. Accessed on October 11,2012, http://metroplansvdnev.nsw.pov.au/Subrepions/SvdnevCitySubrepion.aspx

Stratcorp and Clouston. 2007. Open Space and Recreation Needs Study City of Sydney: Volume 1 - The Strategy Amended Draft March 2007. City of Sydney: Sydney.



4.0 False Creek North Case Study Why it was selected?

4 An area o f redevelopment for high density living with affordable housing specifically targeted, although a brown field site rather than an existing town centre per se

• Reasonably similar locational characteristics (i.e. close to a major city) though a different population structure

• Significant amount of development occurred and post-evaluation research' conducted which wil l allow an understanding o f the implications o f making certain

-- decisions/taking certain approaches fo r facility provision- • - - - - - • A family-focus may provide useful insights into a possible population target group

4.1 Case Study Overview and Background False Creek is a 67 hectare precinct located south of, and in close proximity to, the Vancouver CBD (British Columbia, Canada), on the southern portion of the 'downtown peninsular'.

The planned urban intensification for False Creek North (FCN) is mostly complete, and in 2007 had a resident population of 10,570 people accommodated in high rise and medium density development forms at an approximate density of 390 dwellings/hectare. A key focus of the redevelopment project was on affordable housing and creating a diverse and inclusive community.

Figure 12: Location Map

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ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) WAllil CSR Facility Study

4.2 Population and Workforce 4.2.1 Resident Population

The population figures based on the time of the post-occupancy evaluations are most relevant to this case study analysis. In 2007, False Creek North had a population of 10,570 people located within 5,450 households. The majority of households are accommodated in apartments within buildings of 5 or more storeys and 40% of households are rentals (Hofer, 2008).

Based on the 2006 census data results, it is understood that: .

• median age of residents at False Creek North was 38 years which is consistent with the overall Vancouver area;

• 13% of the population was under 19 years of age; • although only 8% were 10 years and younger, it is noted that False Creek North had a much

higher proportion of children aged 4 years or younger than the remaining Vancouver area; • close to 1/3 of residents, approximately 30%, were aged between 20 and 34 years; • only 4% of the False Creek North residents were aged 70 or older. (Beasley et al, 2008) (Hofer, 2008)

False Creek North also accommodated (and still accommodates) people from a range of cultural and linguistic groups and a variety of household incomes. The ethnic origins of residents as per the 2006 census included English, East/South-east Asian (primarily Chinese), European and Canadian with only 50% of residents speaking English as a first language (Hofer, 2008).

The post occupancy evaluation provides useful information on the length of living in False Creek North. One-third of respondents to the survey had been at the same address for one to three

years and slightly fewer for more than five years. About 20 percent have lived at their current dwelling for 3-5 years, while 17 percent indicated that they moved less than one year ago (Hofer, 2008). Further, about one-third of residents planned to stay in the area for 5 years; those who were 39 and younger were the most likely to move within 5 years. Families with children under the age of 12 were much more likely to move earlier than those without children; fewer than 27 percent of families with children intend to stay at their current address for more than 5

years, compared for 48 percent of those without young children. The overwhelming reason was the need for more space/lack of affordability of False Creek North.

False Creek North is also projected to support a significant component of mixed use — particularly office and street level/pedestrian-oriented retail and service uses. The redevelopment has been recognised for bringing families into the downtown core and for bringing people closer to their place of work, which has greatly reduced their commuting times and need for a private vehicle.


No information could be sourced on the current or projected workforce of False Creek North.

Page 31 Buckley Vann Town Planning Consultants, Briggs & Mortar Ply Ltd, Strategic Leisure Group


4.3 Past and Present Development and Density

The False Creek North site was originally used by Canadian Pacific Rail until 1969 for the purposes of a terminal and railyards. In 1978 the land was sold to the British Columbia province and was used for the 1986 World Expo. The site was then on-sold to a developer and a company, Concord Pacific, prepared development plans through a collaborative planning process for the redevelopment of False Creek North as an area of high density living.

As envisaged by the Official Development Plan for False Creek North in 1990, the master plan 'called for a comprehensive, mixed use, high-density development planned as a series of neighbourhoods along the north side of False Creek, each situated on a bay and separated by a large public park.. and integration of the development into the existing downtown street grid' (Hofer, 2008) (City of Vancouver, 1990).

False Creek North has since been subject to a significant urban intensification and redevelopment project such that it has become one of the largest urban redevelopment projects in North America and has been recognised for bringing families into the downtown core and for bringing people closer to their place of work.

False Creek North now contains a very dense residential population housed within a mix of high-rise and medium density style residential development, with some mixed use elements and other commercial/retail development. In 2006, the population density for FCN was approximately 18,857 people per sq kilometre and it is reported that it has most certainly increased since then9. False Creek North is almost 25 times denser than the rest of the Vancouver Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) which has a population density of only 736 persons per sq km.

It is also a rapidly growing neighbourhood, compared to the rest of the City of Vancouver19. With a 2006 population of 10 570, False Creek North experienced a population growth rate of 47% between 2001 and 2006. This is also notably higher than the 6.5% average growth rate for Vancouver CMA and the 5.3% growth rate for British Columbia and reflects the high rate of residential development in the area.

4.4 Range and Nature of Urban Intensification and Impact on CSR Facility Use and Supply


Section 3.3.1 of the Official Development Plan for False Creek North states that 'it is intended that False Creek North be developed as a predominantly residential area to achieve regional and City objectives and recognize the special amenity of the area as a place to live... Up to a maximum of 10,154 dwelling units, having a total floor area up to a maximum of 946,417 square metres, are permitted'.

9 See http://111.118.165.194/—kiss/kts/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/FCN-P0E-Compilation-Report-FINALiodf 1° As above

Page 32 Buckley Vann Town Planning Consultants, Briggs 8, Mortar Pty Ltd, Strategic Leisure Group

ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) WAIV1 CSR Facility Study

The Official Development Plan intended for this residential density to be achieved over 46 high-rise towers between 15-32 storeys and for 15% of dwelling units to be 'affordable housing'.

Based on post-occupancy research it is understood that 'a demand for housing by young professionals and families and cultural acceptance o f high-rise living has contributed to the popularity o f FCN' (Hofer, 2008).

Figure 13 contain the height limitation maps for residential towers in False Creek North as per the Official Development Plan 1990 requirements.

Figure 13: Maximum allowable heights in False Creek North as per City of Vancouver's Official Development Plan for False Creek North



Figure 14 shows the extent of unit development at 2004 at approximately 6,227 units (approximately 60% of the anticipated unit development yield).

Figure 14: False Creek North residential unit development as at 2004

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Figure 15 shows a photograph of the residential development styles in False Creek North.

Figure 15: Development styles in False Creek North as viewed from the seawall



4.4.2 Retail and Commercial Development

The Official Development Plan for False Creek North 1990 permitted a maximum of 145,872

square metres of office and street level/pedestrian-oriented retail and service uses.

The Plan stated that 'the maximum amount o f retail and service uses permitted outside of the

areas designated as office is 55,948 square metres. Of this total, the maximum amount of retail

uses permitted is 36,420 square metres'.

The following figure (Figure 16) from the Official Development Plan for False Creek North identifies the areas for office and mixed use development and their anticipated yield.

Figure 16: Office and Mixed Use development locations and densities

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It is understood however that Vancouver City Council has been asked for a large number of amendments to the False Creek North Official Development Plan. One of those amendments included a proposal from the BC Pavilion Corp. (PavCo) for the largest casino in Western Canada and two hotel towers; a new district energy utility similar to one built in the Olympic Village neighbourhood; and social-inclusion agreements that would require area businesses to hire a certain number of low-income local residents and to buy locally.11 These changes have

over time created the potential for additional jobs.

11See:http://www.century21.ca/CA/BCNancouyer East/Blog/Here we grow again Maybe Four new highrises propo sed for False Creek, 11 January 2011



4.5 Provision of Community Sport and Recreation Facilities The Official Development Plan for False Creek North (FCN ODP) approved in 1990 involved very specific design guidelines and policies. The organising principles for False Creek North were: • integrate with the city; • build on the setting; • maintain the sense of a substantial water basin; • use streets as an organising device; • create lively places having strong imageability; • create neighbourhoods; and • plan for all age groups with a particular emphasis on children.

Section 2.2.5 of the Official Development Plan for False Creek North includes a section titled 'Create Lively Places Having Strong Imageability' This section states that 'open spaces, including streets, parks, plazas, and walkways, should be planned and designed to be identifiable, memorable, and lively'.

Section 2.2.7 of the Plan is titled 'Plan For All Age Groups With A Particular Emphasis on Children' and states:

'To achieve robust neighbourhoods which have flexibility to accommodate all residents and to achieve the City objective of accommodating families with children, planning and designing for the needs of children should be emphasized. The following should be considered: • ...parks, school, day care and other facilities needs; and • public settings for socializing.'

Further to this the CityPlan 1995 (whole of Vancouver City) called for a 'City of Neighbourhoods' and stated that `community services such as health and recreation programs, social programs and libraries will draw on the ideas of the people who use them, making those services widely accessible and responsive to different needs. Services will be located in the neighbourhood centres where they are easy to get to.'

The Official Development Plan for False Creek North made provision for a number of community facilities as part of the area's redevelopment. Table 4 shows the required facilities along with commentary about what has been provided in response to this.

Table 4: Overview of CSR Facility Requirements and Provision

tcla.1:90yelopmer,d$Plan REactIlty Requirement

2 x primary schools, one with a 370sqrn community space and 560sqm school and community gymnasium facility

Existing Elsie Roy Elementary School — is considered a very good facility but not large enough to accommodate the population and it is understood there is a long waiting list. School care was considered 'a challenge' within the post occupancy evaluation results..

Page 36 Buckley Vann Town Planning Consultants, Briggs 8. Mortar Pty Ltd, Strategic Leisure Group


Off ic ia l Davelopritent Nap CSRFacThtyRequireriierkt arrant Provi$Ion.of +facilities

1 x community centre of 4,180sqm GFA to include a gymnasium facility

8 x childcare facilities with a combined indoor area of 3,000- 3,5000sqm and combined outdoor

area between 2,700-4,400sqm

1 x multi-purpose room accommodate after school care 190sqnn

1 x branch library facility of 460sqm

Roundhouse Community Centre fulfils this role.

Existing known childcare centres include:

• Quayside Children's Centre (24 spaces);

• Dorothy Lam Children's Centre;

• Library Square Children's Centre (close to, but not within False Creek North)-;

• Sea Star Children's Centre (opened in 2009 after the post-occupancy evaluation was undertaken) providing 93 spaces.

Significantly less provision of childcare facilities than required/anticipated by the Official Development Plan. Post-occupancy evaluation has found a significant gap in the provision of childcare facilities. In 2009 it was documented that there were 2,200 families on the waiting list for childcare spaces.

to Understood that the Roundhouse, Elsie Roy Elementary of School and the False Creek Community Centre (located

on the opposite side of the Granville Bridge) all provide out of school care.

17.05 hectares of neighbourhood park in identified locations, 1 x waterfront park and 2 x major parks

Plaza of Nations complex - a family sports and entertainment centre may be permitted in Plaza of Nations Complex

Vancouver Public Library, located just north of the False Creek North development area appears to fulfill this role however a library has been documented in the post-occupancy

evaluation research as a community need.

1.0 hectare per 1000 residents (25% of total site area).

This land is commercially owned and plans to redevelop the Plaza of Nations incorporate residential, commercial, retail, office space along with a sports science centre and ice rink as well as a waterfront public space and walkway/ bike paths.

Existing stadium and arena - No change other than upgrades and improvements. functions as a city and regional facility for major sporting and other public events

References: (City of Vancouver, 1990) (Hofer, 2008) (Department of Infrastructure & Planning 2010) (Vancouver Sun, 2012).


ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) WAII/1 CSR Facility Study

Figure 17 identifies the location of the Roundhouse Community Centre, Elsie Roy Elementary School and Dorothy Lam Children's Centre along with the park facilities which are provided at False Creek North. There was a phasing of the provision of CSR facilities in the initial development of False Creek North, as required by the Official Development Plan, and as shown on the Figure 18. Further to the above, the following provides a more specific analysis of some of the key community and sport and recreation facilities located at False Creek North.

Figure 17: Location of Key CSR Facilities in False Creek North

Figure 18: Proposed phasing of Parks and Community Facilities (Official Development Plan)

149.1g: Minor shortfalls to park requirements during development process of west end of she to be balanced with excess park developed with International Village.

Figure #7 Phasina of Parks and Community Facilities

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4.5.1 Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre

The Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre is a multi-purpose facility of 4,580sqm in area, built at a cost of $9 million, which aims to provide a focal point for the community involving community cultural development and recreation facilities for all ages (City of Charles Sturt et al, 2011. Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, 2012).

The Roundhouse is managed jointly by the Vancouver Park Board and the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Society (RCARS) and it is understood that this centre was intended to serve all residents of Vancouver City, not only the immediate False Creek North residents (City of Charles Sturt et af, 2011. Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, 2012).

The Roundhouse utilises heritage buildings associated with the former Canadian Pacific rail usage over the site and features a Performance Centre, Exhibition Hall, woodworking, pottery, art and dance studios, a full size gymnasium (indoor sports court), café area, and various multi-purpose

spaces.

It is understood from post-occupancy research that residents highly value the Roundhouse facility as a 'well loved community hub' however note that it cannot adequately meet demand (Hofer, 2008).

The following figures (Figure 19) and table (Table 5) provide an overview of the layout of uses at the Roundhouse and the breakdown of gross floor area across each room/area where this has been available.


ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) WAllil CSR Facility Study

Figure 19: Lower and Upper Floor Plans of the Roundhouse



Table 5 sets out the approximate gross floor area of the specific facilities provided at the Roundhouse:

Table 5: Approximate gross floor area of Roundhouse and specific components

Eacility;tbmpOneht

Lower Level Uses

Exhibition Hall. 5,800sqft / 539sqm

Performance Centre lobby 2,000sqft / 186sqm

Performance Centre (used for 5,000sqft + / 464sqm + diverse events, from meetings and lectures to weddings, receptions and full-scale theatre, dance and music performances)

Gymnasium (with full sized

sprung hardwood floor)

Arts and Craft Room

Dance Studio (sprung hardwood floor and sound system)

Room A

Room B (concrete floor)

8,280sqft / 770 sqm

464sqft / 43sqm

1,500sqft / 139sqm

315sqft / 30sqm

1,230sqft / 114sqm

Room C (carpet, white board) 700sqft / 65sqm

-apaci

300 people theatre style. 400 people standing

• 100 people theatre style

• 200 people standing

• 170 people Default seating

• 193 people with additional front row

• 250 people Smaller stage or thrust-style seating (seats on 3 sides of stage)

• 200 people Collapsed Seats (no theatre seating) with food

• 250 people Collapsed seats, no food

• 300 people Seats completely removed


• 20 people meeting style

• 30 people standing or theatre style



• 20 people standing/theatre


• 100 people standing/theatre


• 30 people standing/theatre style



FacilitrCcirripOneq:

Kitchen and servery 540 sqft / (commercial scale)

Woodworking Studio, Pottery Unknown studio, Train Pavilion

Upper level uses

540 sqft / 50sqrn

Mezzanine ._1008sqft / 94sqm i •

ity

No information available

Mezzanine . 1008sqft / 94sqm ' • 35 people meeting style - - - — - - - ' ' - - : • .'50 peOple theatre stile

' • 60 people standing , !_ Music Room (piano, carpet) 380sqft / 35sqm • 20 people

Multimedia Room 770sqft / 72sqm

Board Room (window, carpet, 266sqft / 25sqrn whiteboard)

•

, •

30 people meeting style 40 people theatre/standing

15 people meeting style 20 people theatre/standing

Figure 20 shows a view of the Roundhouse (taken from Turntable Plaza).

Figure 20: Views of the Roundhouse facility

4.5.2 Turntable Plaza

An outdoor urban plaza, 'Turntable Plaza' was officially opened in May 2012 and is located adjacent to the Roundhouse (as shown at Figure 21).



At a cost of $1.8 million, the project has involved the revitalisation of the existing Turntable (associated with the former use of the site by Canadian Pacific Rail) into an outdoor public plaza that can be used for visual arts/performance space with a capacity of 500-750 people. Anticipated uses include markets, outdoor theatre, concerts and festivals.

It is considered that 'the plaza will be a key gathering place for residents, tourists and the arts community for years to come' (Government of Canada, 2012).

Figure 21: Photograph of Turntable Plaza and False Creek North

4.5.3 False Creek Community Centre

Accessible to False Creek North residents over the Granville Street bridge (located on Granville Island with access to the waterfront), False Creek Community Centre offers unique programming opportunities and events for all ages. While this facility is not located in False Creek North itself, it serves the wider community including False Creek North.

Specialty programs and services include canoeing, kayaking, tennis, performing arts, licensed preschool and out of school care, and a well-equipped fitness centre. Proximity to Vancouver's seaside bicycle route makes it a starting point for cycling excursions.

The False Creek Community Centre also includes the following facilities: • childcare; • dance studio; • sauna; • playground (Sutcliffe Park); • water park;



• 2 x tennis courts; • 1 x outdoor sport court; • boating programs including dragonboating and kayaking; • free public WiFi.

The False Creek Community Centre is jointly operated by the Vancouver Park Board and the False Creek Community Association (FCCA).

The FCCA deals with all matters of concern to the Community Centre and is responsible for arranging recreation programs to suit the needs of the False Creek Community.

4.5.4 David Lam Park

A 4.34 hectare park located on the waterfront, David Lam Park offers a mix of passive and active recreation opportunities. Key elements include:

• 1 x rectangular field; • 2 x outdoor basketball courts; • 2 x tennis courts; • 1 x playground. Source: City of Vancouver (c)

4.5.5 Andy Livingstone Park

4.21 hectares in size, Andy Livingstone Park is an important active sport and recreation park for False Creek. Key features of the park include: • 2 x hockey fields; • 2 x soccer fields; • 2 x ultimate fields; • 1 x football field; • 1 x field lighting; • 1 x softball field; • 2 x tennis courts; • 3 x playgrounds; • 1 x basketball court; • 1 x skateboard park; • 1 x clubhouse; • 1 x amenities. Source: City of Vancouver (a)

4.5.6 George Wain borne Park

This 2.5 hectare park is characterised by expansive lawns and a picturesque outlook to the waterfront, providing predominantly passive recreation opportunities. Source: City of Vancouver (d)

4.5.7 Coopers' Park

1.71 hectares in size, Coopers Park is located on the waterfront and provides the following elements:



• 1 x dog off-leash area; • 1 x playground; • 1 x basketball court; • 1 x skateboard park; Source: City of Vancouver (b)

4.5.6 BC Place Stadium

Commercial Stadium with multi-purpose playing field and retractable roof. Used for sporting events, concerts and other major events. Source: BC Place

4.6 Key Learn ings from False Creek North Overall, post-occupancy evaluation research has identified that there is a high level of satisfaction amongst False Creek North residents with respect to their living environment and was considered to have a 'suburban feel' not typically found in the inner city based on the quality of provision of open spaces and other facilities (City of Charles Sturt et al, 2011). The overall satisfaction rating of False Creek North by respondents to the post occupancy questionnaire found that 96% would recommend living in False Creek North.

Interestingly, the very specific policies directed towards accommodating families with children in the development and bringing families, as well as non-families, into the downtown core, appear to have been quite successful12. The post occupancy evaluation of False Creek North showed that it was considered to cater well to the needs and preferences of children; and the children in the study were very positive towards social interaction, learning and satisfaction with the public spaces and built environment. They enjoyed having a mix of uses in their neighbourhood so they do not need to go outside of the neighbourhood; they like places where they can play freely, play sports, shop, hang out with friends and entertain themselves.

Nevertheless, residents with children were more likely to move earlier than other residents; and a lack of sufficient space and programming for youth and problems experienced by many residents, not only with their units but also with local facilities and services present challenges to residents as children get older.

A summary of the post-evaluation research states that, with respect to the specific provision of CSR facilities in False Creek North:

• the shops, services and facilities in FCN meet the needs of some respondents, but not a majority. Just over half of respondents reported walking beyond their neighbourhood to meet day-to-day needs. Reasons for doing so varied from affordability (a consequence of the project's own success), to availability, to personal preference. The primary outstanding needs are for a greater diversity of shops and services that are affordable and reflect the range of incomes in the neighbourhood. The greatest retail need identified in the community is a mid-sized grocery store. Other retail gaps frequently cited include a bakery, a hardware store, clothing shops, a dollar store and family and child oriented stores and restaurants.

'2E g. One thing for sure: high-density housing does not discourage people from raising families, so long as they're

planned for'. See http://www.planetizen.com/node/33793



More entertainment for adults is also desired, such as closer and more diverse theatres and lectures with forums for discussion in the Roundhouse;

• the Roundhouse Community Centre is a well-loved community hub of False Creek North that provides valuable services to the community, although there are considered to be too few activities catering to some age ranges at the Roundhouse, especially seniors and youth;

• most residents are overwhelmingly satisfied with local parks. Appreciated for their size, quantity and wide-open spaces, the parks are well used and are considered one of the neighbourhood's strongest attributes. The Seawall and open parks are reasons cited for choosing False Creek North over other neighbourhoods. Residents" complimented the overall aesthetic of the neighbourhood parks focusing particular praise on the quality landscaping and the design of the parks. Many residents note that the large size of the parks allows for flexibility and diversity of activities;

• a relatively low percentage of families reported that access to public amenities (16%) and local facilities and services (15%) presented a challenge to raising a family in False Creek North. However, (access to) "School/daycare" was perceived as a challenge by more than half (53%) of respondents with children, and received a number of negative comments;

• as the downtown residential community continues to grow and if families do remain downtown as their children age in place, there will be a need for more schools, including high schools;

• residents value the public art because of its symbolic value and ability to instill 'community';

• residents are overwhelmingly satisfied with open spaces provided;

• areas of concern for open spaces and recreation included:

o a need for more age-specific play and recreation spaces for youth and a need to consider recreation facilities in future developments e.g. swimming pool, skating rink, water park;

o a need for more off-leash areas for dogs;

o a need for more amenities for leisure activity (e.g. weather protection, barbecues, seating);

• there is a correlation between the distance people live from a park in False Creek and the frequency of visits to a park, with those residents living in neighbourhoods closest to major parks (David Lam and George Wainborn Parks) reporting more regular visits to parks than those living further away;

• there is a relationship between unit type and frequency of use of parks, with those residents living in two or three bedroom units more likely to visit a park compared to those living in one bedroom units.

(Hofer, 2008)

It is noted that despite some issues associated with the provision of community facilities and school and childcare facilities not meeting demand, residents, including children, appear to be satisfied with the proximity of community facilities and the fact that everything is accessible on foot (Hofer, 2008) (City of Charles Sturt et al, 2011). There is also reported to be a 'sense of a complete community' within False Creek North (Beasley et al, 2008), and concerns about


ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) WAN] CSR Facility Study

community safety were not reported to be a major problem. Respondents generally felt very safe in both indoor and outdoor space in False Creek North, and only slightly less safe at nighttime. Women felt no less safe than men, and families generally did not indicate that safety

was a challenge.

Table 6 summarises the key elements and !earnings from False Creek North drawing on the post-occupancy findings and other key experiences as expressed in the literature:


Area of Consideration

General provision of facilities

- FalseCreekNortheigjettence

• Provision of schools and childcare has emerged as a key challenge in the False Creek North situation. Given the pressure on childcare facilities currently experienced at False Creek North, a key lesson is for urban redevelopment areas to ensure the allocation of space for childcare facilities is guided with a clear sense of demand and projected growth and implemented at appropriate times to meet demand;

• Ensure implementation of key social infrastructure such as schools

are facilitated through policy and are available for the 'first' residents and progress as concentration and ageing of families increases;

• The provision of an active community centre has been considered a critical element for future similar developments however a recommendation would be to broaden its approach to make it more youth-friendly and/or include designated youth spaces;

• A greater diversity of shops and services appears to be required that

are affordable and reflect the range of incomes in the neighbourhood. The greatest retail need identified in the community is a mid-sized grocery store. Other retail gaps frequently cited include child oriented stores and restaurants. More entertainment for adults is also desired;

• Residents value public art because of its symbolic value and ability to instill 'community;

• Parks of extensive size, quantity and wide-open spaces are considered one of the neighbourhood's strongest attributes;

• The plaza will be a key gathering place for residents, tourists and the arts community for years to come;

• The need has been identified to design more diverse public spaces that cater for the recreation and play needs of both younger and older children rather than a homogenous approach;

• The need to consider pets in the public domain is important for high density development;

• Although the ratio of 1 hectare of open space per 1000 people would be considered low elsewhere, it works well in False Creek because

Page 47 Buckley Vann Town Planning Consultants, Briggs 8. Mortar Ply Ltd, Strategic Leisure Group


ea;(if. Consideration

,alse'Creek,North.Experience

open space represents 25% of the total site area and the open space is of high quality, located desirably, and is a key feature of the development; Proximity of residences to quality parkland is likely to influence the frequency of visits and therefore, standard distances to parkland of high quality should be sought; Use of smaller parks should be used to improve connections between larger green spaces and to break up density of tall buildings.

Innovation in • From the outset, the City of Vancouver have set out to ensure that Provision the community, with a significant number of families and children,

can have their needs met in a high density living environment; • Heritage structure (old Canadian Pacific rail building) has been

utilised to create the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre which provides a true multi-purpose and flexible use of space which is adaptable for a range of uses and experiences. Key issue with this space is that it is not just a facility for False Creek North;

, residents, it attracts the broader Vancouver population and therefore• experiences pressure on capacity;

• The Turntable Plaza with direct linkage to the Roundhouse provides a positive outdoor flexible space and a focal point for the community;

• Providing a true pedestrian-friendly approach to community facility provision and building a community around established facilities to encourage and support walkability has resulted in a community that can access the available community facilities, where the facilities are well-used and frequented and where there is a clear sense of place, community identity and safety.

Staging/Delivery

Political and Governance Arrangements

Whilst policies toward urban intensification and attracting families to the redevelopment area have been successful, the provision of social infrastructure has not been provided at an appropriate time to meet demand and is currently not addressing all community needs, particularly for youth (schools, childcare, youth focused activities).

• Development company, Concord Pacific was created to develop a significant part of the redevelopment area. Concord Pacific and City of Vancouver committed to a collaborative and cooperative planning process, which also meaningfully involved the general public — community was widely consulted about their vision for the area which contributed to its 'acceptance as it was considered that False ' Creek North was being designed and developed to meet the community needs;

, • There is a recognised need for political drivers to articulate more



Area of onSideratiori

Financial

Management

;False Creek-North Experience

strongly policy guidelines for the implementation of social infrastructure and to be accountable for the implementation of facilities.

• In the case of the Turntable Plaza, the Government of Canada committed $600,000 toward the project through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The City of Vancouver and Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation invested $950,000 in the project and BC Hydro invested $250,000

• The City of Vancouver heavily invested in the Roundhouse facility as a City-wide facility.

Retention of the Roundhouse centre in public ownership with a joint management approach by Vancouver Park Board and the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Society (RCARS)

appears to be a successful model for management that could successfully apply in other locations.

Implications for • Where urban intensification is intended to result in increased pattern of demand numbers of families there will be significant levels of demand placed

on CSR on school and day care facilities facilities/land in the • Multi-purpose community facility with associated public plaza is well-area

used and also a necessity for meeting community needs

• CSR facilities need to be provided up-front in the urban intensification process

References

Administration Yaletown. 2012.) Sea Star Children's Centre Ready to Open. Accessed on October 10, 2012. http://valetown.ca/sea-star-childrens-centre-ready-to-open/

BC Place. 2012. BC Place, October 12, 2012. http://www.bcplacestadium.com/

Beasley, L. Hofer, N. Lancaster, J. Sarkissian, W. Wenman,C. 2008 Living in Fa/se Creek North: From the Resident's Perspective, College of Interdisciplinary Studies — School of Community and Regional Planning Vancouver.

City of Vancouver. 2008. Official Development Plan for False Creek North, City of Vancouver: Vancouver accessed on October 10, 2012 at http://former.vancouver.ca/commsvcs/BYLAWS/odp/fcn.pdf

City of Vancouver. 2012.(a) Andy Livingstone Park, Accessed on October 12, 2012 http://cfapp.vancouver.ca/parkfinder wa/index.cfm?fuseaction=FAC.ParkDetails&park id=10

City of Vancouver. 2012(b). Cooper's Park, Accessed on October 12, 2012 http://cfapp.vancouver.ca/parkfinder wa/index.cfm?fuseactiorFFAC.ParkDetails&park id=14



City of Vancouver. 2012 (c) David Lam Park, City of Vancouver, Accessed on October 12, 2012 http://cfapp.vancouver.ca/parkfinder wa/index.cfm?fuseaction=FAC.ParkDetails&park id=16

City of Vancouver. 2012 (d). George Wainbom Park, Accessed on October 12, 2012, http://cfapp.vancouver.ca/parkfinder watindex.cfm?fuseaction=FAC.ParkDetails&park id=22 5

City of Vancouver. 2012. Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre, Accessed on October 10 2012. http://vancouver.calloarks-recreation-culturellroundhouse-community-arts-recreation-centre.aspx

-- City of Vancouver. 2012. False Creek Community Centre http://vancouvercalparks-recreation-_ culture/false-creek-communitv-centre.aspx

Department of Infrastructure and Planning. 2010. Transit oriented development: guide to community design, The State of Queensland, Brisbane.

Department of Infrastructure and Planning. 2010. Transit oriented development: guide to community diversity— case studies. The State of Queensland: Brisbane.

Government of Canada. 2012. 'Partnership Brings Roundhouse Turntable Plaza Back to Life' Accessed on 11/10/12 at http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?nid=675409

Hofer, N. (Editor). 2008. Compilation Report of the Process Findings and Recommendations from the False Creek North Post-Occupancy Evaluation, School of Community and Regional Planning, University of British Columbia: Vancouver.

Lancaster, J. 2006. False Creek North Post-Occupancy Evaluation: Questionnaire Analysis and Findings, The University of British Columbia: Vancouver.

Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre. 2012. Accessed on October 8, 2012 at http://www.roundhouse.ca/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE user op=view page&PA GE id=60

Vancouver Sun. 2012. The Turntable: Vancouver's newest public plaza. Accessed on October 11,2012 at http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/organization/nhl%20atlantic/Turntable+Vancouver+ne west+public+plaza/6652897/story.html

Vancouver Sun. 2012. 'Vancouver's Expo 86 grounds and Plaza of Nations to get a facelift', The Vancouver Sun, Accessed on October 12, 2012. http://www.vancouversun.com/business/commercial-real-estateNancouver+Expo+grounds+Plaza+Nations+facelift/6888055/storv.html



5.0 Pen rith City Centre Case Study Why it was selected?

a An existing town centre in decline, wi th future urban intensification goals 0 Contains a community and education facility, as well as co-location with an arts

centre and local government offices

a Significant research although limited implementation An ageing demographic

5.1 Case Study OverVievir and Backgrouhd Penrith is a regional centre located 54 kilometres west of Sydney on the Nepean River. Figure 22 below shows the location of Penrith city in context with the Sydney CBD and other key centres. The draft Metropolitan Plan 2036 Subregional Strategies remain a key planning tool for councils. Penrith is contained in the draft North West Subregional Strategy (DP, 2007) — covering the Hills, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Penrith local government areas13.

`Penrith Regional City' is seen as an education & employment hub for the north west subregion. Major (district') centres in the subregion are Blacktown and Castle Hill, with a further planned Major Centre at Rouse Hill, a potential Major Centre at Mt Druitt and a Specialised Centre at the Norwest Business Park.

A regional city is seen as providing a full range of business, government, retail, cultural, entertainment and recreational activities. They are intended to be a focal point where large, growing regions can access good jobs, shopping, health, education, recreation and other services and not have to travel more than one hour per day.

The Penrith city centre is approximately 2.5 kilometres long and 1 kilometre wide, therefore approximately 250 hectares in area with the main thoroughfare being High Street, a continuation of the Great Western Highway (formerly the main road from Parramatta and Sydney to the Blue Mountains) (DP, 2007). The main city centre is bound by the Western Railway line to the north, the Nepean River to the west and several major arterial routes to both the east and south (DP 2007).

The Penrith city centre's reliance on transport links for its development is evident in its elongated, east-west pattern with activity precincts dispersed across this large area (see Figure 23). The city centre is considered to have a clear grid pattern and a commercial/retail heart in High Street.

13 htto://www.metroplansydney.nsw.gov.au/Subreciions/NorthWestSubregion.aspx



Figure 22: Location Map http://www.metrostratecw.nsw.qov.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=oU2UDOv0parad&tabi d=78

Source: http://www.metrostratecw.nsw.qov.aulLinkClick.aspx?fileticket=oU2UDOOpaY%3d&tabid=78



Figure 23: Aerial image of the Penrith city centre

Source: http://www.mca.com.au/artists-and-works/external-proiects/c3west/campement-urbain-future-penrith-penrith-futurel

The relationship of the Penrith city centre to key precincts including the Nepean Hospital, University of Western Sydney, mixed business and industry areas and the Riverlink (recreational) precinct are shown on Figure 24.

The Penrith City Centre is serviced by a number of public and active transport options. The Western Rail Line provides rail access to and from central Sydney, a high frequency service available during peak periods (PCC 2006). Private bus operators also provide services in the form of local trips and a feeder service for the rail network.

The pedestrian network is reasonably well defined, although pedestrian and vehicular conflict is

common at the bus and rail interchange. Cycle paths are limited and perform a minor role in the transport network.

Penrith has experienced increasing employment and facility investment in retail, business, cultural, education and health. The city centre is projected to experience growth of 10,000 new residents and 10,000 new workers by 2031 (DP, 2007).



Figure 24: Penrith City Centre Precincts (DP 2007, p.45)

Penrith Lakes Penrith City Centre North Penrith Business Development and Mixed Use

Nepean Hospital Recreational Precinct Mulgoa Road Enterprise Corridor

University of Western Sydney

At the time of its preparation in 2007, the Penrith City Centre Plan Vision document identified Penrith as being a regional city in need of redevelopment due to:

• its status as the largest centre in outer and north western Sydney; • its large and growing regional catchment area; • its location in relation to natural assets including the Nepean River and Blue Mountains; • high forecast employment growth; • its potential to attract further additional economic, cultural and social activity because of

existing and new assets in and around the centre; and • its focus for rail and other transport links (DP, 2007).

5.2 Population and Workforce 5.2.1 Resident Population

The population of the entire Penrith Local Government Area (LGA) doubled from 58,000 to 109,000 people between 1971 and 1981 and the LGA experienced consistent growth through to 2000 as urban areas became more established.

Growth rates significantly reduced between 2001 and 2006, with the population remaining fairly steady at approximately 171,000 people during this time. Based on recently released 2011 census data it is understood the current population for the Penrith LGA is 184,681 residents.



Overall trends for the Penrith LGA suggest that residents aged over 50 will continue to increase and more families may move to the region, thereby increasing the proportion of children and those aged under 24 (profile. id, 2012).

Recent population analysis undertaken by 'profile.id' for the Penrith Local Government Area (LGA) identifies specific catchments and one referred to as `Penrith' comprises an area of 1,248 hectares which contains the CBD along with immediately surrounding areas as shown on the Figure 25 below.

Figure 25: Penrith Community Profile Catchment

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The current (2011) population for the Penrith catchment has been estimated at 11,803 residents within 5,690 dwellings.

The age structure when compared with the overall Penrith LGA indicates that the Penrith city centre (and associated inner-city residential areas) have lower numbers of children (0-17 years), similar levels of 18-24 year olds, more 25-34 year olds and more residents aged 60+ than located within the rest of the Penrith LGA.

In the Penrith CBD and immediate surrounds, the most common household type was lone

person households which comprised 37% of household types. Only 19% of households were made up of couples with children compared with 39% in the Penrith LGA. There was a similar proportion of one-parent families to the LGA and a slightly lower proportion of couples without children than the LGA.



In 2011, approximately 20% of the Penrith CBD catchment population was born overseas which is consistent with the overall LGA. This figure is also consistent with the 2006 figures. Approximately 13% of residents are from non-English speaking backgrounds.


The North West Subregion14 has relatively large numbers of people employed in manufacturing, retail and wholesaling. When compared with Sydney as a whole, the North West also has a concentration in agriculture and forestry related industries, general construction and trade services. Additionally, defence, education and community services emerge as relatively strong industries in the subregion: - • - - -

Between 1996 and 2001, the North West experienced an increase in employment in all industry sectors with an overall increase of around 16 per cent. Increases were recorded for higher skilled occupations, such as managers and administrators, and professionals. A gain was also experienced in -clerical and service workers and trade and labourers. While there are reasonably strong gains in all occupations, the relative shift to higher skilled occupations is not as apparent in this subregion as in the Greater Metropolitan Region as a whole. The subregion has a higher overall 'blue collar' component compared with Sydney as a whole.

There is a relatively high level of employment self—containment (the number of people living and working in the same subregion) in the North West compared to other subregions. Notwithstanding, between 1996 and 2001, employment grew faster than the population, highlighting the changing balance and increased self—containment for the subregion.

Approximately 19,000 jobs were identified as existing in the Penrith city centre in 2001. Based on 2006 census figures (2011), it is identified that 44,187 (52.9%) of Penrith LGA's working residents travel outside of the area to work. Although exact figures for the Penrith CBD are not provided, it is understood that close to 14,000 people worked in the Penrith CBD and immediate surrounding area in 2006 (forecast.id, 2012).

5.3 Past and Present Development and Density Commercial and Retail Development

As of 2006, retail floor space in the Penrith LGA occupied 156,000m2, comprised five indoor retail centres (mainly department stores and supermarkets) and a major retail shopping strip located along the main thoroughfare. There are two major shopping complexes located within the CBD — Westfield Penrith with a gross lettable area of over 90,000 square metres and Centro Nepean with 20,861 square metres, along with a number of arcades (in the order of 17) and street-based retail along High Street and part of Henry Street of approximately 50,000 square metres.

Dedicated retail floor space in the Penrith LGA is expected to increase by 100,000 square metres from 2006-2016, with the majority of this growth expected in the city centre (DP 2007).

"The North West sub-region includes the Penrith LGA along with a broader area.


ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) WAIN CSR Facility Study

The Penrith City Centre is the seventh largest commercial centre in Greater Sydney (DP 2007). The City Centre contains the bulk of commercial office space within the Penrith LGA, a total of 111,000 square metres floor space. The ratio of commercial to retail space in 2006 was 2:3, which is considered to be quite high for a centre (DP 2007), This is mainly a result of the isolated nature of Penrith, the critical population mass it services and the fostering of Government roles within the employment sector. The majority of commercial offices are located in low rise office buildings or low rise retail and office buildings.


The majority of housing stObk in the overall Penrith LGA in 2011 was comprised.of one and two storey separate detached dwellings, representing 80% of all dwellings (DP 2007; PCC 2006).

The Community Profile for the Penrith CBD and immediate surrounds indicates that in 2011 there were a total of 5,661 private dwellings which included 1,004 high density dwellings and 1,930 medium density dwellings. This reflects an increase of 328 high density dwellings since 2006 yet a decrease in medium density dwellings (loss of 170 units) which is likely due to urban intensification occurring within the centre.

Of particular note the Penrith City Centre Vision document states that 'the Penrith city centre has very few dwellings and a range of under-developed sites where there is potential for mixed use and residential development. At 50 dwellings per hectare it is estimated that these areas when developed will yield around 5,300 dwellings and around 10,000 people'.

It is interesting that the Sydney North West Subregional Strategy (DP, 2007) states that over recent years, financial returns on residential development have generally outstripped those for office development in many parts of Sydney, and there is often significant pressure for conversion of existing commercial sites for residential development. The strategy notes that this can lead to office space being marginalised to out—of—centre locations such as industrial areas which are less accessible by public transport, leading to a dispersal of employment. It is considered important in the strategy for sufficient commercial floor space potential to exist within Strategic Centres to ensure that they remain a trip destination and a place of employment, rather than simply a cluster of high density residential development.

5.4 Range and Nature of Urban Intensification and Impact on CSR

Facility Use and Supply 5.4.1 Overall Strategy

In February 2006, the New South Wales (NSW) Premier announced plans to establish a network of six key regional cities throughout the state, to drive economic growth, and Penrith was one of those selected. Regional cities are considered those that 'act as a focal point for regional transport and jobs that also have a full range of business, government, retail, cultural, entertainment and regional activities`(DP 2007). This was particularly driven by the population of Penrith LGA being projected to increase from 180,000 people in 2006 to 230,000 by 2031.


ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) WA1111 CSR Facility Study

The draft Subregional Strategy sets a capacity target to allow jobs in the centre to increase from approximately 19,000 (2001) to 30,000 by 2031. Penrith will also be a major focus for new housing.

The Regional City designation is not only aimed at attracting more jobs and housing to the city centre. It will be planned so that development can occur for a full range of activities which attract people, including retail, government, educational, health, cultural, entertainment and recreational functions.

In 2007 the NSW Government established a Cities Taskforce to work with relevant councils to plan for growth in the Regional Cities, including Penrith. The Cities Taskforce prepared i draft Penrith City Centre Plan15. Under the plan the Penrith Regional City was identified as having significant potential for further development as it matures as a vibrant, liveable and cosmopolitan city in its own right.

The Cities Taskforce then worked with Penrith Council to prepare the Penrith City Centre Plan comprising a suite of four documents. The City Centre Vision document describes a vision for the city centre, provides information on the history and development context, and includes an action plan to facilitate the city centre's growth. It sets a strategic framework for Penrith.

A subsequent Local Environmental Plan (LEP) is the statutory planning framework for the centre and sets the main provisions for development. The key features of the draft LEP are:

• increases in allowable development to provide for anticipated job and housing growth (increased 'Floor Space Ratios' and building heights); and

• development incentive provisions to encourage office development and high quality design, with all buildings above six storeys and development in special precincts to be subject to architectural competitions.

A Development Control Plan (DCP) outlines the more detailed planning provisions for the built form such as pedestrian amenity, access and environmental management for future development in the city centre. Key features of the DCP are:

• creation of attractive and well formed public domain and city centre scale; • protection of views to the mountains; • enhancement of the pedestrian environment and improvement of the city centre's

pedestrian access by provision of new midblock connections; and • provisions which guarantee solar access to key public spaces.

A Civic Improvement Plan will help ensure that a high quality public realm will be created. Beyond the economic benefits, revitalisation of the centre is anticipated to bring social and environmental benefits. It is considered important for the future design and development of the central area to capitalise on Penrith's sense of place and natural setting. The Civic Improvement Plan establishes the importance of the public domain in terms of design principles for paving, parks, signage, lighting and the improvement of key public places. The document also lists the

15 See: htto://www.metrostrategv.nsw.gov.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=oU2UDOv0paY%3d&tabid=78



projects that Council would like to undertake based on funds levied from individual developments.

5.4.2 City Centre

The Penrith City Centre Urban Design Study was undertaken in 2006 and found that:

The Penrith City Centre is spread across a large geographical area. There is no sense of 'a centre' but a collection of many centres. The purpose of the study was to identify and define the city centre, focusing on improvements to the public domain; location of additional building height within the town centre; and outlining a clear definition for the city centre'.

Figure 26 shows the findings of this study, and with respect to CSR facility provision are highlighted by:

• creation of the Allen Place inner city park and plaza; • creation of additional plaza/squares including those at the railway station and legal precinct; • a proposed Masterplan for the former Council chambers (which is currently used for existing

community facilities).

Figure 26: Penrith City Centre Urban Design Study — 2006

Develop mosterplan for the former Council Chambers site

Create a new square at Penrith Station.

Create a improve pedestrian

Consider (wore of TAFE site

C o n d o r creating Sopa R a e ( ) I o n Placo into a iligh quality public o:ieri SVOces

Ii Creett,‘ art urban square in the Legal Precinct

• Reinforce and

, Maintain existing • structure of lanes

Cons:eor a and swap with Judges Park and Cunt-sail's land to create a new park

Reinforce gateway to city centre with higher built form

New urban squares 'Pedestrian liriKs m e New green p a r K S E M I !rt.tinw higher built form in these locations to (Jaime Penrith City Centre creole a sense nt enclosure.


ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) WAIVI CSR Facil ity Study

There have been a number of Council and Government owned sites close to the city centre and the railway station which have been identified as offering significant redevelopment potential. The 50 hectare North Penrith defence site, adjacent to the rail station, is pre—eminent amongst these potential redevelopment sites. Its future use and development will be carefully planned to attract new forms of development to the city centre, while complementing and reinforcing the existing city centre.

Opportunities also exist to capitalise on existing assets in areas which are peripheral to Penrith's central area, and which can support and complement it. Such assets include the Nepean River, Penrith Panthers entertainment complex, Penrith Lakes residential development and recreation area and the Mulgoa Road bulky goods precinct.

The Nepean Hospital is planned to be upgraded and expanded under the State Infrastructure Strategy. Penrith's association with the nearby Werrington Enterprise, Living & Learning (WELL) Precinct, including the University of Western Sydney and the Western Sydney Institute of TAFE, will also be important to the development of the centre.

5.4.3 Future Development Expectations

The Penrith City Centre Plan Vision undertaken in 2006 seeks to capture the key expectations for the redevelopment of the Penrith city centre in light of the anticipated 10,000 additional jobs and 10,000 additional residents by 2031 and supports Penrith in being 'a vibrant forward looking centre that provides quality urban living, within easy access to natural surrounds'.

Community engagement as part of the visioning process identified the following issues/needs:

• lack of identity and clear future direction; • lack of quality public spaces and greening; • lack of leisure options beyond shopping; • lack of arts/culture presence; • under-representation of marginalised groups — addressing their needs and creating

opportunities for cultural visibility, e.g. indigenous community, young people; • the natural environment is not reflected well in the city centre.

Key elements of the vision include: developing a vibrant regional business and commercial centre, achieving a sustainable centre, creating a safe and attractive centre, creating a socially and culturally vibrant centre, creating a liveable city, re-connecting the city to the river, establishing the new city square and park, and celebrating the special character of Penrith.

The vision intends that the Penrith city centre become 'the hub of cultural and arts activities including performing and visual arts' and suggests that Council will 'use its assets and resources to stimulate opportunities for both audiences and artists'.

A new City Park at Allen Place seeks to provide 6,500m2 of public space for passive recreation in the heart of the Penrith City Centre (Penrith City Council, 2006). The City Park will fill a need for greater public space in the city centre, providing recreation space for both residents and workers, offering relief from the surrounding built form and providing an attractive outlook from surrounding residential and commercial buildings (NSW Department of Planning, 2006; Penrith City Council, 2006).


ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) VVAM CSR Facility Study

Figure 27: Proposed City Park at Allen Place — Penrith City Centre Vision

The planning and design principles for City Park include:

• a central civic open space in the heart of the city centre framed by active streets and building frontages;

• an active place for recreation, outdoor eating, celebration, civic and cultural events;

• sunlight and daylight access with shading in summer and capturing cool breezes for the city centre;

• a park with combination of soft green landscaping with tree planting and permeable paved

areas; • tree plantings that reflect the character and identity of the locality;

• a civic square for more formal civic events;

• a permeable frame of buildings with clear access points/laneways/arcades through to surrounding streets;



• public art and cultural facilities; • safety and security incorporating crime prevention design measures; and • incorporation of sustainability measures.

The Metropolitan Strategy 2036 (DP 2012) outlines some key aspects of successful centres as:

• accessible and pedestrian friendly; • providing good public transport options; • containing good jobs, learning opportunities and cultural activities; and • have good, safe public domain spaces.

It also states that subregional planning will identify projects that can act as catalyst or magnet infrastructure to achieve desired development outcomes in centres.

A designated recreation/tourist precinct is intended to create a link between the city centre and the Nepean River, providing passive and active recreation and sporting opportunities (NSW Department of Planning, 2007). Key developments for this precinct will include extending landscaping and civic improvement in High Street towards the river, and improvements to open spaces for cultural and entertainment related uses (Penrith City Council, 2006).

This precinct within the city centre area connects with the proposed Riverlink, a more extensive recreational, leisure and entertainment destination focused on the Nepean River (Penrith City Council, 2007). In addition to a focus on recreation, leisure, community and cultural needs, the precinct will also encompass residential and employment uses and incorporates key sport and recreation infrastructure including the showgrounds/paceway, Penrith Stadium and the cable ski park (Penrith City Council, 2007).

Objectives of the Riverlink Precinct include:

Connectivity and links • Create strong synergies with the Penrith City Centre by optimising the proximity to the

centre and complementing its land uses and character areas. • Create the Riverlink by strengthening the relationship to and connection with the Nepean

River. • Reinforce transport links and pedestrian connections to the Penrith City Centre and public

transport hubs. • Improve links and connectivity across the Precinct and between the various landholdings.

Co-operation • Address precinct issues such as flooding and access through collaboration with key

stakeholders within the Riverlink Precinct.

Local character, regional appeal • Reinforce and enhance local identity and sense of place through public domain and building

design. • Create a highly desirable visitor destination. • Create an exciting new entertainment, leisure and lifestyle hub.


ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) WAY' CSR Facility Study

Design excellence

• Meet and exceed sustainability benchmarks, including water quality.

• Achieve public domain and architectural design excellence.

Figure 28: Riverlink Precinct and proximity to Penrith City Centre

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Judges Park, contained within the City Centre is planned for redevelopment to provide 'improved green space with community facilities that provide a high level o f amenity, functionality and accessibility' and is intended to service residents, workers and visitors (Penrith City Council, 2006).

At the present time no significant urban intensification and associated revitalisation of the Penrith city centre has occurred. However it is understood that new governance models are being prepared in order to action the revitalisation of the CBD.

The Penrith CBD revitalisation has a focus on partnership and collaboration and will benefit from a Management Corporation operating under 'a 3 year funding arrangement to deliver a triennial business plan' and a clearly defined annual budget to assist in the business plan's implementation (People Places and Partnership, 2012).

Local government, in this case the Penrith City Council, will need to contribute 'to the look and feel o f the town centre through quality o f public spaces, and improving community services' (People Places and Partnership, 2012).



5.5 Provision of Community, Sport and Recreation Facilities 5.5.1 Existing CSR Facility Provision

Based on findings of the Penrith Regional City Infrastructure Strategy (SGS, 2008), Penrith City is well provided with a range of regional social public infrastructure' and is 'home to major regional and state funded facilities'.

There are a number of community and sport and recreation facilities located within the Penrith City Centre, including:

■ Dame joarl Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, centrally located next to Penrith Plaza and the Penrith City library which opened in 1990 and was subject to a significant $14 million upgrade in 2006 which was jointly funded by the NSW Government and Penrith City Council. This has resulted in the current facility which includes a 660 seat concert hall, 380 seat Q Theatre (drama theatre), 100 seat multi-purpose hall and approximately 27 music rooms associated with the Conservatorium of Music.

• Penrith Civic Centre, located on a key site with three main road frontages - Castlereagh Road, Great Western Highway and Jane Street - and adjoins the Penrith Plaza shopping complex. The complete precinct is unique as it links the key functions of administration, culture and recreation on the one site. A key feature of the design of the building is that it is 'most inviting and accessible to the public'.

• Penrith City Library (regional library) which forms part of the Council's Civic Centre and has a gross floor area within the centre of approximately 3,000 square metres.

• Penrith PCYC, Penrith Senior Citizens Centre, and Penrith RSL Club.

• Penrith Bowling and Recreation Club is a community bowling club with 3 x bowling greens and a clubhouse with amenities, function space, restaurant, bar and gaming.

• Penrith PCYC offers a range of programs and facilities which target young people, including boxing & martial arts classes, archery and music classes.

• Judges Park is located in a central location within the city centre and contains a small playground. The park adjoins The Penrith Bowling and Recreation Club and a multi-storey car park.

• Woodriff Gardens parkland providing predominantly passive recreation opportunities, linking city centre to Nepean River.

• Nepean District Tennis Association club facility provides 14 x hard-surface tennis courts and clubhouse facilities.

Within the city centre, a number of non-government community facilities are also accommodated in Community Connections, a State government administered co-location facility that houses a number of services (PCC 2006). The former Penrith Council Chambers also house a small number of community services that require a CBD location for effective service delivery.



State and federal government facilities and services offered within the City Centre include Centrelink, Child Support Agency, NSW Department of Housing, Department of Community Service and Penrith Community Health Centre.

A number of community and sport and recreation facilities are also located adjacent and within close proximity to the Penrith City Centre.

Figure 29 shows the location of the above CSR facilities.

Figure-29: Penrith City Centre and current CSR facility provision

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Within the scope of the Recreational and Cultural Strategy 2004 and Facilities and Services Strategy 2004, it was identified that the overall Penrith LGA had a sufficient supply of community centres, community halls, youth centres and regional performing arts centres. It was recommended that the area could support 2-3 additional art galleries and 3-4 smaller performing arts centres. The studies also noted increasing levels of participation in art and craft activities and attendance at exhibitions.

The City Centre Strategy 2006 offers a contrasting view to the studies undertaken in 2004. This report states that cultural infrastructure in Penrith is "fragile, under-developed, unrecognised and isolated" (PCC 2006, p.17). In a survey undertaken to inform this report however, participants noted that they were generally happy with the quality of community centres, libraries, museums and art/craft galleries available in Penrith.

Page 65 Buckley Vann Town Planning Consultants, Bdggs & Mortar Pty Ltd, Strategic Leisure Group


Participants also made observations that there was a need for a greater number of youth facilities and for childcare facilities to be reviewed. There was no mention of particular facilities experiencing particular pressure at the present time.

As an outcome of the Penrith City Centre Vision, the Penrith City Centre Development Control Plan (DCP) was prepared which identified nine precincts to guide future development within the Penrith city centre, including precincts for CSR facilities as represented on Figure 30 below.

With respect to CSR facility provision, descriptions of the Civic and Cultural Precinct, the Community Hub Precinct and the Recreationfrourist Precinct, taken from the Penrith City Centre DCP, 2007 are provided below:

"Civic and Cultural Precinct

Penrith's Civic Centre, comprising the council's offices and library, as well as the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre comprise the civic and cultural precinct. ... contains green public spaces which can be redeveloped to enliven this precinct, making it attractive and vibrant after hours.

Community Hub

A number of community facilities are already sited in the city centre and there is an opportunity to amalgamate these facilities in a central precinct at the heart of the city ...There is opportunity to enhance the existing public space with landscaped and shaded spaces for community groups to meet and gather.

Its central location is ideal in ensuring that the precinct is easily accessible from adjoining residential areas, and greatly enhances the precinct's focus for community functions.

Recreation / Tourist

The precinct ... is critical to creating Penrith as a true river city. The sports facilities at Woodruff Gardens and the rowing club along the river provide recreation opportunities for the local residents and workers. The area has low scale development, with some tourist facilities already located along the river (such as a hotel and function centre). Creating a recreational link between the city centre and the river is a priority in this area. The landscape extension of High Street to the riverfront will be the priority to reconnect the city with the river and to create attractive and legible pedestrian links."


ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) VVAM CSR Facility Study

Figure 30: DCP Character Areas

Page 67 Buckley Vann Town Planning Consultants,

Briggs & Mortar Pty Ltd, Strategic Leisure Group


5.5.2 Proposed CSR Facility Provision

Some of the key needs associated with community and sport and recreation facilities that are expected to arise as a result of the projected urban intensification of Penrith city centre, as identified in the relevant reports and strategies detailed above, include:

• likely need for new regional community and sport and recreation facilities to cater for expanding population base and cultural needs increasing/changing;

• equitable and affordable access to community, sport and recreation facilities and activities for all sectors and target groups;

• improved promotion of those community, sport and recreation facilities currently available; • matching/adapting facility provision with changing recreational and cultural participation

patterns and aspirations as the population changes; • impact on facilities provision from new or emerging activities and/or increased levels of

participation in existing activities, particularly if the provision of new facilities does not occur in accordance with the urban intensification/growth.

• improved provision and access to community, sport and recreation facilities for young people; and

• providing greater access to cultural and arts facilities.

Facilities which are planned at the present time include the following:

Regional City Community Services Facility

The Penrith Regional City Delivery Program 2009-2013 aims for Penrith to have 'equitable access to services and facilities', basing the provision of services and facilities on the principles of social justice and equity. A key action identified is to 'advance the planning of the Regional City Community Services Facility in Penrith City Centre'.

With respect to the proposed Regional City Community Services Facility, the Delivery Program states:

'A workshop was convened with community and government partner agencies in September 2010 to gain a better understanding of the broader design requirements of service providers that might deliver programs and services from the proposed facility. This was followed up with a survey of community partners to more accurately establish the number of staff, space requirements, and related matters that need to be taken into account in further planning for this facility. The request for a capital contribution from the State Government towards the facility was included in Council's advocacy program in the lead up to the State election in March 2011. The proposed facility has also been the subject of discussion between Council's Property Development Department and prospective government tenants. Property Development has also undertaken some financial modelling to establish the feasibility of the project and the capital funding required through government arants_'.



Possible Open Air Concert Facility

Immediately north of the community and entertainment facilities associated with the Penrith Panthers entertainment facility and the Showground is a large expanse of Council-owned land, known as the Carpenter Precinct and Woodriff Gardens which have the potential to build upon the existing cultural and entertainment precinct.

Creation of an open air concert facility, similar to the Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne or the Domain in Sydney, in conjunction with public parklands, botanical gardens and a pedestrian parkway linking to the Nepean River would provide a regional space that would attract concerts, festivals and other public events to Penrith.

It is understood that Council has been and will continue to work with stakeholders on this project.

5.6 Key Learnings from Penrith City Centre Based on the case study analysis it is evident that there is great potential ahead for the redevelopment and revitalisation of the Penrith city centre and that the opportunity exists for it to become a more dynamic place with potential as a 'mixed use cultural and entertainment hub' (People Places and Partnership, 2012).

A number of learnings can be drawn from the experience of the Penrith city centre which could potentially be applied to the redevelopment of Woden Town Centre. Table 7 summarises the key elements and learnings from the case study for the provision of CSR facilities in a redeveloping town centre.


Atea of Considetation

General provision of facilities

Penritb City Centre Experience

• Key aspects of successful centres include: o accessible and pedestrian friendly; o providing good public transport options; o containing good jobs, learning opportunities and cultural

activities; and o have good, safe public domain spaces;

• CSR facilities should be physically accessible, by both active and public transport and well located adjacent to other neighbourhood and district services such as shops, etc. as well as being co-located with similar facilities;

• There will be a likely need in city centre revitalisation for new regional community, sport and recreation facilities to cater for the expanding population base and cultural needs increasing/changing;

• Improved promotion of those community, sport and recreation facilities currently available is required;


ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESE:10) WAM CSR Facility Study

salmi r

aenrith City Centre Experience

• There will be a need to match/adapt facility provision with changing recreational and cultural participation patterns and aspirations as the population changes;

, • There will be an impact on facilities provision from new or emerging

activities and/or increased levels of participation in existing activities, particularly if the provision of new facilities does not occur in accordance with the ,urban intensification/growth;

• There will be a need for improved provision and access to community facilities for young people;

• Greeter access to cultural and arts facilities is seen as desirable; • The character_ of desired meeting and gathering places varies

significantly between_ age and cultural groups and includes public and private infrastructure. It is important to be flexible and cater for all groups when Providing shared community meeting spaces;

• An ongoing demand of community organisations is the need for increased space within city centres. Many organisations have clients that depend upon centrally located and accessible Services, but have limited resources, which makes funding commercial rents in the city Centre difficult. It is important that services offered by community organisations be maintained within the city centre These

. works and demands for additional space need to be prioritised and adequate government funding ensured.

• The provision of high quality and Usable open space is essential, particularly in the city centre where public open space is limited.

• Strong linkages between the city centre and valuable open space, recreation and sport assets surrounding the city centre area is important to create connections between residents and workers and spaces for recreation.

• Centrally and co-located community and cultural facilities, along with the co-location of these with other key activity areas such as the Penrith Plaza shopping centre has established a clear

, community/cultural hub within the Penrith city centre that can be built upon as the area undergoes further urban intensification in light of projected future growth;

• Landmark facilities such as the Joan Sutherland performing arts . complex and the Council's well-designed civic centre provide important key community facilities within the heart of the city centre;

• A key feature of the design of community buildings is that they should be 'most inviting and accessible to the public';

• A community hub needs to be easily accessible from adjoining; residential areas, and if well located, greatly enhances the precinct's . focus for community functions;

Innovation in Provision



Arealof Consideration Penrith City Centre Experience

• Any new multipurpose community facilities should be provided with the flexibility to meet a broad range of needs;

• Facilities must have adequate storage space for individual community groups and be adaptable for changing needs/increased growth, particularly an increased residential and working population, within the city centre;

• Areas for gathering/meeting spaces- and areas for - additional and - improved art and cultural facilities are considered an essential part of the future CSR facility provision within the Penrith city centre;

• Possible provision of an open air concert facility and the further consolidation of a cultural and entertainment precinct within the city centre is being considered further as a key initiative to enliven the community centre, particularly at night;

• Opportunities should be taken to capitalise on existing assets in

areas which are peripheral to the 'city centre area, and which can support and complement it;

• Major projects can act as catalyst or magnet infrastructure to achieve desired development outcomes in centres;

• Council and Government owned sites can provide a positive opportunity for a reasonably straight-forward redevelopment project.

• Connecting the Nepean River with the city centre and development of the river corridor as a focal point for the broader Penrith area provides respite from and complements the dense city centre.

Staging/Delivery • Consultation with local stakeholders identified that there is need for

a 'major catalyst development' in order to 'power growth' and see the push for the CBD revitalisation (People Places and Partnership, 2012);

• Projects can act as catalyst or magnet infrastructure to achieve desired development outcomes in centres;

• It is important to ensure that provision of additional CSR facilities or augmentation of existing CSR facilities occurs in line with new growth.

Political and • Penrith city centre revitalisation has a focus on partnership and Governance collaboration with a new centre management initiative with the Arrangements creation of a 'partnership between local government, private sector

and key community groups' (People Places and Partnership, 2012);

• Council 'taking a proactive approach' for the revitalisation of the Penrith city centre includes introducing a new governance arrangement with a Management Corporation to operate under 'a 3

year funding arrangement to deliver a triennial business plan' and a clearly defined annual budget to assist in the business plan's

• implementation (People Places and Partnership, 2012);



Area -of

. Consideration,

Financial

Management

Implications for patterns of demand on CSR facilities/land in the

TeririttyCity Centre 'Experience

• Triennial business plans will be the 'blueprint' for the new governance body and will focus on the necessary strategies and actions necessary to 'sustain, enhance and improve' the Penrith• CBD (People Places and Partnership, 2012);

• Strong local leadership is also seen to be required and a professional Centre Manager will be engaged by the Management .

, Corporation to nurture stakeholder relationships (People Places and Partnership, 2012);

• Local government, in this case the Penrith City Council, is still seen to be the provider of the framework' of the centre and 'contributing to the look and feel o f the town centre through quality o f public;

spaces, a n d improving community services' (People Places and , Partnership, 2012).

• Under Council's proposed new governance structure there will be a 3 year funding plan to carry forward city centre revitalisation works;

• A local business group, the Penrith Business Alliance, will seek to work with the NSW Treasury to explore new models of funding infrastructure in efforts to expedite the revitalisation process;

• The Penrith Business Alliance is appointing a lead Implementation Advisor to take forward the revitalisation initiatives;

• With respect to specific facility provision it is noted that the cost of use to individuals and groups should not be prohibitive;

• Other levels of government have a responsibility to contribute to the funding of these facilities as some are funded by particular government agencies;

• It is understood that funding for the proposed Regional ,

City Community Services Facility will be via a combination of capital contribution from the NSW State government, government grants and Council funding.

• Maintaining the identity of Penrith is seen as imperative to ensuring community ownership and acceptance of the City Centre Strategy and subsequent plans implementing the Strategy;

• Although there is an articulated vision under the Penrith City Centre Plan 2007 the community do not seem 'connected' with it and seem to be unclear about what it means to become a 'regional city'. The vision therefore appears not to have been truly embraced by local stakeholders.

Demand for CSR facility provision is linked to the catchment that the urban intensification area serves. In the case of Penrith, given its regional role there is a demand for regional level facilities The increased intensification within the Penrith CBD area will result



Area of. Consideration

area

References

Penrith City Cetitrexperience WPM MEE

in a demand for increased public open spaces and plazas to be provided throughout the centre

• Demand for CSR facilities is for these to be co located with other key facilities such as shopping centres to create a community 'hub'

• Creation of a community hub by co-location a number of community facilities already sited in the city centre provides an opportunity to

. create a central precinct at the heart of the city centre

Department of Planning, NSW Government (DP). 2007. Penrith City Centre Plan - Vision. Accessed September 27, 2012, http://www.penrithcitv.nsw.gov.au/uploadedFiles/VVebsite/Planning & Development/Our Cit

v Centres/PenCitvCntrVisionOct07Parts1-4.pdf

Department of Planning, NSW Government (DP). 2007. Penrith City Centre Plan — Development Control Plan. Accessed October 10, 2012, http://www.penrithcitv.nsw.gov.au/uploadedFiles/VVebsite/Planning and Development/Plann ing & Zoning Information/DCP/Pen DCP08CityCentre.pdf

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. 2012. Campement Urbain: The Future of Penrith/ Penrith of the Future. Accessed October 10, 2012, http://www.mca.com.au/artists-and-works/external-proiects/c3west/campement-urbain-future-penrith-penrith-future/

NSW Business Chamber. 2010. 10 Big Ideas to Grow Penrith. Accessed on October 12, 2012 at http://vvww.nswbusinesschamber.com.au/NSWBC/media/Misc/Lobbying/10Biq Ideas/10 big ideas Penrith.pdf

NSW Government Planning and Infrastructure (2012) Sydney North West Subregional Strategy Accessed October 15, 2012 at http://www.metroplansvdnev.nsw.gov.au/Subregions/NorthWestSubregion.aspx

NSW Department of Planning. 2006. Penrith City Centre Vision 2006, NSW Government.

NSW Department of Planning. 2007. Penrith City Centre Plan: Development Control Plan. NSW Government.

People, Place and Partnership Pty Ltd (June 2012) Revitalising St Marys Town Centre and Penrith City Centre — Summary Document, Penrith.

Penrith City Council (PCC). 2010. Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2010. Accessed September 27, 2012, http://vvww.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/view/inforce/epi+540+2010+cd+0+N

Penrith City Council (PCC). 2009(a). Penrith Regional City Delivery Program 2009-2031. Accessed September 27, 2012,



http://wwvv. pen rithcity. nsw.gov.au/uploadedFiles/VVebsite/Your Council/Delivery%20Progra m%20V13%20Web.pdf

Penrith City Council (PCC). 2009(b). Penrith Regional City Resource Strategy 2011-2021. Accessed September 27, 2012, http://www. pen rithcitv. nsw. gov.au/uploadedFilesANebsite/Your Council/Resource%20Strate 0%202011-2021.pdf

Penrith City Council (PCC). 2009(c). Penrith Urban Study Managing Growth to 2031. Accessed September 27, 2012, http://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/uploadedFiles/Website/Planninq & Development/Urban & Rural Planning/Penrith%2OUrban%20Studv.pdf

Penrith City Council (PCC). 2008. Penrith Regional City Infrastructure Strategy. Accessed September 27, 2012, http://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/uploadedFiles/VVebsite/Planning & Development/Plannin

q Studies & Strategies/Penrith%20Reclional%20City%20Infrastructure%20Strategy%20%2 8Reduced%20File%20Size%29.pdf

Penrith City Council (PCC). 2006. Penrith City Centre Strategy. Accessed September 27, 2012, http://www. pen rithcity. nsw.gov.au/uploadedFiles/Website/Planning & Development/Our Cit

v Centres/PenrithCitvCentreStrateq"20July06.pdf

Penrith City Council. 2006. Penrith City Centre Precinct Plan Draft: Urban Structure.

Penrith City Council (PCC). 2004a. Established Residential Areas Infrastructure, Facilities and Services Strategy. Accessed September 27, 2012, http://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/uploadedFiles/PLANSEstablishedResidentialAreasInfrastr uctureAndServiceStrategies%281%29.pdf

Penrith City Council (PCC). 2004b. Recreational and Cultural Strategy - People's Lifestyle, Aspirations and Needs Study. Accessed September 27, 2012, http://www.penrithcitv.nsw.qov.au/uploadedFiles/Website/Your Council/Freedom of Inform ation/SP013RecreationalandCulturalStrategy.pdf

Penrith City Council (PCC). Undated. Penrith Regional City Community Strategic Plan 2031. Accessed September 27, 2012, http://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/uploadedFiles/Website/Your Council/Strategic%20Plan% 20Web%20V3.pdf

profile.id. 2012. Penrith Community Profile Accessed on October 10, 2012. http://profile.id.com.au/penrith/about/?WebID=310

Schiller, E (8 September 2012) Penrith on fast track to the future, Penrith Press: Penrith accessed on October 10, 2012 at http://penrith-press.whereilive.com.au/news/story/penrith-on-fast-track-to-the-future/

Urbis, Keys Young and StratCorp Consulting. 2002. Penrith PLANS for our future — People's Lifestyle, Aspirations and Needs Study Community Attitudes and Aspirations Survey Report. Accessed September 27, 2012, http://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/uploadedFiles/Report.pdf



6.0 Summary of Findings

6.1 Compar is • n of C a s e S tudies ' Key Findings

A comparison of the three case studies including their context, circumstances and outcomes, leads to a number of conclusions which can be drawn relation to possible CSR facility and associated land provision in a redeveloping Woden Town Centre. These are summarised in Table 8 below.

Table 8: Case Study Comparison Table

Key Elements

Location

Hierarchy / Role

Centre/Area Purpose

Green Square Town Centre

4.5km south of Sydney CBD

District role with some regional elements (such as Sydney Park)

A future town centre and redevelopment area that will provide a key employment and residential living node within close proximity and with good connectivity to the Sydney CBD.

False Creek North

Approximately 500m-lkm south of Vancouver CBD in 'downtown' area — walkable

District role (with some elements such as the Roundhouse community centre being utilised by the whole of Vancouver City)

, Area that has undergone significant redevelopment and urban intensification in order to provide a high density residential living environment in close proximity to the Vancouver CBD but provide a range of facilities and services

_ Penrith City Centre

54km west of Sydney CBD

Regional role

A long-established city centre, with regional city status (as of 2006) intended to provide a full range of business, government, cultural, entertainment and recreational activities to

, service the western corridor of

in

1Noden Town Centre'

5km south/south-west of Canberra CBD

District role, with some regional elements (such as

• the Canberra Hospital and Ice Skating Rink)

An established town centre that is a key employment, commercial, retail, service trades and CSR facility centre for the wider Woden Valley District, southern Canberra

. areas and some inner Canberra suburbs (such as



ey Elements _

Land area

reen Siivare Town-Centre

Town centre = 13.74 hectares Entire redevelopment area = 278 hectares

Resident Population

5,500 residents anticipated to be accommodated in the future town centre

false Creek North

to promote social sustainability principles.

Entire redevelopment area = 67 hectares

10,570 residents (at time of analysis and when development was mostly complete)

Pehrith city Centre

greater Sydney. Will be experiencing residential and employment growth which requires/is stimulating revitalisation of the city centre area and urban intensification.

Woden Town.Ceritre

Deakin and Yarralumla). Currently undergoing a review of the current Woden Town Centre Master Plan (2004) and preparing the Mawson Group Centre and Athllon Drive Master Plans to accommodate projected

- growth and change over the

. next 30 years.

Town centre =250 hectares based on an estimate given that the town centre is known to be approximately 2.5km long and 1km wide (no specific figure for the CBD site area has been provided)

Entire redevelopment area = 210 hectares

Currently a low residential population in the city centre. By 2031 the Penrith CBD is projected to accommodate 15,000 persons in 7,500 dwellings (approximately 5,300 new dwellings)

In 2011 the population of the suburb of Phillip was 2,082 people, 6.4 per cent of the Woden Valley district and the population of the whole WAM study area was 5,100 residents (Mawson and Phillip)



Key Elements Green Squere Town Centre

Worker Population 7,000 workers anticipated to be located in the town centre

Level of residential density achieved/ anticipated

Amount of commercial and retail floorspace achieved/ anticipated

Demographic Characteristics

Anticipated to achieve a total of 2,867 dwellings at 100 sqm per dwelling I.e. approximately 100 dwellings per hectare

Expected to have 16,464 sqm floor area for retail use and 106,822 sqm floor area for commercial use

Currently a large proportion of 25-34 year olds which will continue with projected increases in youth (10-14 years) and 30-39 year olds.

False Creek North _

N.A.

Currently achieving 390 dwellings per hectare.

Maximum of 145,872 sqm floor space of office and street level/pedestrian-oriented retail and service uses

Redeveloped False Creek North area accommodates a range of cultural groups, a median age group of 38 years and a high proportion of

Pentith City Centre . Woden Town.,Ce titre

Currently planning for an Currently approximately additional 10,000 workers by 13,000 workers in Phillip and 2031 14,000 in WAM study area.

Future workforce TBD

Anticipated to accommodate Anticipated to accommodate an additional 10,000 residents

, up to an additional 10,000 in the CBD at an expected residents in the Town Centre. density of 50 dwellings per hectare Density TBD

Current provision of 156,000sqm retail floor space and 111,000sqm commercial office space.

By 2031 expected to have up to 250,000 sqm of retail floor space and up to 250,000 sqm of commercial office space

Limited projections available for the future resident and workforce within the Penrith CBD.

Density TBD

TBD

It is anticipated that urban intensification of the WAM study area and the associated increase in population will attract new residents into the


ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) WANI CSR Facil ity Study

Grean,Square TowrrCentre alse CreekNotth

Principles and focus for redevelopment

Green Square is also home to a range of cultural and ethnic groups. The vision for the town centre envisages young singles, couples and empty nesters.

Social diversity, access to services, provision of community facilities accessibility to CBD and other centres, ecologically sustainable development

enri =MEM °den TOcAlu, Centre

young children. Approximately 1/3 of residents were aged between 20-34 years. Many residents work in Vancouver city and enjoy the proximity of FCN to their workplaces.

, Housing affordability, social diversity, walkable and connected community

_ A vibrant regional business and commercial centre, achieving a sustainable centre, creating a safe and attractive centre, creating a socially and culturally vibrant

study area (up to 10,000 additional people under ESDD's highest projections) and that the demographic characteristics of the new residents may differ to the existing population such as: • large increasejn the

number and proportion of

; people in the 20-39 year age group in the incoming

‘, population (i.e. the new residents)

• a significant change in household structure to include a higher proportion of couple families without children and lone person households

TBD



Key Elements Green Square Town Centre

Provision of CSR Facilities in Case Study Areas

Current: community facilities provided

Existing and established community facilities within the overall redevelopment area include: • 4 schools, three public • 4 schools, three public

schools and one private school

• 2 community centres — Beaconsfield and Roseberry

• 1 library and customer service centre — Green Square

• 1 community hall — Green Square

• 1 child care centre — Roseberry

• Various community

False- Creek North -----

Refer below to 'new community facilities'. Most have been provided as part of the redevelopment project.

Penrithi dity Centre•

centre, creating a liveable 'city, re-connecting the city to the river, establishing the new city square and park, and celebrating the special character of Penrith

Community facilities provided in the immediate city centre core include: • Dame Joan Sutherland

Performing Arts Centre • Penrith Civic Centre • Penrith City Library

(regional library) of 3,000sqm

Wodeil Town; Cntre

• Existing community facilities provided in the town centre or immediate environs include: • Woden Library • Woden Community

Services • Woden Senior Citizen's

Club • The Canberra Hospital • Woden Cemetery • Phillip Community Health

Centre • Canberra Institute of

Technology • Woden District Youth

Centre • Govt secondary college • 3 licensed clubs



'etriefitS Sorygre TOwn Centre

Current sport and recreation facilities provided

facilities supporting services such as Meals on Wheels, Youth Services etc

• Several local parks • Several sports fields -

Alexandria Park (multi-purpose oval, 3 x netball

courts); Waterloo Oval (multi-purpose sports field)

• Tennis and basketball facilities (at separate locations)

• Sydney Park • Moore Park

fa lse CreekNo

• 17.05 hectares of neighbourhood park in identified locations (4 parks in total, one serving as a major sport destination).

• Commercial sports stadium providing major sporting and other public events

• Indoor sports court (in Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre)

Centre Woden Town Centre

1 x Lawn Bowls Club Existing sport and recreation 1 x PCYC facilities in the WAM study 2 x parks area include: 1 x multi-court tennis • 1 x 3 court Indoor sports facility stadium- privately owned

and operated under lease (may cease in 2015)

• 1 district Park 13.6 ha

, • : l x district level youth space with skating and

- climbing. - • 1 destination play space • 1 exercise trail with

equipment • 3.x enclosed ovals • 2 x town parks 1.26 Ha • 1 aquatic facility and

Indoor Ice skating rink—• privately owned on commercial land --but required by planning

, scheme to be part of any



'Key Elements _ Green Square Town Centre

New Community 6,000sqm community centre Facilities Proposed to include: /Provided • 2,190sqm library

• 1,418sqm arts and cultural centre

• 1,250sqm of general community space

to be located within the town centre's central plaza. Not yet developed — design competition currently being judged.

Multi-purpose community facilities to be provided within the former hospital site.

False Creek North _

4,580sqm Roundhouse community centre providing a multi-purpose space for a range of arts, cultural and general community needs at a cost of $9million (which involved site remediation/ revitalisation of heritage structures) was established in 1993.

Turntable Plaza, a large outdoor multi-purpose public plaza was established in 2012 at a cost of $1.8million.

Facilities that were also

111122=012111

Proposed Regional City Community Services Facility — no details on site requirements have been provided. Understood that initial stages of feasibility planning are underway.

Other suggested facilities include: • Heritage Museum and

Exhibition Centre • Open Air Concert facility

in conjunction with public parklands and appropriate linkages

however these have not been . - . • .

Woden Town, Centre

future use of the site • l x 8 court Squash centre • 1 x "Pitch and Putt"- mini

golf- privately owned. • District sports fields

totaling 19.1 Ha (includes Mawson Fields)

• 1 x 4 court tennis club facility

Feasibility study being undertaken for relocation of Woden Community Services and /or Woden Senior Citizen's Club and a child care centre.

Enhancement of Community Health Centre, possibly on a site near hospital (confidential).

Feasibility undertaken for an Arts Centre/space by WCS.

Consideration of relocation of library to a larger site and


ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) WAftll CSR Facility Study

ertieri reenSqUareTownnCentre , False CreekNorth

SMINISMEELM= IMMO oden town Centre

Likely to be 1 additional child care centre provided.

New sport and • Identification of recreation facilities requirements for proposed 73,000sqm of open space

Green Square Development Area, plus 24,340sqm in the Town Centre

required as part of the redevelopment but have not all been provided include 8 x child care centres, 2 x primary schools, 1 x branch library and 1 x multi-purpose room for after school care.

_ identified as firm proposals and require further consultation and feasibility assessments.

Noted that Vancouver library (just north of redevelopment area) and the False Creek Community Centre appear to provide the roles for the latter two required components. Understood that in the order

' of 4 child care centres are available but only 1 primary school which operates at capacity.

Plaza of Nations Complex is proposed for-major development incorporating residential, commercial, retail, office space along-with a sports science centre and ice rink and waterfront public

Likely that additional child care centres will be required in the centre based on the projected increase in inner-city

resident and worker populations.

retention of ACT Heritage• Library on site (confidential)

• 2 x park upgrades • 1 x new central 'City Park'

in City Centre • 1 x Riverlink -

recreational, leisure and entertainment destination along the Nepean River

2.x synthetic sports fields at Melrose High School



Key Elements Green Square Town,Centre _

• 5 x new public open spaces

• 1 x new recreation precinct - aquatic, indoor multi-purpose, healthy & fitness, outdoor recreation & youth centre

Key Approaches (from Learnings Tables)

Community Facilities

Provision of a multi-purpose community facility/hub is seen as a critical component of the redevelopment and can be .a focal point for the town centre redevelopment.

Landmark community facilities based on a unique and cutting edge design can provide a unique identity and character to the community.

Heritage buildings and other heritage elements can be utilized in the provision of

False Creek North.

space and walkway/ bike paths.

The provision of an active community centre is considered a critical element for future similar developments however a recommendation would be to broaden its approach to make it more youth-friendly and/or include designated youth spaces.

The allocation of space for childcare facilities needs to be closely related to demand and projected growth and implemented at appropriate

,Penrith city Centre

Successful centres are: • accessible and pedestrian

friendly; • provide good public

transport options; • contain good jobs,

learning opportunities and cultural activities; and

• have good, safe public domain spaces.

Community facilities should be physically accessible, by both active and public transport and well located adjacent to other

Woden TOwni Centre

Possible application to WAM

• Potential to create a community hub through collocation of key community

• facilities and service providers.

Potential for a landmark community facility to act as a

• catalyst to achieve desired development outcomes and a focal point for the town centre

• redevelopment.

• Consideration of the reuse of heritage buildings, particularly the library.



Key Element's tdreeh'Squai.e Tinrin'Ceii re c Fare Creek North ,Peniltheity Centre !Moder) Town Centre

community facilities.

Facilities highly useable and accessible, flexible and adaptable to changing community needs over time. A more compact form of social infrastructure — as part of mixed use buildings — may need to be considered with increased densities.

The town centre should be a place where people can interact either during the day or at night for entertainment, cultural and community activities.

Engagement of the local community members and encouragement of civic participation is seen as important.

Social infrastructure should be considered early on in the

times to meet demand.

The provision of schools needs to be available for the 'first' residents and progress as concentration and maturing of families occurs.

Careful consideration needs to be given to establishing a diversity of shops and services that are affordable and reflect the range of incomes in the neighbourhood. This should include a mid-sized grocery store.

Public art is important to provide because of its symbolic value and ability to instill 'community'.

Heritage structures can be reutilized for community facilities.

neighbourhood and-district services such as shops, etc. as well as being co-located with similar facilities.

New community facilities will be required to cater for the expanding population base and cultural needs increasing/changing, as well •as improved promotion of those community facilities currently available.

There is likely to be a need for improved provision and access to community facilities for young people.

Greater access to cultural and arts facilities is desirable.

The character of desired meeting and gathering places will need to be flexible and cater for all groups when providing shared community

Need to provide gathering/ meeting spaces and areas for additional and improved art and cultural facilities.

Consideration of a cultural and entertainment precinct within the city centre to enliven the community centre, particularly at night.

Public art should be an integral element of public spaces and community facility provision.

Opportunities should be taken to capitalise on existing assets in areas which are peripheral to the city centre area, and which can support and complement it, particularly the hospital, Canberra College and CIT.

Provision of additional CSR


ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) WAR/I CSR Facility Study

11=22211 Green Square Town Centre

planning for the redevelopment area to ensure a strategic focus and to encourage human service agencies to plan ahead.

Existing spaces can be utilised to provide temporary community services (prior to the establishment of larger purpose-built buildings).

Cross-agency collaboration (and a multi-agency approach) is considered essential in planning and delivery of community facilities.

False Creek North -

A pedestrian-friendly approach to community facility provision and building a community around established facilities to encourage and support walkability can result in a community that can access the available community facilities, where the facilities are well-used and frequented and where there is a clear sense of place, ,community identity and safety.

Penrith City-meeting

spaces.

•There will be an ongoing demand by community organisations for increased space if the services offered by community organisations are to be maintained within the city centre (seen as highly desirable).

Centrally and co-located community and cultural facilities are seen as desirable, along with the co-location

of these with other key activity areas to establish a clear community/cultural hub.

Community buildings should be inviting and accessible to the public.

Creation of a community hub by co-location a number of community facilities already

Viloden Town Centre

facilities or augmentation of existing CSR facilities needs

• to occur in line with new growth.

Facilities need to be highly useable and accessible, flexible and adaptable to changing community needs

• over time.

The needs of children and youth must be adequately catered for in terms of community facilities.

New innovative models of • community facility provision

(e.g. GFA rather than land area) should be considered.

• Processes should be implemented to ensure the local community is engaged and active in civic participation.

Cross-agency collaboration



Key ',Elements preen,Square ToAnm Centre . - False Creek North 'Petirith.!CitY Centre

sited in the city centre provides an opportunity to create a central precinct at the heart of the city centre.

oden Tovin Centre

(and a multi-agency approach) should be implemented in planning and delivering community. facilities.

A community hub needs to be easily accessible from adjoining residential areas, and if well located, greatly enhances the precinct's focus for community functions.

Areas for gathering/meeting spaces and areas for additional and improved art and cultural facilities are considered an essential part of future CSR facility provision.

Consolidation of a cultural and entertainment precinct within the city centre to enliven the community centre, particularly at night, is seen as desirable.

Community service agencies should be engaged early to plan ahead.

The adequacy and diversity of shopping facilities for an increased resident population need to be considered.

Community facilities should be physically accessible, by both active and public transport and well located adjacent to other neighbourhood and district services such as shops, etc.

, Ongoing consultation with community service providers and local communities is

/required to determine the



Key. Elernents

Sport and Recreation Facilities

1 Green, Square Town Centre

Combining open space and retention basins maximizes space but introduces some risk in provision. Design to ensure functional recreation use is possible the majority of the time and that recovery from rain events is rapid and low cost is essential.

Providing a range of open spaces of varying scales, themes and serving varying purposes creates diverse

False Creek NorthThe

need to consider pets in the public domain is important for high density development.

Although the ratio of 1 hectare of open space per 1000 people would be considered low elsewhere, it works well in False Creek because open space represents 25% of the total site area and the open space is of high quality, located desirably, and is a key feature of the development.

Peñ•rith City Centre Opportunities should be taken to capitalise on existing assets in areas which are peripheral to the city centre area, and which can support and complement it.

Major projects can act as catalyst or magnet infrastructure to achieve desired development outcomes in centres.

_ The provision of high quality and usable open space is essential, particularly in the city centre where public open space is limited.

Strong linkages between the city centre and valuable open space, recreation and sport assets surrounding the city centre area is important to create connections between residents and workers and spaces for recreation.

Woden TOWn%Centre

requirements for facilities.

WAM is well suited for • intensification as there is a good supply of existing district scale open space to serve

, needs of additional residents.

• Design needs to consider walkability/ rideability and the development of public space

• and green space linkages between parks and residential

' areas.

Central public space/


ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) WAN! CSR Facility Study

- I Key Elemen ,Gieen Scitafe TowerCentre ' algb CreekNo,it 6'11.6 City 0e0tfe,, en own Centre

— - opportunities for recreation and adds to the sense residents have of a richness in provision. To some extent the use of diverse themes, design styles and treatments compensates for a lower quantum of space.

Proximal location to major community sport and recreation facilities (Sydney Park & Moore Park) outside of the Town Centre supports the sport and recreation requirements of those that live and work in Green Square. Without these significant precincts, provision for community sport and active recreation would be regarded as poor in this development.

Proximity of residences to quality parkland is likely to influence the frequency of visits and therefore, standard distances to parkland of high quality should be sought.

Use of smaller parks should be used to improve connections between larger green spaces and to break up density of tall buildings.

The provision of high quality and usable open space is essential, particularly in the city centre where public open space is limited.

Strong linkages between the city centre and valuable open space, recreation and sport assets surrounding the city centre area are important to create connections between residents and workers and spaces for recreation.

_ ,

parkland as a "heart" to the development should be integral to design.

Consideration of a range of design themes for creating a "diversity of public spaces" is recommended.

Provision of facilities for pets (dog off leash areas and walking routes) should be included in planning.

Park usage is likely to increase with higher densities and increasing the diversity of spaces within the district park is recommended.

Providing a range of play destinations and specific youth focused spaces is recommended.

Provision of sporting,facilities/ exercise and active recreation



,Key Elements Green Square Town Centre. False Creek North enrith City Centre,. Woden Town Centre

_ opportunities will be

• important. Provision of opportunities could be

• through a range of private/ commerciakoffers as well as public facilities.



6.2 Key learnings applicable to CSR Provision

From the summary above and the information derived through the case study review, the following points highlight some of the key considerations or learnings as they may relate to the provision of CSR facilities in an urban intensification environment such as the WAM study area.

Sport and Recreation

• A centrally located park is integral to new community hubs. • Providing a range of open spaces of varying scales, themes and serving varying -purposes -

creates diverse opportunities for recreation and adds to the sense residents have of a richness in provision.

• Consider pets when designing public domains for high density development. • Parks of extensive size, quantity and wide-open spaces are considered a strong attribute

of successful neighbourhoods. • Use of smaller parks should be used to improve connections between larger green spaces

and to break up density of tall buildings. • The provision of high quality and usable open space is essential, particularly in the city

centre where public open space is limited. • Strong linkages between the city centre and valuable open space, recreation and sport

assets is important to create connections between residents and workers and spaces for recreation.

Community Facilities

• A multi-purpose community facility/hub can be a focal point for town centre redevelopment. • The potential for a landmark community facility to act as a catalyst to achieve desired

development outcomes (a magnet infrastructure'). • Reuse of heritage buildings can provide character and identity. • A cultural and entertainment precinct can enliven the town centre, particularly at night. • Facilities need to be highly useable and accessible, flexible and adaptable to changing

community needs over time. • Cultural facilities, public art and meeting spaces will be important to a new community. • New innovative models of community facility provision (e.g. GFA rather than land area)

should be considered.

Other Observations

• Utilising existing spaces, particularly government owned buildings/facilities, even on a temporary basis prior to larger/purpose built facilities being built.

• Capitalise on assets peripheral to the centre as they can complement and support a range of uses. Balance this with the need to locate facilities accessible to the catchment they serve.

• Connectivity is important in creating synergies and linkages particularly: 0 To reinforce or cater for transport, especially public transport and pedestrian/cycle

connections

Page 90 Buckley Vann Town Planning Consultants, Bnggs & Mortar Pty Ltd, Strategic Leisure Group


o Reinforce or create local character o Link important or valuable open space areas

• Demand for CSR facility provision is linked to the catchment that the urban intensification area serves and needs to be delivered to meet demand otherwise it will not address community need and work against the broader revitalization objective.

Governance and Leadership

• Strong Government commitment is essential including — . o Clear leadership (taskforce or agency) driving the redevelopment/revitalisation strategy;

plus o Collaboration and shared funding and delivery across all relevant agencies/levels of

government. • A funding or business plan to outline how the strategy will be delivered. • Government leadership — government owned spaces should be easier or more

straightforward to redevelop or activate and may act as catalyst projects. • Underlying principals of collaboration and partnership — with the community, across

government and the private sector.


Documents

WODEN, ATHLLON, MAWSON (WA M) COMMUNITY, SPORT AND RECREATION (CSR) STUDY Phase 2: Narrative Report