Coventry Street Connections: Have Your Say

Council are currently seeking feedback on the draft plan prepared for Coventry Street.

The concept prepared is based on the directions within the South Melbourne Streetscape Masterplan , in addition to the comments provided by the community during the Coventry Street in-centre displays conducted in March 2007. 

Coventry Street is an active shopping precinct however, problems along the street include: 

• A need to improve way finding & connection between the light rail stop (located within the cutting it lacks presence), the market, the shops on Coventry Street, Clarendon Street & the new Clarendon Centre;
• Footpaths & the road are in poor condition & contain numerous trip hazards. There is a need to further provide access for all ages & abilities in this busy commercial precinct;
• Many of the existing trees are in poor health. There are no trees on the southern side of the Market.  Many of the existing tree pits are too small to provide good growing conditions & the overhead wires impact on the structure of trees;
• There is a opportunity for a significant treatment at the intersection of Clarendon Street & Coventry Street to further draw through traffic into this commercial precinct;
• Existing street lighting is utilitarian. It is directed over the road rather than on footpaths. Many people indicated during consultations that they do not feel comfortable walking to the light rail stop during the evenings due to low levels of light in the street;
• The south side of the market has insufficient space due to the level of trading between the kerb & building line. This makes it difficult to walk along on market days;
• The configuration for deliveries at the Market does not function well. The central unloading impacts on traffic circulation & pedestrian movement. 

An upgrade of Coventry Street will provide a significant improvement to the street making it more inviting & vibrant. The design resolves existing functional issues, & builds the historic character of South Melbourne.

Detailed plans are available on Council's website, or by request. In summary, elements within the plan include:

• Coventry Street East (Cecil to Clarendon Street): The careful re-design of the eastern section of Coventry Street between Cecil & Clarendon Streets will build the historic character of this retail strip. Pedestrian connections & streetscape amenity will be improved through level pedestrian pavement crossings at minor street intersections (York, Hotham, Union & Charles)  & the use of cobble stone banding to provide reference to the location of historic crossovers. 
• Intersection Upgrade-Coventry / Clarendon Street Intersection: At the intersection with Clarendon Street,  the pedestrian space will be increased on both sides. This will enable:
• a shared use zone on the north to allow for a loading zone & outdoor dining (the same space used differently at different times of the day / night); &
• The south side of the intersection may incorporate an art element to create a landmark whilst providing simultaneous seating, shade & planting.
• Street Tree Planting: The creation of a streetscape, less dominated by asphalt (west of Cecil Street) will be achieved by the formation of central median tree pits & parking. This will enable a three tree wide alignment of street trees.  The filling of gaps & phased replacement of any existing poor condition Elm trees between Clarendon & Cecil Streets will also be undertaken.
• Ecologically Sustainable Design: Respond to environmental issues through the capture of road runoff to water street trees. Around the Market, a long strip of porous cobble stone paving on both sides of the street will provide water harvesting for trees.
• Undergrounding of Powerlines:  Undergrounding of power cables with new street / pedestrian mounted lights (low energy metal halide fittings). Council will be investigating funding opportunities through grants & possible contributions to achieve the undergrounding of power cables.  
• Station / Market Plaza: The creation of a high quality & innovative design for a plaza (multi function weekend event space) & planted steel arbour within the western section of Coventry street, will provide a flexible gathering or events space, & improve the access to the light rail stop.
• Traffic, Loading & Parking Improvements:  reconfiguration of traffic, parking & market loading to defined area on northern side of street (west of Cecil Street). 

You can download a copy of the draft concept plans.

Coventry Street Connections: Site Analysis & Design Approach

Coventry Street Connections: Draft Plans

Coventry Street Connections: Perspective Sketches

Brochure Masterplan Update - Coventry Street Have Your Say (Jan 2008)

A decision on the planning application for Coventry Street Connections will be made shortly. The planning permit process will provide a formal statutory consultation opportunity, in which property owners & occupiers that are deemed to be subject to material detriment will receive a formal notice.

Pending the outcomes of the public consultation & formal planning permit process, it is anticipated stage 1 works between Cecil & Clarendon Street (with a focus at the intersection of Coventry & Clarendon Streets) will commence construction in late 2008.

Email  place@portphillip.vic.gov.au to ask us a question, request information or give us feedback online. If you prefer call ASSIST on (03) 9209 6777 or TTY (03) 9209 6713 and ask for Renewal.

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