report to general manager - north sydney council · 2018. 6. 7. · report of manager engineering...

Item 4.3 - Traffic - 15/6/18

N O R T H S Y D N E Y C O U N C I L

To the General Manager

Attach: 1. Plan of Parking and Kerb Alignment Changes

2. Laneways Masterplan Report

SUBJECT: (4.3) Mount Street Public Domain Upgrades

AUTHOR: Report of Manager Engineering Infrastructure, Jon Higlett and Traffic &

Transport Operations Manager, Michaela Kemp

DESCRIPTION/SUBJECT MATTER:

Laing O’Rourke, the developers of 100 Mount Street, are currently seeking to finalise their

frontage designs for Mount Street, Walker Street and Spring Street, as required in their

Development Application DA 104/16 (MP 08_0241).

Council officers are currently liaising with various developments within the bounds of

Council’s adopted Laneways Masterplan to ensure consistency with the recent Council

resolution to further develop the detail of the plan in the various affected streets.

A change to the kerb alignment of Mount Street adjacent to number 100 is required to ensure

the outcomes of the Council resolution are realised as each development comes to fruition.

RECOMMENDATION:

1. THAT Council consult with the adjoining businesses and property owners on Mount Street

about the proposed changes and if the majority of responses are in favour (i.e. greater than

50%) then Council proceed with the proposed changes. If the majority of responses are not in

favour, a report be brought back to Council. The proposed changes include modification to the

road alignment adjacent to 100 Mount Street in order to facilitate the first stage of the

implementation of the adopted Laneways Masterplan, and designation of the parking lane

adjacent to 100 Mount Street as “Loading Zone 5am-10am Mon-Fri; 1P Meter 10am-midnight

Mon-Fri; 1P 8.30am-12.30pm Sat”.

Report of Manager Engineering Infrastructure, Jon Higlett and Traffic & Transport Operations

Manager, Michaela Kemp

Re: Mount Street Public Domain Upgrades

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CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS

Consultation has been undertaken in accordance with Council's Community Egnagement

Protocol

Relates to ECM No:

Standard or Guideline Used: AS2890.5

Signs & Lines Priority: 2

Precinct and Ward: CBD, Wollstonecraft

Impact on Bicycles: Nil

Impact on Pedestrians: Increased area dedicated to pedestrians along the footpath fronting

100 Mount Street. Proposed kerb realignment comprises the first stage of the realisation of the

adopted Laneways Masterplan

Impact on Parking: Net loss of 10 metered parking spaces (angle parking) – 10 parking spaces

retained as parallel parking for loading purposes 5am-10am and metered parking at other times.

Note that all the metered parking spaces have been removed from use for the past 3 years due

to the enclosed work area for 100 Mount Street.

DETAIL

In 2015, construction began on the redevelopment of 100 Mount Street, North Sydney. Under

the approved CTMP, all of the parking in Mount Street adjacent to the development site was

removed for temporary work zone and hoarding. Council has had regular meetings with the

developers, Laing O’Rourke (LO’R) to discuss the frontage works, particularly in Mount Street

as Council indicated that there were a number of changes being developed in the area to align

with the Council-adopted Laneways Masterplan.

In January 2017, after the first round of discussions with LO’R, a Section 75W modification

was granted by the Minister of Planning, that included the following modification to condition

B8 – Required Infrastructure Works;

“…..In lieu of the above conditions, the Applicant must design the Mount Street frontage,

in consultation with Council’s public domain officers and have regard to the North Sydney

Council Public Domain Strategy for the pedestrianisation of Mount Street between Walker

Street and Mount Street Plaza (Brett Whiteley Place). The ground levels at the property

boundary and all works to the public domain (other than tree planting) must be approved by

Council prior to the issue of a construction certificate for required infrastructure works, or

any building works interfacing with the required infrastructure. “

The Public Domain Strategy has commenced and will include the Laneways Masterplan as an

integral part of the transformational changes in the North Sydney CBD, brought about by the

major developments and the Metro station. These projects all recognise the need to prioritise

pedestrian safety and user amenity to help support a modern, attractive and highly desired CBD.

Council at its meeting of 26 March 2018 considered a report on the outcome of the community

consultation undertaken for the pedestrianisation/laneways concept proposal that formed the

basis for the Laneways Masterplan (Masterplan) and resolved;




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1. THAT Council receive and note the outcome of the consultation undertaken.

2. THAT Council endorse the concept plan for the purpose of progressing to the next phase of

more detailed design, noting the need to address concerns relating to loading arrangements in

and around the precinct.

3. THAT Council continue to liaise with the RMS to resolve detailed design issues and that the

next stage of design be presented to Council’s Traffic Committee.

4. THAT further investigation and consideration be given to appropriate staging of the public

domain works so as to allow for the efficient completion of the Metro project and provision of

a safe and functional high quality public domain in and around the precinct.

5. THAT Council recognise the essential role that the combining of driveways between the

existing MLC building and a future Metro building will play in enabling the pedestrianisation

of Denison Street and that Council continue to work towards facilitating this outcome.

Resolutions 2, 3 and 4 relate to the progression and implementation of the broad concepts of

the approved Masterplan (attached). A key component of achieving that goal will be the 100

Mount Street frontage design that is currently being developed and will be finalised in the near

future. LO’R have indicated that they will be finalising their designs in early June and plan to

commence the works in early October 2018.

Prior to this development, this section of Mount Street had very steep road crossfalls to the old

kerb alignment, which would not be acceptable for a wider footpath area, as detailed in the

Masterplan. Nor were the excessive crossfalls acceptable with the old alignment.

If the frontage of 100 Mount Street were to be designed to the old levels, when the final works

for the Masterplan are eventually implemented, it will require significant changes in front of

the new development, including removing almost all of the paving, drainage changes,

replacement of trees, etc. This would not be acceptable to the new development as it would

require significant changes to levels and would be an unacceptable impact on a brand new

development.

It is proposed to require 100 Mount Street to undertake their detailed design to the alignment

shown in the attached plan that will allow the final scheme to be implemented, once final

approval is given, without the need to negotiate with 100 Mount Street, in order to remove all

of their frontage and perhaps possible changes to the front alignment of the building and

stairways.

The proposed new kerb alignment will be set from the existing alignment on the southern side

of Mount Street. From the existing kerb, a 2.3m parking lane, then a 3.5m travelling lane and

another 2.6m parking lane at the subject frontage. Preliminary road crossfall designs have

commenced to ensure that the vertical design levels will suit the ultimate scheme as shown in

the attached plans.

Discussions were held with the developers of 100 Mount Street on 16 May 2018 to discuss

these design elements and they have agreed to take the details of the approved Masterplan into

account in their final frontage designs.

In order to finalise the detailed design, the final kerb alignment needs to be ratified by the

Traffic Committee to ensure the correct levels and drainage alignments are achieved.




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Community engagement on the Laneways Masterplan was carried out between 16 November

2017 and 21 January 2018. The community response was generally positive with some minor

concerns expressed in relation to the need to service the existing shops and businesses via

convenient loading and delivery areas as well as impacts during construction.

The parking spaces on the northern side of Mount Street have been enclosed within the site

hoarding for 100 Mount Street to enable construction of the development, and therefore have

been unavailable for public use for the past 3 years. The proposed changes will result in a

permanent net reduction of 10 metered parking spaces compared to the previous arrangement

in this section of Mount Street. The loss of 10 metered parking spaces is justified by the increase

in footpath widths to cater for the significant increase in pedestrians using this area and

circulating between Mount Street and major nearby developments currently under construction

including 100 Mount Street, 1 Denison Street and Victoria Cross Metro station.

The proposal also results in an increase of 7 loading bays during the peak morning period. The

reduction in parking spaces also elicits a reduction in traffic along Mount Street which will

reduce pedestrian/vehicle conflicts, improve pedestrian amenity and activation of Brett Whitely

Place, and support the overall objectives of the Laneways Masterplan. The proposal will also

achieve better cross falls along the footpath for improved pedestrian accessibility and will also

enable a more seamless transition and integration with adjoining developments when the

Laneways Masterplan is gradually realised. The proposal generates a positive overall outcome

for the community when assessed against Council’s Local Area Traffic Management criteria

due to positive impacts on safety, social wellbeing, active health, environmental sustainability,

and local environments.

It is recommended that, in order to address the second part of Resolution 2 of the 26 March

2018 Council meeting in relation to the Laneways Masterplan, that a section of the new

frontage be allocated to parallel loading zone between the hours of 5am-10am Mon-Fri, with 1

Hour metered parking outside these times in accordance with the current parking restrictions

and rates for this area.

The Developer will also be required to liaise with Council’s parking meter Manager to ensure

the appropriate meters are installed to take these changes into account.

AutoCAD SHX Text42.0m Loading Zone 5am-10am Mon-Fri



AutoCAD SHX TextMOUNT STREET

AutoCAD SHX TextWALKER STREET

AutoCAD SHX TextDENISON STREET

AutoCAD SHX TextBRETT WHITLEY PLACE




DECISION OF 3701st COUNCIL MEETING

HELD ON 26 MARCH 2018

64. CiS04: North Sydney CBD Laneways – Engagement

Outcomes

Report of Neal McCarry, Team Leader Policy

This report provides an overview of the engagement outcomes and findings for the

North Sydney CBD Laneways project. It details the engagement process, including

promotion and awareness activities, feedback mechanisms, the level of community

participation in the process and presents key findings and issues.

Draft concept plans were considered by Council at its meeting of 30 October 2017 and

endorsed for the purposes of public consultation. Public consultation occurred between

16 November 2017 and 21 January 2018. Exhibition information and activities

included draft concept plans, artist’s impressions, on line and intercept surveys, mail-

out and newspaper advertisement. The community response to the concept plans was

generally positive with some concerns expressed in relation to the need to service shops

and businesses via convenient loading and delivery areas as well as impacts of

disruption during construction.

The formal approval of the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) of various proposed

on-street changes, is still required. These include the pedestrianisation of much of

Denison Street, traffic direction changes in Little Spring Street, and a significantly

altered environment in Mount Street. The RMS has previously indicated its preference

to consider these matters at the Traffic Committee with the benefit of initial

consultation having been conducted by Council. This consultation has now occurred

and will help inform design refinements before returning for consideration by the North

Sydney Traffic Committee within the next three months.

In order to fully realise the overall Laneways Masterplan it is important to note the role

of the future Metro site and the current access arrangements into the MLC building

(105 Miller Street) off Denison Street. To achieve the desired level of pedestrianisation

along and up Denison Street it will be necessary to provide a basement level vehicular

access route through the commercial component of the future Metro site. This will

allow a free flow of pedestrian egress out of the Metro site to both the 1 Denison Street

development and the wider precinct. It will also have the added benefit of providing

opportunities for a greater level of retail activation and dining opportunities in the area

currently devoted to ‘back of house’ servicing of the MLC building. Council officers

have been working with both NSW Metro and MLC representatives to explore this

outcome.

The approval of development at 1 Denison Street includes a Section 94 requirement to

contribute approximately $8 million. Through the “works-in-kind” provisions of

Council’s Section 94 Contributions Plan, the developer is currently seeking to provide

some of the value of this contribution as physical public domain improvements. Any

agreement reached will achieve economies of scale and a more timely delivery of

improvements, compared with payment of a monetary contribution to Council. Such a

contribution is unlikely to deliver the entire laneway upgrade and Council will need to

fund a component of this work in future financial years. Similarly, works are required

to be undertaken adjacent to nearby 100 Mount Street which will likely be completed

prior to the other major projects in the precinct. Funds may also be at least partly

derived from alternative sources such as developer contributions as well as the

development of the Metro site. The exact costing of this is yet to be determined but is

expected to be significant and likely to be required in the 2018/19 financial year. Due

to the challenges within the precinct of on-going construction, further resolution of the

potential staging of the works is also required.

Recommending:


2. THAT Council endorse the concept plan for the purpose of progressing to the next

phase of more detailed design, noting the need to address concerns relating to loading

arrangements in and around the precinct.

3. THAT Council continue to liaise with the RMS to resolve detailed design issues and

that the next stage of design be presented to Council’s Traffic Committee.

4. THAT further investigation and consideration be given to appropriate staging of the

public domain works so as to allow for the efficient completion of the Metro project

and provision of a safe and functional high quality public domain in and around the

precinct.

5. THAT Council recognise the essential role that the combining of driveways between

the existing MLC building and a future Metro building will play in enabling the

pedestrianisation of Denison Street and that Council continue to work towards

facilitating this outcome.

The Motion was moved by Councillor Barbour and seconded by Councillor Brodie.

The Motion was put and carried.

Voting was as follows: For/Against 6/0

Councillor Yes No Councillor Yes No

Gibson Y Barbour Y

Beregi Absent Drummond Y

Keen Y Gunning Absent

Brodie Y Mutton Y

Carr Absent Baker Absent

RESOLVED: 1. THAT Council receive and note the outcome of the consultation undertaken.

2. THAT Council endorse the concept plan for the purpose of progressing to the next

phase of more detailed design, noting the need to address concerns relating to loading

arrangements in and around the precinct.

3. THAT Council continue to liaise with the RMS to resolve detailed design issues and

that the next stage of design be presented to Council’s Traffic Committee.

4. THAT further investigation and consideration be given to appropriate staging of the

public domain works so as to allow for the efficient completion of the Metro project

and provision of a safe and functional high quality public domain in and around the

precinct.

5. THAT Council recognise the essential role that the combining of driveways between

the existing MLC building and a future Metro building will play in enabling the

pedestrianisation of Denison Street and that Council continue to work towards

facilitating this outcome.

ITEM CiS04 REPORTS 26/03/18

N O R T H S Y D N E Y C O U N C I L R E P O R T S

Report to General Manager Attachments:

1. Central Laneways Masterplan November 2017

2. Summary of Outcomes of Consultation

SUBJECT: North Sydney CBD Laneways – Engagement Outcomes

AUTHOR: Neal McCarry, Team Leader Policy

ENDORSED BY: Joseph Hill, Director City Strategy

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

This report provides an overview of the engagement outcomes and findings for the North

Sydney CBD Laneways project. It details the engagement process, including promotion and

awareness activities, feedback mechanisms, the level of community participation in the process

and presents key findings and issues.

Draft concept plans were considered by Council at its meeting of 30 October 2017 and endorsed

for the purposes of public consultation. Public consultation occurred between 16 November

2017 and 21 January 2018. Exhibition information and activities included draft concept plans,

artist’s impressions, on line and intercept surveys, mail-out and newspaper advertisement. The

community response to the concept plans was generally positive with some concerns expressed

in relation to the need to service shops and businesses via convenient loading and delivery areas

as well as impacts of disruption during construction.

The formal approval of the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) of various proposed on-street

changes, is still required. These include the pedestrianisation of much of Denison Street, traffic

direction changes in Little Spring Street, and a significantly altered environment in Mount

Street. The RMS has previously indicated its preference to consider these matters at the Traffic

Committee with the benefit of initial consultation having been conducted by Council. This

consultation has now occurred and will help inform design refinements before returning for

consideration by the North Sydney Traffic Committee within the next three months.

In order to fully realise the overall Laneways Masterplan it is important to note the role of the

future Metro site and the current access arrangements into the MLC building (105 Miller Street)

off Denison Street. To achieve the desired level of pedestrianisation along and up Denison

Street it will be necessary to provide a basement level vehicular access route through the

commercial component of the future Metro site. This will allow a free flow of pedestrian egress

out of the Metro site to both the 1 Denison Street development and the wider precinct. It will

also have the added benefit of providing opportunities for a greater level of retail activation and

dining opportunities in the area currently devoted to ‘back of house’ servicing of the MLC

building. Council officers have been working with both NSW Metro and MLC representatives

to explore this outcome.


Re: North Sydney CBD Laneways – Engagement Outcomes

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FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

The approval of development at 1 Denison Street includes a Section 94 requirement to

contribute approximately $8 million. Through the “works-in-kind” provisions of Council’s

Section 94 Contributions Plan, the developer is currently seeking to provide some of the value

of this contribution as physical public domain improvements. Any agreement reached will

achieve economies of scale and a more timely delivery of improvements, compared with

payment of a monetary contribution to Council. Such a contribution is unlikely to deliver the

entire laneway upgrade and Council will need to fund a component of this work in future

financial years. Similarly, works are required to be undertaken adjacent to nearby 100 Mount

Street which will likely be completed prior to the other major projects in the precinct. Funds

may also be at least partly derived from alternative sources such as developer contributions as

well as the development of the Metro site. The exact costing of this is yet to be determined but

is expected to be significant and likely to be required in the 2018/19 financial year. Due to the

challenges within the precinct of on-going construction, further resolution of the potential

staging of the works is also required.

RECOMMENDATION:


2. THAT Council endorse the concept plan for the purpose of progressing to the next phase of

more detailed design, noting the need to address concerns relating to loading arrangements in

and around the precinct.

3. THAT Council continue to liaise with the RMS to resolve detailed design issues and that the

next stage of design be presented to Council’s Traffic Committee.

4. THAT further investigation and consideration be given to appropriate staging of the public

domain works so as to allow for the efficient completion of the Metro project and provision of

a safe and functional high quality public domain in and around the precinct.

5. THAT Council recognise the essential role that the combining of driveways between the

existing MLC building and a future Metro building will play in enabling the pedestrianisation

of Denison Street and that Council continue to work towards facilitating this outcome.



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LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM

The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows:

Direction: 2. Our Built Environment

Outcome: 2.1 Infrastructure, assets and facilities that meet community needs

2.3 Vibrant, connected and well maintained streetscapes and villages that build

a sense of community

2.5 Sustainable transport is encouraged

Direction: 3. Our Economic Vitality

Outcome: 3.1 Diverse, strong, sustainable and vibrant local economy

3.2 North Sydney CBD is one of Australia's largest commercial centers

Direction: 4. Our Social Vitality

Outcome: 4.1 Community is connected

4.7 Community is active and healthy

4.8 Enhanced community facilities, information and services

Direction: 5. Our Civic Leadership

5.1 Council leads the strategic direction of North Sydney

BACKGROUND

The approval of developments at 1 Denison Street, 100 Mount Street and the construction of

Metro in the North Sydney CBD, provide a unique opportunity to deliver exceptional public

domain improvements to a part of North Sydney that is in need of significant refurbishment.

The approval at 1 Denison Street provides for active ground and above ground level uses and

Metro will deliver significantly increased levels of pedestrian movement. The current owners

of 1 Denison Street have been collaborating with Council staff working towards a vision for the

central laneways that build on this opportunity to provide an attractive and engaging pedestrian

environment commensurate with the arrival of the Metro and Council’s aspirations for the

North Sydney CBD. On-going dialogue has also been occurring with the developers of the

nearby 100 Mount Street in relation to public domain obligations associated with their

redevelopment.

These projects, combined with other significant mixed use development approvals for 168

Walker Street, 177 Pacific Highway and various approvals along Miller Street north of Berry

Street represent a period substantial change for the North Sydney CBD. Council’s challenge is

to harness the current activity to achieve positive transformational urban design and public

domain outcomes for the CBD which will further enhance its profile and amenity levels fitting

with its status as a Metropolitan City Centre.

An immediate opportunity arises from the approval of the development at 1 Denison Street,

North Sydney (refer locality plans shown at Figure 1). Development consent was granted for

the development of this site by the Minister for Planning under the previous provisions of Part



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3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act in 2010 for a commercial tower. There

have been various modifications of this approval since that time including increases in height.

The approval and its various modifications seek, in part, to build on the opportunities of the

arrival of Metro in 2024 by embellishing and improving the pedestrian environment for Metro

users and general pedestrian traffic as well as maximising retail, food and other active uses in

the precinct.

Figure 1 - locality plan

An important modification to the 1 Denison Street consent was approved by the Department of

Planning and Environment in March 2015 which included a new east west shared zone linking

Denison and Little Spring Streets. This was further reinforced in modification 6 which included

the full pedestrianisation of this new link. Channel 9 has been secured as a major tenant in the

building and below ground infrastructure and construction works have recently commenced.

Since this time, Council staff have been working with the owner of the land, Winten Property

Group (‘Winten’), in order to integrate the public domain outcomes of their approval, with

wider aspirations for the CBD’s laneway network. On-going dialogue has also been occurring

with the developers of the nearby 100 Mount Street in relation to public domain obligations

associated with their redevelopment.

It should also be noted that Council has recently commenced the preparation of the North

Sydney CBD Public Domain Strategy which will address the design and composition of our

public spaces. In addition, Council has been preparing a refinement of a Masterplan for the

Ward Street precinct. These projects both have a fundamental relationship with the laneway

network discussed in this report.



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Attachment 1 (Council report of 30 October 2017) provides further detail on the planning

background to this project as well as Council’s endorsed Central Laneways Masterplan. Council

at its meeting of 30 October 2017 considered this report and resolved;

1. THAT Council endorse the concept plans identified at Figures 3 and 4 for the purposes of public

exhibition and stakeholder consultation.

2. THAT the concept plans be publicly exhibited for 28 days.

3. THAT following stakeholder consultation, a report be prepared for Council’s consideration

outlining the submissions received and any amendments that may be warranted or deemed reasonable.

4. THAT Council recognises the essential role that the combining of driveways between the existing

MLC building and a future Metro building will play in enabling the full pedestrianisation of Denison

Street and that Council continue to work towards encouraging this outcome.

5. THAT Council notes the preparation of a broader Public Domain Strategy/Masterplan is currently

being prepared as a matter of priority which incorporates this area and all other areas of the North

Sydney CBD.

This report provides an overview of the engagement outcomes and findings for the North

Sydney CBD Laneways project.

CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS

Community engagement was undertaken in accordance with Council’s Community

Engagement Protocol. Further discussion is included in the body of this report.

SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT

The following table provides a summary of the key sustainability implications:

QBL Pillar Implications

Environment The laneway network being pursued will create a positive, enjoyable

and interesting pedestrian environment/public domain for future

users of the city.

Social The creation of public space that can be used by workers, residents

and visitors will provide much needed opportunities to meet,

entertain and engage with others in the CBD.

Economic North Sydney has been criticised for lacking high quality urban

spaces and amenity. This is a key draw card for investment decisions

and this project if successfully implemented, can build on other

initiatives currently being pursed in the CBD to create this amenity.

Governance The creation of an agreed plan that has been the subject of stakeholder

consultation as the basis for future decisions and initiatives, is a sound

framework for decision making and good governance.

DETAIL

As detailed further in the Council report of 30 October 2017

(https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/Council_Meetings/Meetings/Council_Meetings/Counci

l_30_Oct_2017), the specific changes that were the subject of public consultation include:

https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/Council_Meetings/Meetings/Council_Meetings/Council_30_Oct_2017https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/Council_Meetings/Meetings/Council_Meetings/Council_30_Oct_2017



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Pedestrianisation of Denison Street from the new eastern Metro portal to Mount Street;

Delivery of shared zones in Spring Street and Little Spring Street;

Extending the pedestrianised area of Brett Whitely Place, Elizabeth Plaza and Denison Street across the intersection of Denison Street and Mount Street and east to the vehicle

entrance to 88 Mount Street;

Shared Zone with two-way traffic at the northern end of Denison Street, north of the Metro portal;

New delivery bays on roads proximate to the new pedestrian precinct;

Reversal of the Little Spring Street’s one-way system; and

A bi-directional carriageway/footway layout for Mount Street between its intersection with Walker Street and the 88 Mount Street vehicle entrance (potential for full

pedestrianisation of this section of Mount Street as part of a possible future

redevelopment of the 88 Mount Street site).

Attachment 1 contains the concept plans that were the subject of public consultation. Below is

an extract of the Mount Street and Denison Street concept plans.

Figure 2 – Mount Street precinct

Figure 3 – Denison Street precinct



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1. Engagement

The official engagement period ran for an extended timeframe 16 November 2017 to 20

January 2018 (due to the Christmas/holiday).

1.1 Mailout - A mailout to all property owners within the precinct was undertaken. This resulted in over 650 letters being distributed.

1.2 Council website and Engagement HQ - Council’s engagement platform (Engagement

HQ) was used for this consultation and hosted relevant plans, information and background

reports, survey and submission form. During the engagement period a total of 380 unique

page views were received and 197 document down loads were completed.

1.3 e-newletter – Promotional messages were included in Council’s e-newsletter to

subscribers to widen awareness

1.4 Advertisements - Advertisements were placed in the Council notices section of the

Mosman Daily to increase awareness amongst the broader community.

1.5 Site signage – Signage was displayed throughout the precinct during the exhibition

period to promote awareness of the project and engage with lunch time users who may

otherwise be unaware of the project.

1.6 Lunch time intercept surveys – In order to contact and engage with lunch time users of

the existing public spaces. A total of 30 surveys were completed during the engagement

period.

1.7 Direct Shop keeper engagement – informal meetings were held with the majority of

shop proprietors during and after the exhibition period. This was done to gain a fuller

understanding of the operational needs of the existing tenancies in the precinct.

Figure 4 – Signage displayed during consultation – Denison Street looking north



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Figure 5 – Existing Street condition (southern end of Denison Street looking South)

Figure 6 – Existing Street condition (southern end of Denison Street – looking North)



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Figure 7 - Existing loading arrangements to service tenancies within 83 Mount Street.

2. Submissions and Issues Raised

Three (3) individual written submissions were received as well as thirty (30) surveys completed

which included general comments and queries. The individual submissions are summarised in

Attachment 2. Concerns raised in these submissions and comments provided in surveys

included;

- General support for the concept of pedestrianisation, - Importance of accessible servicing for existing tenancies, - Regulation of current parking and traffic management, - Disruption to businesses during construction, - Need for access to ‘pedestrian’ zone for emergencies, deliveries, fitouts and the like, - More after-hours activity needed in the CBD, - Maintenance of convenient of vehicle access to existing residential properties,

It has been identified by several of the proprietors of shops (within close proximity to the

western end of the proposed altered Mount Street road condition) that the current servicing and

delivery needs are reasonably well met currently and that the proposed concept would offer

limited access. Whilst the over-arching objective is to provide a high quality, safe, pedestrian-

prioritised public domain environment, this needs to be balanced against the ability of existing

shop premises to operate effectively. It is recommended that the next phase of detailed design

work re-examine the turning and loading arrangements at the western end of Mount Street with

a view to incorporating a time limited loading zone.

Other comments and concerns raised with respect to general access and parking arrangements

within the precinct have been reviewed and, whilst noting the need for further detailed design

resolution, are not considered sufficient to warrant any significant departure from the concept

proposed.

The control of vehicular access to the rear of No 80 Mount Street (via automated bollards or



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similar) will also be further resolved during detailed design and this may include appropriate

arrangements for some out of hours access and emergency services.

3. Other Key Considerations

Discussions with Winten Property Group

The approval of a commercial development at 1 Denison Street has been modified on various

occasions. The owner of the site, Winten, pursued various changes to the approval through

modifications which, amongst other things, sought to maximise the synergies between its

approved development and the arrival of Metro in 2024. These modifications essentially seek

to create a new pedestrian environment in the vicinity of the Denison Street Metro portal

including a new east-west pedestrian link which would connect Metro, with Walker Street.

Conditions of approval require that the design of the public domain works relating to the

laneways be agreed to by North Sydney Council. To this end, Winten have been collaborating

with Council officers to prepare a plan that is acceptable to Council.

Matters such as traffic management, phasing of works, construction traffic, design and funding,

are the subject of on-going discussion with the developer of the site. These matters are yet to

be fully resolved and will also require further negotiations with the development of the Metro

site.

Mount Street

During discussions with Winten, it was considered opportune to extend the scope of the public

domain treatment to Mount Street. This was in recognition that the laneway systems are

connected and changes to the system identified provide for opportunities, or create impacts,

upon the functioning of Mount Street east of Walker Street. In addition to this, the current

development of 100 Mount Street and its short term disruption of the road and pedestrian

environment and potential to link with a new pedestrian environment in Denison Street and its

combination with Brett Whitely Place, gives rise to short term opportunities for significant

changes to occur. These elements present a unique opportunity to create and reinforce a high

quality public domain in the CBD.

The concept plan includes a changed function of Mount Street between Walker Street and Brett

Whitely Place. It proposes widened footpaths along Mount Street and a fully pedestrianised

environment along Denison Street through to Brett Whitely Place and Elizabeth Plaza and a

significantly reduced traffic function in that street. The vehicular “loop” that has previously

linked Little Spring Street to Mount Street via Brett Whitely Place, is proposed to be closed to

traffic, thereby creating a continuous and unimpeded pedestrian environment. There is then the

opportunity of creating a performance or plaza space at the junction of Denison and Mount

Streets which would be a car-free but subject to a future design process.

Challenges

There are existing vehicular access points throughout the precinct that must be accommodated

which limit the total extent of the pedestrian environment being designed. These include the

existing garages at 80 and 83 Mount Street and a number of vehicular access points on Little

Spring Street. Notwithstanding these, a high amenity pedestrian environment to support new

development and Metro can be established using the concept plan as identified.

An important aspect of this plan which challenges the realisation of this vision, is the loading



(11)

and back-of-house activities, including vehicular access to the MLC building. The concept plan

relies on agreement being reached between Metro and MLC to combine vehicular access.

Council officers understand that discussions are on-going on this issue, but formal agreement

has not yet been reached. It is noted that the significant increase in pedestrian traffic in Denison

Street will undoubtedly create corresponding retail and dining opportunities along this corridor

for landowners, including the MLC building, to capitalise on these opportunities. If an

agreement is unable to be reached it will significantly undermine the vision.

The Role of the RMS

The RMS has an approval role in the proposed changed road functions of Mount, Denison and

Little Spring Streets. As stated previously in this report, the ingredients of a significantly

enhanced pedestrian environment are being created by the arrival of a Metro station in 2024, a

new commercial development at 1 Denison Street with active ground and second floor uses and

a new development being constructed at 100 Mount Street which will seek to invest in the

public domain as it nears completion in the next 12 months or so.

4. Recommendations

In light of the expressed desire for the provision of safe and convenient loading and servicing

facilities it is recommended that a more accessible loading zone and turning area be pursued

towards the western end of the proposed Mount Street road way. Further consideration is

required to be given to the management and regulation of this space to ensure the over-riding

principle of pedestrian priority within the locality is maintained.

Further options related to (time of day restricted) potential access to the western end of Spring

Street also need to be explored. This may include retractable bollards or other ‘collapsible’

barriers that allow access for emergency services or the like. Further dialogue will also need to

occur during the detailed design phase to ensure, where practical, the reasonable needs of

existing business proprietors are able to be accommodated.

Conclusion

The redesign of the physical space and the functional role of Denison and Mount Streets offers

a unique opportunity to capitalize on the clear benefits of the arrival of Metro as well as the

new developments of 1 Denison and 100 Mount Streets. A new, high amenity, pedestrian

environment has the potential to transform the precinct.

This report identifies the key stakeholder issue and challenges to be overcome and recommends

that the concept plans be progressed and key stakeholders be further engaged with as the

detailed design process continues.

Raised platform area including seating and trees, flexible location for performance / relaxation.

Stage 2 Works, Elizabeth Plaza

Paving to seamlessly integrate with Brett Whiteley Place.

Fully pedestrianised street ‘laneway’ with feature paving and flush kerbs.

80 Mount Street garage access.

Fixed bollards to restrict access.

Spring Street shared space road.

Future loading bay.

LEGENDRaised threshold entry of Mount Street with cross-over to transition from Walker St.

Asphalted road two way - raised kerb and footpath.

North Sydney Council Standard footpath paving.

Crossover to loading zone /parking in 88 Mount Street.

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PACIFIC HWY

BRETT WHITELEY PLACE

ELIZABETH PLAZA

88 MOUNT STREET

80 MOUNT STREET

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100 MOUNT STREET (FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

90 MOUNT STREET

Note: Draft concept for consultation purposesDesign subject to change pending feedback from traffic engineers

Denison Street

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Miller Street

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Not to scaleMount Street Precinct

Elizabeth Plaza

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LEGEND

1Flush Kerb and road shared zone - Feature paved to delineate vehicle path of travel.

2 Entry plaza for 1 Denison St

3 Spill out retail and food + beverage offerings

4 Future metro spill out area

5 Catenary feature lighting

6Through site link - Feature paved in material to tie into building

7Upgrade kerb and gutter / asphalt road surface. Vehicle direction change

8 Raised pedestrian threshold

9 Two way shared road

10 Spill out retail space

11 Upgraded Berry Square

Not to scaleDenison Street Precinct

DENISON STREETDENISON STREET

LITTLE SPRING STREET

FUTURE 1 DENISON ST DEVELOPMENT

BEAU MONDE TOWER

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MLC CENTRE

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FUTURE METRO 151 MILLER STREET 65 BERRY STREET

80 MOUNT STREET

100 MOUNT STREET

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Note: Draft concept for consultation purposesDesign subject to change pending feedback from traffic engineers

MOUNT STREET INDICATIVE PERSPECTIVE

1

ATTACHMENT 2

Summary of submissions received during public consultation period Laneways Project

(16 November 2017 – 20 January 2018)

No. Name and Address Issue Key Points Raised Council Response Recommended Action

1 Resident

(Beau Monde Building)

Pedestrian-isation

Not opposed to pedestrianisation of Southern end of Spring Street provided suitable access arrangements are made for vehicular access to apartment owners.

The existing vehicle entry point to the Beau Monde building will be maintained. The detailed design process will ensure all relevant Australian standards are met.

Noted. No change recommended.

Vehicle Access Objects to the provision of northern end of Denison Street as a ‘shared zone’ as will make congestion and vehicle movement in and out of the building more difficult. Adequate room to walk on footpaths.

Denison Street is currently designated as a (Type 2) shared zone. The laneways project seeks tocontinue to operate the Northern portion as ashared zone with carefully considered design andmaterial treatments to provide a high quality, safe,pedestrianised environment that is alsoappropriate to meet vehicle access needs in thislocality.

Subject to further design refinement

Parking/road conditions

Recommends that the northern end of Denison Street be a two-way street with no parking and no stopping on either side to discourage this area functioning as a drop off zone.

The proposed concept design provides two-way vehicle access for the northern portion of Denison Street. The next phase of detailed design will determine the extent and location of any kerb side parking. It is not intended that this area serve as a ‘drop-off’ zone for Metro patrons.


2 Business owner Pedestrian-isation

Generally supportive of the proposed laneways concept

Noted Noted

Licensing/Police Consultation should occur with relevant licensing police and the Harbourside Liquor Accord

The changes proposed to the road and footpath condition are not considered to be of a nature that warrants formal referral to licensing police and the Liquor accord.

Noted

Deliveries Keg beer delivery requirements necessitate collection and drop off from close proximity. Alternate suggested locations impractical and unsafe.

It is agreed that the nature of these deliveries is best done as close as practical to the relevant licensed premises. It is recommended that loading and turning arrangements at the western end of Mount Street be further examined and resolved in conjunction with the RMS.


2

No. Name and Address Issue Key Points Raised Council Response Recommended Action

Emergency Services access

Concern raised over the ability for emergency services to access the precinct in the event of an emergency

Appropriate access arrangements for emergency services will be provided under the proposed concept.

Noted

Rubbish collection

Query raised over whether existing rubbish collection arrangements will be maintained and aesthetic impact of storage of bins/receptacles in the public domain

The current servicing of the precinct for rubbish is currently undertaken by private contractors with the exception of the public bins which are undertaken by Council. Like other pedestrianised environments in city centre environments (e.g. Pitt Street Mall) a variety of servicing and after-hours collection arrangements can be implemented such as small motorised carts for bag and bin collection.


Loading zones Concern raised over the operation of existing loading zones and long term occupation by bigger deliveries

Current loading zones along Miller Street are on occasion occupied for extended periods of time by large multi-tenancy destination deliveries. With the amount of construction activity underway in the North Sydney CBD Council needs to ensure that loading zones are operating effectively. It is noted that several new loading zone spaces (along the Western side of Miller Street) are coming back on line with the completion of building works. This needs to be continually monitored.

Noted

Mount Street traffic management and parking

Query raised over management of parking arrangements in Mount Street particularly with respect to new supermarkets as well as ability for vehicles to turn around at the end of Mount Street

The next phase of detailed design will determine the extent and location of any kerb side parking.


Plan inaccuracies

The concept plan contains inaccuracies in street numbering which may lead to a reduced level of understanding and engagement.

The incorrect numbering of two properties on the concept plan will be rectified in any future plans.

Noted. To be corrected in future designs

3. Anonymous Pedestrian-isation

Pedestrianisation all the way to Mount Street from Metro is unnecessary

Council’s endorsed Central Laneways plan identifies the provision of a high quality, pedestrian prioritised place for people as critical to the success of North Sydney.

Noted. No change

Kerbside parking Suggests removal of kerbside parking in the northern portion of Denison Street will better open up to pedestrians

The next phase of detailed design will determine the extent and location of any kerb side parking.


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report to general manager - north sydney council · 2018. 6. 7. · report of manager engineering...

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