Plans & Developments
Carlisle St Activity Centre
Project Update
Council wants to keep you informed on what is happening in the activity centre and update you on what progress has been made on key projects in the area that have been identified in the Carlisle Street Activity Centre Structure Plan and Urban Design Framework.
You may have noticed that some improvement projects have already commenced and others completed including, the raised street crossings along Carlisle Street providing increased priority for pedestrians, 40km hour speed limits, and the new St Kilda Family & Children’s Centre that is currently under construction.
The development of these projects will enhance the built environment by creating an activity centre that is an attractive, functional and sustainable place to shop, visit, work and live.
As projects progress we will continue to update this webpage to keep you informed.
Projects
1. Upgrade of Balaclava Train Station
The State Government allocated $13.3 million at the May State Budget 2011 to upgrade Balaclava Railway Station and convert it from a ‘Host Station’ (with limited staffing times) to a ‘Premium Station’ (staffed from first train to the last train).
This project will improve the public space and the connections around the station precinct, and create a vibrant, safe, and attractive environment to benefit shoppers, commuters, local businesses and residents.
This station project will be lead and managed by Department of Transport (DoT). Council and DoT are working closely together to aim for a coordinated and high quality design outcome for this project for both the station and the station environs.
The station environs comprises the two walkways on either side of the station including a continuous walk link to Rippon Lea Station on the west side, the Council car park site in Marlborough Street and a raised platform tram stop in Carlisle Street outside the station entrances. Council is working with the DoT to seek funding for the new tram stops in association with improvements to the street proposed by Council.
DoT is currently working through the details for the design and construction timeframe for the station and will consult the community on the proposed design in early 2012.
For further information please refer to the DoT website www.transport.vic.gov.au.
2. Balaclava Affordable Housing Project (46-58 Marlborough Street)
Council remains committed to facilitating the redevelopment of the Council car park and adjoining two lots on Marlborough Street for affordable housing by the Port Phillip Housing Association (PPHA).
The affordable housing may comprise a mix of self-contained community housing apartments (for singles, artists, families and older persons) and private terrace housing facing Marlborough Street. There may also be an office component on the ground level.
PPHA will be required to follow the normal planning permit process, which will include consultation with the community on the application.
At this stage the Department of Transport anticipates that it will require access to the car park during construction of the station redevelopment therefore the site will be unavailable for permanent construction until the upgrade to the station is complete.
Currently, the timing of the PPHA project is not confirmed and is subject to funding and planning approval.
In the future, the existing car parking spaces are planned to be relocated to the north side of Carlisle Street and consolidated with parking associated with the redevelopment of the Supermarket Precinct. This is consistent with the Carlisle Street Activity Centre Structure Plan adopted by Council in November 2009.
3. Carlisle Street Supermarket Precinct
Council adopted Design Guidelines for the Carlisle Street Supermarket Precinct at a Council meeting in July 2011.
The Supermarket Precinct Design Guidelines build upon existing strategic studies prepared for the area, specifically the Carlisle Street Activity Centre Structure Plan (SP) and associated Urban Design Framework (UDF), adopted by Council in November 2009. These documents aim to direct and manage change across the activity centre and were prepared following an extensive public consultation process.
The Supermarket Precinct Design Guidelines provide supplementary information and additional guidance to landowners, developers and the community of Councils design expectations for new development within the Precinct.
While the Structure Plan and Urban Design Framework will guide new development across the entire centre, the Design Guidelines focus specifically on the designated Supermarket Precinct off Carlisle Street.
The Design Guidelines build upon the Structure Plan and Urban Design Framework and are consistent with proposed planning controls (Amendment C80) which reflect the design objectives and standards for new development outlined in the UDF. The Guidelines include images which illustrate Council’s preference for the way the precinct is developed, including strongly advocating for the integration of private development and adjoining streetscapes/public spaces.
The timeframe for the redevelopment of the supermarket precinct is yet to be determined and will be subject to the normal planning approval process allowing for further community input.
4. St Kilda Family & Children’s Centre
Council has entered into a contract with Allmore Constructions Pty Ltd for the construction of the new St Kilda Family & Children's Centre.
The new integrated family and children's centre will provide up to 116 licensed children's services places, spaces for playgroups, new parent groups, early childhood intervention services, family services and multi purpose use rooms.
Construction on the new centre commenced on the 15 April 2011, and has an estimated completion date within mid-2012.
A traffic management plan is in place and all efforts are being made to minimise the disruption to the community during the construction phase.
5. St Kilda Social Inclusion Centre
St Kilda Parish Mission in partnership with co-located agencies and Uniting Housing Victoria have plans for a four level, $17 million development to replace and improve the existing St Kilda Community Centre besides the Town Hall.
The proposed redevelopment will house a number of community uses and other activities including the St Kilda Legal Service, St Kilda Uniting Care-Drop In, Port Phillip Community Group, limited social housing units and ground floor retail outlets.
The proposal has received a planning permit and construction is expected to commence in late 2012 and completed in late 2013 (subject to funding and completion timing of the St Kilda Family & Children’s Centre).
General activity centre traffic, access and car parking
Council is planning ahead for the construction of the upcoming projects to ensure minimum disruption to traffic and car parking in the area.
Appropriate traffic management measures will be put in place as projects come on line.
Carlisle Street Major Activity Centre Structure Plan and Urban Design Framework
The Carlisle Street Structure Plan and Urban Design Framework (UDF) have undergone extensive public consultation. Council formally considered written submissions and determined to adopt the Structure Plan / UDF on 23rd November 2009. Council further resolved to seek Ministerial authorisation to prepare and exhibit an amendment to incorporate the directions of the Structure Plan and UDF (via local policy and provisions) into the Port Phillip Planning Scheme. This will include the introduction of interim local policy, and design and development overlay provisions in the scheme.
