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Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

JULY 2020

Templestowe Road Soccer Facilities (27-59 Templestowe Road) Master Plan

1 North East Link I Templestowe Road Soccer Facilities (27-59 Templestowe Road) Master Plan

Acknowledgment of Country

Figure 1 Yarra River. Image: Sophie Rae

The North East Link Project (NELP) respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

North East Link I Templestowe Road Soccer Facilities (27-59 Templestowe Road) Master Plan 2

Table of contents

1. Introduction 31.1 Project overview 3

1.2 Purpose of this Master Plan 4

1.3 Project methodology 4

2. Strategic context 52.1 Background documents 5

2.2 Site specialist assessments 5

2.3 Strategic planning context 5

2.4 Broad trends in sports and recreation 8

3. Site context and design input 93.1 Existing conditions 9

3.2 Place values 9

3.3 Stakeholder engagement 12

4. Design approach and principles 134.1 Design approach 13

4.2 Overarching Design Principles 13

4.3 Vision 14

5. Master Plan 155.1 Scope 15

5.2 Master plan design intent 15

5.3 Key design directions 15

5.4 Other Design Considerations 18

6. Glossary of terms 19

7. References 19


1. Introduction

1.1 Project overviewTo facilitate the construction and operation of North East Link (NEL), some sporting facilities and user groups around the North East Link Eastern Freeway Interchange will need to be relocated, including two existing soccer fields located at Bulleen Park.

Several options for the relocation of the sport and recreation facilities in the Bulleen Park area were investigated as part of the Environment Effects Statement (EES) process as documented in EES Chapter 17 Social, and Technical report I – Social, Appendix F - Sport and Recreation Options Assessment. Since that time further work has progressed to find a suitable site for relocation of displaced facilities.

The site at 27-59 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen, is proposed to be developed with three soccer fields and ancillary infrastructure to provide a new facility for the sporting community. This document sets out a Master Plan for the proposed development (the project) of 27-33 Templestowe Rd (Parks Victoria land) and 35-59 Templestowe Rd (hereafter referred to as the site), and as shown in Figure 2, to accommodate the relocation of the impacted soccer fields. The site currently contains a golf driving range and an open space reserve.

Figure 2 Site context map


1.2 Purpose of this Master PlanThe purpose of this Master Plan document is to document the project approach, site analysis and Design Principles, and to define a clear scope for the re-development of the project site.

This Master Plan will be submitted for approval by the Minister for Planning as part of draft Planning Scheme Amendment c132mann. Use and development for the purposes of the project must be carried out in general accordance with the approved Master Plan. The Master Plan may be amended as a condition of the Templestowe Road Soccer Fields Development Incorporated Document (Incorporated Document) which forms part of the draft Planning Scheme Amendment. The Master Plan shall:

• Undertake a context analysis, and identify challenges andopportunities

• Convey the design intent for this project

• Develop a vision and range of Design Principles along with KeyDesign Directions and Other Design Considerations to guide,inform and evaluate the detailed design of the project site.

• Inform the preparation of a Development Plan to be approvedby the Minister for Planning as a condition of the IncorporatedDocument.

1.3 Project methodologyThis master planning process represents a small step within a larger design program to deliver a number of new sporting facilities as part of the NELP Sports and Recreation Re-location Program. Several key steps have been undertaken to reach this design milestone. Underpinning this process has been a rigorous stakeholder consultation program, which is outlined in Section 3.3. This report documents the milestones completed to Master Planning as shown below in Figure 3.

Figure 3 Key project milestones

The Master Plan will provide direction for the next stage, being detailed design, in terms of:

Vision and Overarching Design Principles – Drivers for delivering a successful re-development project

Master Plan Key Design Directions –Identification of key strategic directions to deliver on the Design Principles

Other Design Considerations – Detailed design requirements relating to particular design elements


2. Strategic context2.1 Background documentsA number of documents have been reviewed to inform preparation of this Master Plan document and strategic directions, including:

Federal policy and strategic reports• National Sport and Active Policy Framework, Australian

Government, 2011

State and local policy and strategic reports• Active for Life Recreation Strategy 2010-25, Manningham City

Council, (Reviewed 2019)

• Active Victoria - A strategic framework for sport and recreationin Victoria 2017-2021, Victorian Government, 2017

• Draft Yarra Strategic Plan, Melbourne Water, 2020

• Draft Yarra River - Bulleen Precinct Land Use Framework Plan,Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, 2019

• Draft Yarra River Corridor Concept Plan – Manningham CityCouncil, 2019

• North East Link Urban Design Strategy, North East Link Project,23 March 2020

• Outdoor Sports Infrastructure Guidelines, Manningham CityCouncil, 2015

• Sports Dimensions Guide for Playing Areas, Department ofSport and Recreation, Government of Western Australia, Sixthedition, 2016

Legislative and other documents • The Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act, 2017

• Manningham Planning Scheme, Manningham City Council

Key industry strategic frameworks and guidelines• State Football Facilities Strategy to 2026, Football Victoria

(formerly Football Federation Victoria), 2018

• Strategic Plan 2019-2022, Football Victoria, 2019

2.2 Site specialist assessmentsA range of specialist assessments were carried out to understand the existing site conditions and potential impacts of development of the site to inform preparation of the proposed Master Plan, including:

• Templestowe Road Soccer Facilities Contamination ImpactAssessment, North East Link Project, GHD[a], 2020

• Templestowe Road Soccer Facilities Ecology ImpactAssessment, North East Link Project, GHD[b], 2020

• Templestowe Road Soccer Facilities Arboriculture ImpactAssessment North East Link Project, GHD[c] 2020

• Templestowe Road Soccer Facilities Landscape and VisualImpact Assessment, North East Link Project, GHD[d], 2020

• Templestowe Road Soccer Facilities Traffic & Transport ImpactAssessment, North East Link Project, Smedley Technical &Strategic, 2020

• North East Link Project Environment Effects Statement, SocialImpact Study, Appendix 2 Bulleen Park Area Sports andRecreation Options Assessment, North East Link Project, March2019

• Bulleen Park Relocation Options - Aboriginal cultural heritageimplications for development, Andrew Long & Associates, 2019

Key strategic documents relevant to this sports and recreation Master Plan are explored in further detail in Section 2.3.

2.3 Strategic planning contextThe key polices, plans and strategies that set out directions relevant to development of this Master Plan document and the initiatives proposed are summarised below.

State Football Facilities Strategy to 2026, Football Victoria (formerly Football Federation Victoria), 2018The State Football Facilities Strategy to 2026 outlines how the State could deliver sporting facilities and infrastructure across Melbourne and region over an eight year period. The strategy particularly focuses on “Facilities and Infrastructure” being one of the five strategic pillars of Football Victoria’s Strategic Plan namely:

• Our clubs

• Facilities and Infrastructure

• Enjoying our game

• Promoting our game

• Our people

Strategic Plan 2019-2022, Football Victoria, 2019, Page 9

The State Football Facilities Strategy to 2026 sets out priority actions to deliver new and improved facilities across Victoria for the sport to be able to sustain the expected growth of our cities.

Application to the site

Manningham City Council is located within the Metro North East Zone, as identified in the strategy and is expected to require a total number of 12 fields by 2026, based on a projected 5% growth in participation rates.

The priority actions relating to the project site as identified in the State Football Facilities Strategy to 2026 are:

• Find new pitches or opportunities to extend capacity inBoroondara and Manningham

• Consider facility developments Bulleen Park, Bulleen tofurther establish as a key regional venue

State Football Facilities Strategy to 2026, Football Victoria, 2018, Page 35

The project site is recognised as a suitable location to redevelop a soccer facility to replace Bulleen Park impacted by NEL and to deliver on the Football Victoria’s infrastructure plan into the future.


Further, key actions identified as relevant to the master planning of this site include:

• 1.2 Restore and link the study area’s remnant indigenous landscapes by re-vegetating a portion of private landholdings and leased Crown land where they directly front the Yarra River. Revegetation should be undertaken at a depth sufficient to achieve minimum ecological outcomes and to support a pathway connection.

• 2.2 Structure the future pedestrian and cyclist network to accommodate (and where necessary, separate) different types of users, by considering accessibility needs at a regional, subregional and local scale (noting that final plans for the future trail network must also be balanced with protection of cultural values, natural vegetation and riparian environment).

• 4.4 Facilitate the development of new open spaces at the Bulleen Golf Driving Range site and on the balance of the Yarra Valley Country Club site and 27-33 Templestowe Road to complement adjoining residential development. Revegetate a habitat corridor along the Yarra River frontage.

• 4.6 Consistent with the provisions of DD02, facilitate a new low-rise built form in defined locations that reflect the parkland setting and surrounding residential neighbourhoods. Create a strong built form edge with uniform setbacks to Banksia Street, Manningham Road West and Bulleen Road. Ensure the new built form prioritises public access to the Yarra River and parklands and avoids ‘gated’ privatised spaces.

• 4.8 Support public pedestrian access along the entire stretch of both sides of the Yarra River through the study area.

Draft Yarra River - Bulleen Precinct Land Use Framework Plan, 2019, Page 47-51

The two land parcels which make up this site are each identified as key sites whose proposed future use is open space/recreation/conservation.

Future work is identified to facilitate implementation of the framework plan including land acquisition and assembly, built form modelling and planning scheme amendments.

Note: The Draft Yarra River - Bulleen Precinct Land Use Framework Plan, 2019 is a draft only, and is subject to change through separate planning approval processes.

Figure 4 Extract from the Draft Yarra River Bulleen Precinct Land Use Framework Plan. Land use and culture plan), Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2019

Draft Yarra River - Bulleen Precinct Land Use Framework Plan, DELWP 2019The preparation of this plan followed on from the work of the Yarra River Protection Ministerial Advisory Committee which recommended development of an integrated plan to provide direction to future land use changes in the area. This part of the Yarra River is recognised as being subject to transitioning land uses as a consequence of development and infrastructure pressures.

The plan has been prepared to translate the values of the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017 and is underpinned by detailed objectives which propose:

• Reconnected parklands and ecological landscapes, increasing the open space footprint and filling in the gaps of the Greater Yarra Urban Parklands.

• United key walking and cycling routes, ‘knitting’ together key places within the study area and beyond, including to public transport routes and activity centres. This results in improved community access and connection to the Yarra River and will reinforce the study area’s future role as a cultural and recreational destination.

• An internationally significant cultural place, centred on the relationship between the arts, nature and Traditional Owner heritage, with Heide Museum of Modern Art to be expanded and two potential new cultural hubs established.

• A complementary mix of uses, where public and private uses are better connected and add value to each other.

Draft Yarra River - Bulleen Precinct Land Use Framework Plan, 2019,

Application to the project site:

The site is specifically identified as providing the opportunity for expansion of parkland and potential active recreation with the northern part of the site, flanking the Yarra River, providing an expansion of parkland and ecological connections. Surrounding lands are shown as parklands. The entrance to the site off Templestowe Road is flagged as providing for improved parkland access for pedestrians.


Part Draft Yarra Strategic Plan – confidential i

Draft

YARRA STRATEGIC PLANA 10 year plan for the Yarra River corridor - draft for public consultation

Draft Yarra Strategic Plan, Melbourne Water, 2020The draft Yarra Strategic Plan is a 10 year overarching policy and planning framework for the Yarra River corridor and is underpinned by a community vision developed in accordance with the directive in The Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017. Ten year performance objectives are detailed as follows:

• A healthy river and lands: Improving the water quality ofthe Yarra River and protecting its land, floodplains andbillabongs to achieve greater biodiversity.

• A culturally diverse river corridor: Acknowledging,protecting and commemorating the rich heritage of theBirrarung and its stories.

• Quality parklands for a growing population: Improvingthe river’s parklands to support community wellbeingand strengthen the relationship between the Yarra River,its community and visitors.

• Protecting the natural beauty of the Yarra Rivercorridor: Respecting the significance of the YarraRiver’s landscapes. Where we build, we will protect andcelebrate the river’s natural beauty, landscapes andviews.

Draft Yarra Strategic Plan, Melbourne Water, 2020, Page 15

The key directions for future land use and development, to be the subject of future amendments to planning scheme provisions, relevant to this Master Plan are:

• Ensure the existing landscape corridor along the YarraRiver is protected and reinforced as a vital habitat linkand place of refuge.

• Ensure a coordinated approach to landscaping,wayfinding and the provision of visitor facilities toencourage people to view the Yarra River as one livingentity.

• Ensure development is screened from view from theYarra River (and key viewing locations) by a canopy ofnative trees and understorey planting.

• Ensure development is sited and designed to maintainand enhance the Yarra River’s secluded and naturalenvironment.

• Ensure development is set back from the Yarra River’sedge to protect and strengthen a continuous corridor ofnative vegetation along the Yarra River and to maintaincorridor views. Development must also be set back fromadjoining parklands and conservation areas to protectthe natural landscape.

• Design buildings to respect the Yarra River’s sensitivelandscape setting.

• Protect and strengthen native vegetation across ruraland bush residential land to provide habitat connectionsbetween conservation areas and along the Yarra Riverand its tributaries.

• Development in flood affected areas should refer to theGuidelines for Development in Flood Affected Areas.

Draft Yarra Strategic Plan, Melbourne Water, 2020, Part 2b, Page 100-101

These directions are set out as applying to Yarra River Land and Bush residential respectively; however, they are considered to be equally applicable to this site given its context relative to the Yarra River despite it being designated as ‘Yarra River land’.

Note: Draft Yarra Strategic Plan, Melbourne Water, 2020 is a draft only, and is subject to change through separate planning approval processes.

The Yarra Strategic Plan is to guide and manage activities on public and private land and is defined as applying to land within one kilometre of the banks of the Yarra River. Actions, responsibilities and timeframes are set out under each performance objective.

Application to Project Site:

The site is located within the Suburban Reach of the corridor. The plans notes that over 50km of the Yarra River runs through Manningham City Council with over 1000 ha of “Yarra River land” in the council area. Yarra River land is defined as including the “bed, soil and banks of the Yarra River and Crown and state government owned land parcels within 500 metres of a bank of the river.” (Melbourne Water, p16) The land use framework sets out future directions for private and public land. The key aims of relevance to this site are to:

• Strengthen the vegetation buffer along the Yarra River,between public and private land, while maintaining adiversity of landscapes through the parklands. Newlandscape guidelines will provide guidance for theimplementation of stronger planning controls and enablea consistent approach to planting

• Promote opportunities to extend and link parklandswhen land becomes available, improve recreational trailsalong the Yarra River and its tributaries and improvecommunity infrastructure

Draft Yarra Strategic Plan, Melbourne Water, 2020, Part 2b, Page 99


2.4 Broad trends in sports and recreationInterest in sports and recreation activities is increasing thanks to introduction of new sports, adaptation to changes in our daily lives in response to technology, and the growing demand in participation due to population densification in cities. There are a number of broad trends influencing these strong growth signals both nationally and globally. Soccer, in particular, is affected by these which makes this re-development an exciting opportunity to consider current and future trends that will impact the functionality and operation of the new facility.

The trends have been distilled from the listed key industry strategic frameworks, policies and plans, in Section 2.1, and reinforce the opinions of Manningham City Council and clubs voiced during the Master Plan design sessions.

Increased levels of female soccer participationSoccer is experiencing greater levels of interest globally and locally from women and girls affecting the type and supply of facilities, programming and training practices. It is the vision of Football Federation Victoria that by 2028 every soccer club in Australia will have a girls’ team and that Australia will have a 50/50 gender participation rate.

Increased social participation uptake associated with improved community health and wellbeingIt is widely recognised that physically active people are more likely to be healthier and experience higher degrees of mental wellbeing than those who are not as active. Further, the social element associated with organised sports plays an important role in creating and maintaining connected communities. In response to the heightened awareness of the benefits of social sport participation, clubs are increasingly providing a greater diversity of participation opportunities and facilities to appeal to a wider participation base across the community.

Adaptation and diversification of soccer facilities for flexible lifestylesAs modern work patterns change and the lifestyle pressures associated with money, time and transport, impact recreation participation, the focus on flexible and agile service provision is growing. Sporting facilities are increasingly being co-located with other passive recreation or community facilities to offer traditional and non-traditional experiences. Equally, soccer service delivery is adapting to new technologies to improve participation and engagement through innovative technical skills sessions and online tutorials.

Planning facilities for increasing demandSporting and recreation infrastructure is increasingly being designed and retrofitted to accommodate the changing needs of Australia’s growing population and to entice new participants. Football Federation Victoria’s Strategic Plan identifies the supply of high quality infrastructure as a critical element for livelihood and growth of soccer in Victoria. This includes providing and retrofitting facilities with a range of large and small-scale improvements to accommodate increased demand. This is evident in the increased use of pitch lighting to extend useable hours and the re-surfacing of fields with durable synthetic or hybrid surfaces to accommodate increased use and make surfaces more resilient.

Figure 5 Women’s soccer. Image: Ally Middleton


3. Site context and design input

Figure 6 View from the Yarra River (Birrarung). Image: Sophie Rae

Figure 7 Kangaroos at the Parks Victoria site to the west of the Driving Range carpark. Image: NELP

Figure 8 Spotted gum in the Driving Range carpark. Image: NELP

Figure 9 Driving Range shade structure. Image: NELP

Figure 10 Driving range. Image: NELP

3.1 Existing conditions

Surrounding areaThe surrounding area is varied in use.

Residences are located to the south of the site along the southern side of Templestowe Road. Land surrounding the site to the east, north and west, is generally a mix of public or private open space including the Yarra Valley Country Club and Birrarung Park, and presents an open feel to the locality. The exception is the commercial premises to the west and the Heide Museum of Modern Art. The Yarra River is located to the immediate north of the site.

Project site The project site is located in Bulleen and comprises multiple land parcels at 27-59 Templestowe Road. The eastern portion of the site accommodates the privately operated Bulleen Golf Driving Range. The driving range is accessible to the public between 9am and 8pm, with a fee payable upon entry. The western portion of the site is comprised of a Parks Victoria reserve which is not accessible to the public.

The Yarra River delineates the northern perimeter of the project site. The river corridor provides a place of seclusion for wildlife,

3.2 Place valuesThe location and cultural heritage of the site contribute greatly to its value and inherent spatial characteristics. These place values are the physical attributes that contribute to the project site’s sense of place and have been considered through the Master Plan design process.

Cultural landscape and connection to countryThe Yarra River flows through the project site on the traditional land of the Wurundjeri people. The waterway, its natural landscape and key features, have social, cultural and spiritual significance, with areas such as the river flats and billabongs having been important gathering spots. The Yarra Strategic Plan notes,

To the Wurundjeri Woi wurrung people, the river is known as the Birrarung, meaning ‘river of mists and shadows’. It is the sacred lifeblood of their Country, providing food, water and meeting places, as well as being a central element in the Wurundjeri Woi wurrung people’s cultural and spiritual life.

Draft Yarra Strategic Plan, Introduction Part 1, Melbourne Water, 2020, Page 11

There is an opportunity to reflect the intent of the Yarra Strategic Plan by recognising the significance of the project site as a place to be celebrated and respected, especially the Yarra floodplain and riverbanks.

wilderness and cultural heritage. To the wider urban area, the valley of the Yarra River provides a central corridor for nature, as well as a tranquil backdrop of semi-natural landscapes of the community sports facilities, bushland and grasslands.

The project site features several notable physical characteristics presenting opportunities for the redevelopment of the site. These include:

• The undulating topography of the site which has a fall of 12 m from its southern boundary along Templestowe Road down to its northern boundary near the bank of the Yarra River.

• The lack of public accessibility to the northern portion of the project site. This presents a significant opportunity to unlock accessibility and better connect the project site with the broader Yarra River open space corridor consistent with a number of policies concerning the river and its environs.

• The overhead electrical transmission lines that distinctively mark the site landscape. These cut across the project site and nearby recreational areas.

The project site opportunities and constraints Plan (refer Figure 3) depicts the key spatial parameters that have guided the general arrangement of this Master Plan.


EcologyAlthough this area of Melbourne is urbanised and fragmented as a result of historical land clearance, the woodlands along the Yarra River are the most extensive areas of vegetation that remain within this part of Melbourne (GHD[b], 2020). These areas of high-value habitat attract and support a range of common, uncommon, and rare fauna, including threatened species (such as the Powerful Owl and Grey-headed Flying-fox) including other noteworthy nocturnal species (such as the Sugar Glider). Scattered tree habitat on the site provides more fragmented habitat of varying value.

The project site has been largely cleared of indigenous native vegetation (GHD[b], 2020).The four primary vegetation types that occur on the project site are:

• Introduced grassland: The majority of the sitesupports mown grassland. Native species areabsent from this vegetation type

• Planted vegetation: Much of the treedvegetation has been planted for amenitypurposes and comprises a range of locallyindigenous native trees, non-indigenousnative trees, and introduced species

• Native vegetation patches: Three smallpatches of native ‘Floodplain RiparianWoodland’ vegetation occur within theproject site

• Scattered native trees: A number of scatterednative trees occur within the broader matrixof introduced grassland vegetation

Opportunities exist within this environment to divert built structures and pathways away from significant vegetation and habitat sites, and to link areas of scattered tree habitat to improve the bio-connectivity and inform the best location for integrated water treatment and storage initiatives, such as a wetland. Significant sites are also shown in Figure 11 Opportunities and Constraints Plan on page 11 to indicate areas that need to be preserved and protected.

ArboricultureThe project site features a number of large canopy trees. Approximately 85% of trees on site are either indigenous or native to Victoria. 51% of the trees are either River Red Gum, Swamp Gum, Yellow Box or Silver Wattle (GHD[c], 2020). A total of 298 trees were assessed including categories of health, structure and useful life expectancy (ULE), and retention as follows:

• 75 trees have a high retention value

• 105 trees have a moderate retention value

• 111 trees have a low retention value

• 7 trees have no retention value

There is a mature Spotted Gum specimen located near Templestowe Road in a ‘fair to good condition’ with a Useful Life Expectancy of at least 10 years (GHD[c], 2020). Its retention is desirable to provide an element of significant visual amenity for the grounds of the proposed sporting facility.

Landscape use and characterThe Yarra River has state and metropolitan significance as an environmental, aesthetic, cultural, recreation and tourism asset. The Manningham City Council Planning Scheme, along with adjoining planning schemes, seeks to further protect its landscape character through Schedule 2 to the Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO2). The overlay recognises the Yarra River and its open spaces are one of Melbourne’s most important natural assets and at risk of losing their distinctive sense of place through inappropriate development. SLO Objectives are set out for “Landscape, environmental and cultural values; Protection of waterway and the riparian zone; Public open space and access; and Siting and design of built form.” (SL02, p1-2) The SL02 objectives relevant to the preparation of a master plan for the project site are:

Landscape, environmental and cultural values

• To protect and enhance the naturallandscape character of the Yarra Rivercorridor where the river, its topography,adjacent public open space and acontinuous corridor of vegetation andcanopy trees are the dominant features.

• To protect, rehabilitate and expanda continuous corridor of riparian andindigenous vegetation using appropriateindigenous species.

• To protect and enhance both terrestrialand aquatic habitat to allow themovement of wildlife within the Yarra Rivercorridor.

• To protect and conserve areas of knownindigenous and non-indigenous cultural orarchaeological significance.

Protection of waterway and the riparian zone

• To ensure buildings and works are setback from the banks of the river to protectexisting riparian vegetation, habitatand not impede its natural flood andwatercourse characteristics.

• To maintain and protect the river’s naturalgeomorphology, banks stability andreduce the risk of erosion.

• To reduce the rate or quantity ofstormwater, sediment or other pollutantsdirectly entering watercourses orwetlands.

Manningham City Council Planning Scheme - Schedule 2 to Clause 42.03 Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO2), Page 1-2

Public open space and access

• To maintain and protect linear public openspace and provide for secluded areas ofpublic open space with appropriate publicaccess to the river and its public openspace.

• To encourage bicycle and shared pathsthat are well located, avoid unnecessaryearthworks and vegetation removaland have good visibility to help increasesafety for users.

Siting and design of built form

• To minimise the visual intrusion ofbuildings and works when viewed fromthe Yarra River and adjacent public openspace, bicycle and shared paths andbridge crossings.

• To ensure buildings are sited anddesigned to reduce visual contrast withthe natural landscape character setting ofthe Yarra River corridor.

• To ensure all buildings are subordinate tothe existing vegetation with all views ofbuildings filtered through vegetation.

• To ensure all fencing within close proximityto the Yarra River is low in scale, visuallypermeable and does not create contrastwith its natural landscape character.

Manningham City Council Planning Scheme - Schedule 2 to Clause 42.03 Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO2), Page 1-2

The implications of these policy parameters are that development should be confined to the southern part of the site, the land comprising the Yarra River floodplain protected, and the place values retained and enhanced, and the place values retained and enhanced. Accordingly, active recreation programs will be directed towards Templestowe Road.


Figure 11 Opportunities and Constraints Plan


Early 2018 Initial Planning Stage

August 2018Stage 1 Master Plan (4 Initial Options For Bulleen Park Area)

January 2019Stage 1 Concept Master Plan (Options 1-7)

June 2019

September 2019

December 2019Stage 2 Concept Master Plan Templestowe Road Site

End February 2020Final Master Plan & Council Endorsement Templestowe Road Site

Early March 2020Stages 3 & 4 Pre-Concept / Functional Design Templestowe Road Site

May 2020Stage 5 Detailed Design Templestowe Road Site

Stage 6 Procurement

Stage 7 Construction

3.3 Stakeholder engagement

OverviewDevelopment of this Master Plan document was informed by stakeholder engagement together with background research and site analysis. Design workshops were held to explore the key issues and opportunities for the project site and involved stakeholder representatives from Manningham City Council and Football Victoria, sports clubs including Templestowe United Football Club, Bulleen Lions Soccer Club (Veneto Club), Sport and Recreation Victoria, statutory land owners such as Parks Victoria and Melbourne Water, and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

Key engagement activities

Between March 2018 and March 2020, a broad range of engagement activities took place to inform the Master Plan including sports club workshops, stakeholder workshops, Council officer workshops and Soccer pavilion co-design workshops. The consultation processes is set out at Figure 4.

From November 2019 to March 2020, the project team engaged in targeted fortnightly meetings with Manningham City Council to better understand:

• Place context

• What people value about the existing soccerfacilities being displaced

• Potential opportunities and challenges for theprecinct

Figure 12 Templestowe Road Master Plan stakeholder consultation timeline

Key engagement outcomesThe key messages out of the engagement process focused on maintaining the functionality and continuity of the soccer facilities, while also placing high value on balancing the sporting needs with the natural values of the riverside setting in which the facilities will operate.

A number of key themes and values were identified including:

• Growth in female soccer participation

• Design for universal access

• Community health and wellbeing

• Need for family friendly facilities

• The opportunity to redevelop privatelyoperated recreational open space for publicrecreational purposes with free entry access

• Balancing community infrastructure withnatural values

• Connecting parklands through additionalrecreation trails

• Avoiding fragmentation and overdevelopment in ecological areas

• Safe design for flooding: for people, assets,land and river

These themes and values informed the Master Plan through the development of Design Principles, Key Design Directions and Design Considerations to be applied in the coming design phases.

Initial sports club meetings

Public Exhibition of Sport & Recreation Options Assessment

EES Panel Hearing and Master Plan Submission

Commenced Specialist Investigations

Commenced Planning Approvals

Sports club / stakeholder workshop

Council officer workshops

Templestowe Road Pavilion Design Workshops


EES technical findings

Urban Design context analysis

Site technical assessments

Feedback from stakeholder

consultation and engagement

State and local government

policies, strategies and

guidelines

4. Design approach and principles

4.1 Design approachThe design approach for this Master Plan document combines feedback from the key stakeholders and NELP to develop a vision and overarching Design Principles for the project site.

4.2 Overarching Design PrinciplesThe following overarching Design Principles have been developed in response to the stakeholder design workshops and background research. It is intended that these Design Principles echo the intent of the Draft Yarra Strategic Plan and the Draft Yarra River - Bulleen Precinct Land Use Framework Plan in particular along with other relevant planning policies. Key themes and aspirations of the key stakeholders have been distilled to identify the overarching Design Principles. They are:

Soccer for allThe soccer facility will be a welcoming, inclusive and family friendly place to socialise, learn, practice, play and compete. It will attract and inspire existing and new players alike with its relaxed, accessible, and safe environment.

Balancing natural, passive and active recreation assetsAreas of active and passive recreation will be balanced with places reserved for ecological land uses and enhancement of the natural landscape character. Active recreation will remain the focal point of the parkland whilst being sensitive to its surrounds.

Re-connecting the Yarra River (Birrarung) corridorThe development of the site will protect and enhance the river frontage while providing a new section of a shared use path that connects into the surrounding path network. This will enable access to a continuous riverside parkland experience while allowing the site’s natural values and beauty to be celebrated and enhanced.

Figure 13 Design approach and inputs


4.3 VisionThe vision has been prepared to capture the project intent, which encapsulates the general themes and aspirations of the key stakeholders.

The formation of a new public open space will offer passive recreation and contemporary sporting facilities with equitable access to soccer for the whole community. It shall respect the Country on which it stands by protecting the character and role of the Yarra River environs.

Figure 14 Birrarung Park. Image: NELP


5. Master Plan

5.1 ScopeThe proposed redevelopment of the project site into public open space will include the provision of soccer facilities and upgrades to the Yarra River frontage. The proposed redevelopment is defined by the site opportunities and constraints described in Figure 11.

The proposed sporting facilities include:

• Three soccer fields(full-size fields approx. 100 x 65m)

• Soccer pavilion

• 176 car parks including 4 accessible spaces

• Outdoor seating areas

• Nature play elements

• Pedestrian paths

• Public toilet facilities for general public access

The proposed enhancements and upgrades related to Yarra River frontage include the development of:

• A defined ecological area between the YarraRiver and the transmission easement

• A wetland area to provide for stormwatertreatment and flood storage

• Pedestrian and bicycle pathways

5.2 Master plan design intentThe Templestowe Road sporting facility will be a high quality facility for the community to enjoy. The Master Plan design will balance active and passive recreation uses by grouping the formal sporting facilities towards Templestowe Road to minimise visual and physical disturbance to the Yarra River corridor. The arrangement of the soccer pavilion, fields and public amenities will prioritise safe player access to the soccer fields, while mobility around the fields will be maximised for ease of access for spectators and the broader community accessing the Yarra River.

Linkages to the surrounding trails (existing and proposed) will provide sustainable transport options for sports and recreation users while protecting and enhancing significant ecological landscape features, such as the remnant vegetation and Powerful Owl habitat.

5.3 Key design directions

1 Retain flood storage in the Yarra River corridor where possible

2 Retain and protect the existing Spotted Gum tree at the southern end of the project site

3 Enhance and protect existing riparian woodland planting adjacent to the Yarra River

4 Extend bushland feel through the northern park with patches of low shrubs and groundcover vegetation

5 Plant large canopy trees along Templestowe Rd to provide a visual buffer and shade the future shared use path

6 Take advantage of the existing site topography to prioritise spectator and scenic views

7 Recognise the intrinsic link between the natural landscape and Aboriginal culture by considering opportunities for cultural interpretation of their values and themes in the landscape in collaboration with relevant stakeholders

8 Integrate nature play-based elements into the site and embrace opportunities to connect people with nature

9 Provide visual cues in the landscape and wayfinding signage to safely orientate people between the parkland and sporting facilities

10 Investigate opportunities for Water Sensitive Urban Design initiatives to treat stormwater, enhance environmental values, and support river health

11 Minimise fragmentation of the site through co-locating trails for pedestrian and maintenance access

12 Formalise pedestrian connections between Templestowe Road and the proposed Yarra River recreational trail

13 Locate car parking and sports pavilion facilities near Templestowe Road and central to the soccer pitches for ease of access

14 Visually integrate active recreational areas with landscaping and ensure built elements have limited visual impact on views from outside the site

15 Allow for future connections to surrounding public open space including to the Yarra River parklands, Birrarung Park, and other key destinations of cultural importance such as the Heide Museum of Modern Art


Figure 15 Master Plan


Figure 16 Cross-section AA


5.4 Other Design ConsiderationsIn addition to the key design directions above, the following Design Considerations will guide the detailed design development process.

Siting and design of built form• Utilise building materials and colours that complement the local

surroundings and context.

• Implement sustainable and passive architectural solutions toencourage natural ventilation, solar access and light into thepavilion, and energy efficient operation.

• Provide built form and associated facilities suitable for all agegroups and with universal accessibility.

• Locate the main pavilion above the 1 in 100 year flood level.

• Minimise use of ramps and stairs requiring balustrades or otherobstructions.

• Ensure design and selection of materials and finishesdiscourage vandalism.

• Ensure design of the pavilion, outlook and pathways facilitatepassive surveillance.

• Provide visually appealing built form, proportionedappropriately intended use with consideration for futureadaptive reuse.

• Apply a high quality and durable material palette whichconsiders maintenance and whole of life environmentalimpacts.

• All buildings should be designed to sit below the surroundingtree canopy and be appropriately setback from the banksof the Yarra River in line with the Draft Yarra Strategic Plan.Views to built form should be limited through sensitive siting,minimising the building footprint and bulk of the building, usingvegetation to screen from public places and allowing foradequate infill soft landscaping.

• The materials and finishes of the proposed built form,including the vertical elements such as the light poles, shouldbe compatible with the surrounding landscape and visualenvironment. Colours and materials that are sensitive tothe surrounding Yarra River corridor and densely vegetatedenvironment should be used, and bright colours and reflectivesurfaces avoided.

Siting and design of soft landscaping and integrated water management• Replant predominantly indigenous vegetation to provide

habitat and food for local wildlife and birdlife.

• Retain and protect existing remnant vegetation and largecanopy trees and habitat where possible and appropriate.

• Maintain existing landscape character through plant speciesselection, detailed landscape design including rock placement,and habitat features to enhance the creek/ river corridor.

• Implement Water Sensitive Urban Design and BiodiversitySensitive Urban Design principles and solutions whereappropriate.

• Maximise planting opportunities for large canopy shade treesover pathways and carparks where appropriate.

• Maintain vegetated outlooks and vistas from surroundingresidential and parkland areas such as the Yarra River MainTrail, Banyule Flats Park and Birrarung Park.

• Include a high percentage of large canopy trees in proposedvegetation to maintain and enhance the existing densecanopy dominant to the landscape character, (GHD[d], 2020)

• Any proposed fencing should be visually permeable tomaintain views to the vegetated Yarra River corridor.

• Maintain the green outlook from existing and future viewsalong the Yarra River corridor.

• Design proposed terracing and retaining walls to sit withinthe surrounding landscape and where possible softened withscreening planting.

Sporting facility design• The front face of each retaining wall should be less than 1.5

metres tall where possible to minimise the visual bulk of theoverall retaining system.

• Apply Crime Prevention Through Environmental Designprinciples and provide clear sightlines around pedestrianprioritised footpaths and entrances.

• The soccer field lighting and any proposed lighting on thesite should be designed in accordance with the AustralianStandards for outdoor lighting, AS/NZS 4282:2019 Control ofthe Obtrusive Effects of Outdoor Lighting and in accordancewith the Significant Landscape Overlay Schedule 2 objectivesrelevant to lighting.

• Lighting should be designed to the minimum height possible toreduce the visual impact of light poles on views to and acrossthe site, including views from surrounding residential areas andthe Yarra River corridor (GHD[c], 2020).

• The lighting design should consider the use of Biodiverselighting, and where appropriate, the use of directionalluminaires, shields and baffles should be considered tominimise sky glow and light spill on the Yarra River corridor.

• Elevate the level of synthetic Field (1) and the pavilion forimproved visual connections between the pavilion and all threefields of play and to keep Field (1) above 1:100yr floodline.


6. Glossary of terms

Term Definition

Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design

Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design is the integration of biodiverse sensitive initiatives that minimise threats to wildlife and their habitat, through material and lighting selection and plant arrangements.

Culturally significant landscapes

For the purpose of this report, culturally significant landscapes are those that have cultural or historical characteristics such as Bolin Billabong, Yarra Flats and Heide Museum of Modern Art.

Field For the purpose of this report the term Field is used to describe the pitch or extent of field of play.

Cultural Interpretation For the purpose of this report the term Cultural interpretation refers to the collection, display and interpretation of Aboriginal core values and stories of their Country and the Yarra River.

Landscape value The relative value that is attached to different landscapes by society. Landscape characteristics the community considers are significant for reasons such as their aesthetic (predominantly visual), social, environmental and heritage values, (GHD[d], 2020).

Nature play/ play elements Nature play refers to the application of naturally themed play interventions in lieu of artificial themed spaces. The elements/ play pieces are either fabricated from natural materials or interact with sensory elements to educate children about natural ecological systems through play and discovery.

North East Link Project North East Link Project is an organisation that is responsible for developing and delivering North East Link. NELP was formerly known as the North East Link Authority prior to 1 January 2019. NELP is responsible for developing the reference project and coordinating development of the technical reports, engaging and informing stakeholders and the wider community, obtaining key planning and environmental approvals and coordinating procurement for construction and operation.

Open Space Public land that provides outdoor recreation, leisure and/or environmental benefits and/or visual amenity.

Soccer For the purpose of this report the term soccer is used to describe the game of soccer or otherwise known as football by Federation Internationale Football Association.

Water Sensitive Urban Design Water Sensitive Urban Design is the integration of water management systems within the urban fabric to collect stormwater, improve water quality at the source, provide additional habitat and bio-connectivity and street level and increase community awareness around the intrinsic role of water in the landscape.

7. References

GHD[a] (2020) Templestowe Road Soccer Facilities Contamination Impact Assessment North East Link Project

GHD[b] (2020) Templestowe Road Soccer Facilities Ecology Impact Assessment North East Link Project

GHD[c] (2020) Templestowe Road Soccer Facilities Arboriculture Impact Assessment North East Link Project

GHD[d] (2020) Templestowe Road Soccer Facilities Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, North East Link Project


Contact [email protected]

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northeastlink.vic.gov.au

North East Link Project GPO Box 4509, Melbourne VIC 3001

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