bassendean activity centre community engagement …

BASSENDEANACTIVITY CENTRE

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OUTCOMES REPORT

MARCH 2016

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OUTCOMES REPORT 3

IntroductionThe redevelopment of the Bassendean Town Centre, which aims to leverage from its enviable position of having two railway stations in close proximity, has been identified for a number of years. The following strategic reports and plans have been prepared over the past 15 years by the Town of Bassendean to guide and facilitate the redevelopment of the Town Centre:

• Bassendean Town Centre Enquiry By Design (DPI, 2002)

• Vision 2030 Community Plan (Town of Bassendean, 2005)

• Bassendean Town Centre Strategy and Guidelines (Town of Bassendean, 2008)

• Town of Bassendean Local Planning Strategy (ToB/WAPC, 2008)

• Bassendean Steel Blue Oval Concept Planning (Town of Bassendean, 2010)

Each of these reports and plans also involved community consultation facilitated by the Town of Bassendean.

Since the development of the Bassendean Town Centre Strategy, the key partners of the current proposed Town Centre redevelopment project, being the Town of Bassendean and the Swan Districts Football Club, with LandCorp have been working together to collectively coordinate clear objectives, leadership and strategic direction for commencing the delivery of the Bassendean Activity Centre project.

During this time, the partners have established collective leadership and oversight of the project. The project will benefit from strategic, cross-agency guidance and advice to ensure that it is developed in accordance with agreed scope, time, cost and quality parameters, including the realisation of agreed project benefits. This has been formalised via a Development Agreement between the three partners.

Due to the extended time period between the release of the Bassendean Town Centre Strategy and the signing of the Development Agreement, a decision was made to re-engage with the community to find out their aspirations for the Town Centre, including the redevelopment sites. This report outlines the community engagement process so far, including a summary of the feedback received from the Community Survey and Community Forums, and their outcomes.

The outcomes of the community engagement process will be used to guide the preparation of draft concepts over the redevelopment sites during a series of Planning Design Forums on the 27th, 28th of April and the 11 May 2016.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OUTCOMES REPORT4

In 2011 there was a relatively even distribution of the age profiles in Bassendean. The locality grew by 13.5 per cent between 2001 and 2011, and significant changes were noted for some age profiles, particularly:

• the number of 0-4 year olds; 20-24 year olds increased significantly;

• middle aged people (45-39, 50-54) grew at an above average rate;

• by far the highest increases were seen in those aged 55-59 and 60-64, the number of whom has more than doubled over the period;

• those aged 70-74 declined by more than any other age group; and

• the growth rate of over-80s is significant, the third highest of all ages.

The results present a clear illustration of both an ageing population, as well as a growing trend amongst a younger age profile, with a 21 per cent and 31 per cent increase respectively in 0-4 year olds, and 20-24 year olds.

There has been a conscious effort to ensure that each of these age profiles are actively targeted, throughout this engagement process.

Bassendean Community Profile

Bassendean Age Profile (2011)

Age Profile Changes 2001 - 2011

200

400

0-4 20-24 40-44 60-6410-14 30-34 50-54 70-745-9 25-29 45-49 65-6915-19 35-39 55-59 75-79 Over80

600

800

0

2010 2011

18% 14% 12%12% 15%15% 14%0 - 14 25 - 34 45 - 5415 - 24 35 - 44 55 - 64 65+

Australian Bureau of Statistics – 2011 Census Community Profile – Bassendean LGA50350 (LGA)


Community Engagement Process The local community in Bassendean are clearly passionate about the Town Centre revitalisation and have expressed an active interest participating in the planning. As such a comprehensive engagement program has been developed to ensure maximum input by the community (Refer to Appendix 1).

The community engagement program commenced in November 2015, with LandCorp and its partners conducting a community survey that was made available online and at the Bassendean Civic Centre and Library until January 2016. A total of 575 people participated in the survey and responded to questions relating to the current and future use of the specific areas for redevelopment – the Bassendean Oval and two northern sites parallel to Guildford Road in the Town Centre. Refer to Appendix 2 for a map showing the location of the investigation sites.

The next stage of engagement included 247 people from the Bassendean community attending three Forums held on 24th and 27th February and 1st March at the Swan Districts Football Club. The Town of Bassendean, LandCorp and Swan Districts Football Club presented an overview of the project to date and the results from the community survey.

The Forums also enabled the community to meet the project team, provide their insights and participate in interactive workshop sessions to identify key project considerations. Questions from the community were also collected on notice, as well as at the Town’s library for residents who couldn’t attend the Forums, and responses are available on the LandCorp website, and Library.

A key feature of the Community Engagement program is the establishment of a Community Working Group. This group will play a key role in ensuring the views of the community are reflected in the future planning. In addition, the project team are exploring alternative ways to engage more youth and the indigenous community, as recommended at the Community Forums.

The following sections are a summary of the results from the community survey and feedback collected during the Forums as well as other correspondence received from the community after the forums, which has also been included within this summary.


(Full results of the Survey are available on request from the Town of Bassendean’s Customer Service Centre or via www.landcorp.com.au/bassendean)

The majority of the participants were between 30-59 years of age, live within the Town of Bassendean and have been part of the community for over 10 years. As a group, most participants are married with children and reside within a detached home.

Generally the participants support a more diverse range of housing options for the Town Centre, however would prefer town houses over apartments, aged care residences and affordable housing within the proposed redevelopment areas.

Overall there was a positive response to the potential benefits the redevelopment of the identified sites could bring to the Town Centre and surrounds. More participants agreed that the redevelopment will provide additional housing choices, create job opportunities, expand business,bring economic growth to Bassendean and improve underutilised areas however more people disagreed that the redevelopment would enhance Bassendean as a better place to live and provide additional interesting attractions to visit.

46 per cent of participants agreed that the new residential apartments located along Old Perth Road add positively to the area and 28 percent do not like them. A number of people were dissatisfied with the design of the buildings noting that the buildings “don’t fit with the old style of Bassendean”, “…is out of place in a commercial area which should have been developed to attract visitors…”, and “…add vibrancy but they are ugly”.

Community Survey The survey asked participants to indicate what facilities and/or services that they would be happy to see more of in the Town Centre. The top 10 answers include:

PARKS

ENTERTAINMENT ARTWORKS

RESIDENTIAL PREMISES

RESTAURANTS/CAFES

SPORTS FACILITIES

SHOPPING FACILITIES

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

RETIREMENT AGED CARE FACILITIES

EASE OF PEDESTRIAN ACCESS CONNECTIVITY TO BASSENDEAN TRAIN STATION

01

04 06

08

02

05

07 09

10

03

Other suggestions and comments provided include:

• Older colonial style;

• Old Perth Road upgrades to appearance;

• Increase open space / pocket parks / water playgrounds;

• Park seating;

• Acknowledge traditional owners;

• Address safety concerns and crime;

• Increase environmental building practices; and

• Include places for live music venues.

“I believe the style of the buildings should be in keeping with the overall nature of Bassendean”

“These sites have importance in the Aboriginal community, they should be asked for their opinion/desires early in the process”

“Old Perth road has a lot of history and buildings should be built no higher than 3 storeys such as in Royal Street, East Perth”

“Buildings to act as buffer for noise and pollution to Old Perth Road”


Bassendean Oval

In relation to redevelopment of the Bassendean Oval, the results indicate that the participants use the oval on a regular basis, but there is opportunity to increase the consistency and variation of use of the space.

Although 35 per cent of the participants said that they do not use the oval at all, it is used often by 49 per cent of people on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. The oval is currently mostly used by participants to watch the Swan Districts Football Club games (250 people), engaging in recreational sports/hobbies (109 people), and walking the dog (106 people).

65 per cent of the participants indicated a desire to maintain historical elements of the Bassendean Oval if the use was changed. The key elements included maintaining the oval gates, grandstands and historic façade, flower gardens, trees and the public access to open space.

BASSENDEAN OVAL FREQUENCY OF USE (%)

BASSENDEAN OVAL CURRENT USES (NO. OF PEOPLE)

11%

68

71

27 109

250

106PARKING

DAILY MONTHLYWEEKLY WEEKLY NOT AT ALL

OTHER

DOG WALKING

PICNICS, FAMILY GATHERINGS

ENGAGING IN RECREATIONAL SPORTS HOBBIES

WATCHING SWAN DISTRICTS FOOTBALL CLUB GAMES

19% 19% 17% 35%

Other Redevelopment Opportunities

Participants indicated other land and/or buildings within the Town Centre they considered should be considered for redevelopment. These locations included:

• Bassendean Council Chambers, Community Hall and associated land;

• Newly developed (moved) War Memorial area;

• Old Fire Station;

• Bassendean Hotel surrounding area (currently for sale);

• Guildford Road end of Bassendean and shopfronts on the eastern side of Old Perth Road; and

• Sandy Beach Reserve.

“Save the trees” “The Bassendean logo is a tree”

“In the town centre you want vibrancy and positive social interaction – merge the need for high density living with creating a very socially healthy environment”


NORTHERN TOWN CENTRE SITESFREQUENCY OF USE (%)

NORTHERN TOWN CENTRE SITESCURRENT USES (NO. OF PEOPLE)

Northern Town Centre Sites

The two Town Centre sites are positioned parallel to Guildford Road and bookend the War Memorial and public open space. These sites currently include the Bassendean Tennis Club with public tennis courts, a portion of the Bassendean Bowls Club, grassed public areas and car parks. It is therefore not surprising that the use by the public of these areas reflects the purpose of these facilities. The top uses for these sites by the participants include: engaging in recreational sports/hobbies (173 people); visiting the memorial (161 people), Parking (153 people) and walking the dog (138 people).

Participants mostly visit these areas on a weekly basis (24 per cent) but there are also regular daily and monthly visits. Almost a third of participants have no reason to visit the areas. It is important to note, that the locality to the Bassendean Train Station may be influencing the frequency and use of these sites.

54 per cent of participants would like to: maintain the public realm (trees, streetscape and barbeques), maintain access to recreation/play areas, historic croquet/tennis club building, tennis courts and Bowling Green, war memorial, parking, and outdoor cinema. A desire to re-establish public swimming pools in the area was also noted.

In addition to this, participants were asked their opinion on co-locating sporting facilities (inpartiular, the tennis courts) within the Bassendean Oval. The opinion on relocation was split with 36 per cent of participants agreeing, 32 per cent disagreeing and 32 per cent not feeling strongly either way.

19%

153

94

90

17375

27 111

59 161

110

138PARKING

DAILY MONTHLYWEEKLY WEEKLY NOT AT ALL

OTHER

DOG WALKING

PICNICS, FAMILY GATHERINGS

ENGAGING IN RECREATIONAL SPORTS HOBBIES

ACCESSING LOCAL TRANSPORT

ACCESSING PLACE OF WORK

ACCESSING COUNCIL SERVICES

PLAYING BOWLS

VISITING THE MEMORIAL

PLAYING TENNIS

24% 19% 10% 28%


The presentations and the interactive workshops were consistently facilitated at each of the three community forums, to ensure participants were presented with the same information and provided with the same opportunities to provide their input.

Community engagement boards were also made available in both the Twon of Bassendean’s Library and Civic Buildings for two weeks, to capture information from community members who were unable to attend the forums.

Below is a summary of the feedback received across all the forums.

Community Forums – Outcomes


Blue Sky Thinking The Forum participants were asked to tell us their Big Ideas for Bassendean. Many of these suggestions were also identified through the interactive workshop discussions. The suggestions included:

Aspirations for Bassendean, as identified by Forum participants included:

• Develop one overall vision for a vibrant future Bassendean – we don’t have one;

• Create a model for respecting community, heritage and environment while increasing density. Think creatively;

• Modern metropolis with attractive facilities;

• Bassendean treasures its past (i.e. its history, village etc.) but chooses to stay with the evolving needs of population growth and be a vibrant, modern community - preserve history and culture of town;

• Bassendean lives up to the symbol on the Town of Bassendean and we value green shaded community spaces for people to meet, rest and play - A desirable, shady, environmentally friendly, family friendly suburb;

• Well serviced with trains and stations – easy access to CBD;

• Lots of mature trees. A sense of community. The river and environment; and

• Create a ‘centre piece’ Town Centre, the hub of our community, main road closed to traffic, cafes, bars

• But not at the expense of public open space and sporting grounds.

• Basso Oval is not the traditional Town Centre.

Participants identified a number of alternative development sites, which could be investigated:

• Old Perth Road – housing / apartments

• Ashfield Reserve - housing / apartments

• Ashfield parking at Railway Parade (near Station)

• Railway southern car park – apartments/housing/parking

• Move the war memorial to the oval and develop the memorial site

• Retain the oval and add a public park near the Bassendean Shopping Centre so people can eat there

• Develop car yard site next to Whitfield for Apartments

• Purchase land for redevelopment

• Adjacent to Bassendean Hotel

• St Michaels and Council jointly purchase playground for the school on the BIC reserve

• Redevelop Council Buildings

• Develop Council Offices and Halls into apartments.

• Cyril Jackson – higher density living options on under-utilized / poorly managed space

• Consider land swaps to ensure better/ more efficient utilization (Ashfield)

• Appoint a redevelopment authority to regenerate the whole of the Town Centre


There was overwhelming support to focus development along Old Perth Road:

• Put the ‘town centre’ in the Town Centre. Old Perth Rd! That is our Town Centre – our ‘high street’ from train station to James Street

• Compulsory acquisition and redevelop (Old Perth Road)

• Develop / enhance Old Perth Road

• High rise development at the top end of Old Perth Road (retain/upgrade facades)

• Make Old Perth Road into a vibrant built environment rather than use public open space – get rid of old buildings

• Attain existing aged Old Perth Road retailers. Build residences behind them vs beautify existing

• Redevelop land adjacent to the Hotel and the car yard on Old Perth Road.

BIC Reserve:

• St Michaels and Council jointly purchase playground for the school on the BIC reserve

• Develop BIC into Culture Centre

• Do not develop existing green space with apartments

• Please look at the Ashfield playing fields instead of the BIC Reserve

• Develop Council Chambers rather than BIC reserve

• Leave the open space around the tennis courts and enhance this area into something akin to Busselton foreshore

• Tennis / Bowling Club

• The bowling club needs all 3 greens for competitions.

• Leave bowling club – shift tennis to Alf Faulkner Hall.

• Sporting precinct (tennis and bowling) for Basso Oval is great!

• We need a bigger / stronger tennis club for all the extra residents.

• Leverage Tennis Club as a year-around sport for community engagement.

• Move skate park to BIC and develop this area to an extensive recreational space.

POS / Sport and Recreation:

• Strategic review of Public Open Space around the Town Centre, including north of the rail line

• Right of ways – consider strategies to better use this land

• Reclaim river corridor for river access

• Don’t develop public open space – redevelop Old Perth Road

• Outdoor multi-use concert space

• Kids water play area

• One shared facility at Jubilee Reserve (Eden Hill)

• Develop a comprehensive community facilities plan before placing new housing in town

• Maintain the skate park and upgrade the Youth Centre.

Swan Districts Oval:

• There were conflicting views in relation to housing developments on the oval

• Develop land around the oval

• No apartments/houses on Basso Oval

• Only build apartment blocks on SW corner of oval

• Open the oval so our kids can play there - our kids play footy, cricket in the street because they have NO access

• Proper facilities for football.

A community that is sustainable, environmentally friendly and interactive for all:

• Bike and pedestrian friendly - better public transport

• With all additional dwellings, what increases in other services have been flagged?

• Balance between density of population and facilities

• Improve the amenities for many more people in the town

• Upgrade child health nurse facilities (include toy and clothes swap)

• More creative and cultural spaces

• Name streets in Noongar language

• Interpretive way finding and signage.

There were also a number of suggestions to improve access and connections, preserve open spaces (and trees), which are summarised in detail, later in this document.


Community forum participants were asked to tell us what is most special and unique about Bassendean. The responses are reflected in the word cloud below, with the most common responses reflected in larger, bolder fonts.

Encapsulating Bassendean’s Character

STRONG COMMUNITY SPIRIT• Friendly - people say ‘hello’ to each other

• Balanced with mixed age profile and income levels

• Culturally diverse

• Passion and pride in place

• Family friendly

• Active artistic community

HERITAGE AND HISTORY• We respect our place’s history, and embrace

change

• Community purchased land and donate it to the town

• Old world charm

• Railway heritage

• Indigenous history

• Colonial history and heritage houses

COUNTRY VILLAGE FEEL• Relaxed lifestyle

• Lots of heritage with an established community

• Village atmosphere

• Walkable

• Easy to ride around the streets

ENVIRONMENT AND LOCATION• Large mature trees

• Open spaces

• Close to the river

• Natural and not manicured

• Feeling of space

• Close to the City and Swan River

• Outdoor activities for all ages

The key themes in this discussion include:


Project Themes During the Forums, workshop sessions were undertaken with the community participants to identify opportunities, constraints and experiences for each of the following themes:

• Environment, Open Space and Landscape

• Community, Heritage and Culture

• Buildings and Architecture

• Transport, Access and Parking

• Activation and Uses

The outcomes of these discussions are summarised below.

Environment, Open Space And Landscape Public open space and green areas within the Town Centre is highly valued by the Bassendean community. Within each Forum there was a balance of views, between preserving and retaining the existing public open space (in particular the BIC Reserve), through to a desire for a complete re-design of the broader activity area to improve how the public may interact and use various spaces.

The following environment, open space and landscape themes were common discussion across all community forums.

1. Improve public open spaces through planning for multi-purpose and interactive uses• Plan to better utilise all open spaces, not just

BIC Reserve, and include more community barbecues, playgrounds, exercise equipment and bike racks

• Improve access to the oval area and facilities in BIC Reserve (playground area), with noting the potential increase in vandalism

• Include universal access playgrounds

• Improve safety through passive surveillance of open space and Swan River foreshore

• Include places/spaces for school children to play and participate in sporting activities (i.e. cricket nets)

• Add urban park hanging gardens

• Keep the ‘green’ throughout the areas

• Improve the community facilities in parks as they are currently neglected and could be better maintained

• Green corridor between Town Centre and river – not an avenue but natural, bush feel

• Underground power lines so can increase trees

• Develop/retain shaded walking paths to keep ‘feel’ of Bassendean

• Trees – lots of shady streetscapes:• Retention / increase overall green space

• Please plant 2-3 trees together – support each other in shade much more effectively.

• Move trees to offset infill.

2. Green space, trees and the natural environment are very important to the community and Town Centre identity• Do not lose the trees, rather preserve and

increase the green space

• Keep or increase the shade canopy

• Retain mature trees to reduce the ‘Urban Heat Island Effect’ in the town

• Increase and encourage walking opportunities by adding shade along footpaths

• Retention of same type of trees and Australian natives

• Build laws (policy) to incorporate retaining trees rather than cutting them down

• Protect the bird life, ecosystem, and environmental assets such as the trees around the Old Perth Road Oval, which is full of wildlife

• Relocate rather than remove the trees around the Bassendean Oval.

• Australian country feel

• Spacious village design with wide verges (not overcrowded or suburban feel)

As part of this conversation, it was proposed that a number of ‘green’ corridors that connect the Town Centre with surrounding areas would link:

• the Town Centre and river through the connection of heritage buildings on Surrey Street and the Pensioner Guard Cottage;

• the length of Old Perth Road to the Swan River at Point Reserve; and

• the Bassendean Swan River Precinct with trees that support an urban forest habitat for native species.


3. Ease of access to the Town Centre, movement around, and connectivity to neighbouring areas is important

• Bring back the pedestrian bridge to the train station

• Include cycle ways through town

• Improve the freedom of movement between the areas of success Hill, Point Reserve, Sandy Beach, Ashfield Flats

• Improve the poor access between north of railway and the BIC Reserve/Oval

• Evaluate any parking or traffic implications well.

For further consideration

Some participants were supportive of development within Town Centre sites, including pockets of high density, however reflected that a range of considerations were important. These included:

• The community benefit offsets in return for a loss of public space;

• The location - high density is supported in certain ‘grey’ areas (i.e. Old Perth Road and Guildford Road);

• Higher density needs to support the local culture and public activities (e.g. cafes, restaurants) but also maintain access to public open space for the new residents is also important;

• Land testing may be required (on the BIC Reserve);

• Respect for current place and natural environment including wildlife;

• Consider the interface between high density residential and sports/events at adjoining venues. The community would not support high density residential if it reduces the potential for larger scale events, festivals and community gatherings within the surrounding area in the longer term;

• Enhance recognisable heritage red brick and building design;

• Old Perth Road that has significant heritage (buildings are run-down need repair); and

• Maintain local primary schools in the centre of town, including St Michaels and the Montessori school.

Community, Heritage And CultureRetaining the Bassendean Town Centre’s character is important for residents. It is the Town Centre’s interconnectedness and sense of community that makes it unique and identifiable as part of their ‘Basso village lifestyle’. High value is placed on the community’s relationship to the Town Centre as a shared local place, as well as the shared experiences felt by all when visiting. It is therefore not surprising that the following themes of community connectedness, culture and heritage were shared across the three forums.

1. Public space and streets connect the community

• People desire to live in a beautiful heritage area

• We want safe streets

• Strong community connectedness

• Open space for school kids is important - BIC reserve was bequeathed to the community and is used by students

• Retain our country town feel, which essentially comes from our green public open space

• Retain heritage

• Remove fencing from the football oval so it is open for all people to use

• Retain feel of Old Perth Road

• Diversify the mix of retail outlets with more unique cafés, restaurants, clothing stores (less service based businesses and chains).

2. Forum participants would like to see more public facilities, infrastructure and services, in particular:• Facilities for young people and growth with

community pride;

• More things to connect the existing skate park;

• Affordable accommodation for aged care;

• Redevelop the council buildings for improved usage of the land;

• Kids water play area;

• Public swimming pool;

• Outdoor multi-use concert space;

• Upgrade child health nurse facilities with play space that includes toy and clothes swap;

• Maintain the Skate Park and upgrade the Bassendean Youth Centre;

• Diversity of public attractions;

• Parking for visitors and locals;


• One shared facility at Jubilee Reserve;

• More schools (High Schools); and

• Youth services and support.

3. Culture and heritage is the at the core of the Town Centre

The Bassendean Town Centre has a rich cultural heritage that forum participants would like to retain. Any redevelopment to areas within the Town Centre therefore must consider and respect this. The definition of culture for Bassendean is about acknowledging the place’s legacy through its relationship to the Indigenous Noongar people, the early settlers of the Town Centre, the relaxed lifestyle and natural connection to surrounding Swan River environment.

Key elements that the community would like to retain and respect include:

• The Swan District Football Club House and associated heritage elements (including the Success Hill soil used in spectator bund, entry gates, rose gardens and grandstands);

• Tennis club buildings that are over 100 years old;

• Indigenous history on the land and presence within the community;

• War memorial;

• BIC Reserve’s 100 year old trees;

• Significant character buildings and landmarks;

• 1934 Ladies of Bassendean

• Markets, outdoor cinema, food markets;

• Youth culture and local young people;

• Public open space; and

• The Old Fire Station.

The community would like to see the heritage and culture represented and integrated through:

• Public artworks (in particular by local Aboriginal, youth and professional artists);

• Interpretive signing / wayfinding;

• Naming of public spaces/streets in Noongar language

• Selection of materials;

• Landscapes;

• Building design and integration within the existing Town Centre;

• Use of the land and buildings;

• Activation and events (including cultural, NAIDOC celebrations, recreation and music festivals); and

• Creative and cultural spaces.


The conversations around retaining the Town Centre’s heritage, culture and community connection included a diverse range of views. As such the following items require further discussion and consideration.

• The BIC Reserve was gifted to the Town of Bassendean for exclusive community use, and redevelopment of this land for private use will be controversial

• Perception that loss of land may mean loss of trees

• The community is close and communication about the redevelopment and research needs to be improved

• The land is significant and local Indigenous people should be engaged in the early stages of planning

• Engagement with youth and a focus on youth in the area is needed

• Diversity of retail and office use is important to keep the community feel to the Town Centre

• New War Memorial – should it be relocated or leave in the existing location

• Tennis Club and courts – should it be relocated or remaining in the existing location

• Housing Density - the community is concerned about what impact an increase in the supply of housing will have on housing affordability, and on parking and traffic congestion:

• Lower income access to housing

• Are current population projections still valid?

• We have an over-supply at the moment people can’t afford to buy

• Increased traffic / parking issues


Buildings And Architecture Participants were supportive of increased density and height at appropriate locations within the Town Centre, however they would like high environmental sustainability standards to be required and the architectural style to fit with the Town Centre. It was commented that all stakeholders should have value added benefits for the redevelopment of the sites such as improved parks. Key areas for consideration include:

Diversify built form design

• Maintain high building environmental standards:

• Height and setback ratio to allow for more space and airflow

• Buildings must incorporate parking

• Ensure sewage access

• Sustainable living roofs

• Roof gardens to reduce reflected heat

• Grey water recycling for storm water usage

• Cross flow ventilation

• Double glazing on windows

• Solar / Green design

• Ensure building heights reflect the location and existing infrastructure:

• Low height covering more space along Old Perth Road

• High style use less of land space (i.e. BIC Reserve 10-12-15 storeys)

• More open spaces with higher heights, including more parking

• Other places medium height (three to five storeys)

• Set Backs:

• Trees preserved

• 1st storey parking

• Support social spaces for street users

• Awnings and weather protection for pedestrians

• Wilson Street buildings:

• First storey public parking

• Second storey private parking

• Development five storeys above, i.e. seven storey.

Street aesthetics and character

Aesthetics and character of the built environment were also raised as an important consideration for the redevelopment areas. Feedback included:

• No concrete, stone or compressed timber is used in buildings;

• Avoid buildings that are ‘square blocks’;

• No ‘Tuscan style’ – include verandahs and eaves to add a diversity of style;

• Use existing façades and built up behind;

• Building design that will age well in their environment (e.g. Claisebrook townhouses);

• Pedestrian/human scale;

• Town houses rather than tall apartment buildings;

• Building design that complements Bassendean’s current style:

• Old Suburb

• Traditional style 1930

• 1960 bungalows

• West Guildford style;

• Buildings that are double faced with nice aesthetics from all angles; and

• Attractive windows and dado lines; and

• Facades and build red orange brick and modern design behind.

Built form responds to use

A range of other built form issues were highlighted, with respect to product mix and broader community benefit, including:

• Preference for cafés, and no chain retailers;

• Increase aged care accommodation;

• Conglomerate local sporting clubs together to make more efficient use of club functions and amenities i.e. gym, medical, physical therapy;

• Underground car parks; and

• Manage the interface of new buildings adjacent to the BIC Reserve and recreational sport.


Old Perth Road

Although not included within the redevelopment zones, improving Old Perth Road was consistently highlighted as a high priority, given the street frontages reflect strong local character and are a focal point for the local community. Forum discussions included re-creating Old Perth Road as a ‘high street’ from the Train Station to James Street. Maylands’ Eighth Avenue was cited as a good example of combining heritage façade, retail uses and high-rise built form. The Bassendean high street would:

• Possess old character with restored buildings and retained landmarks;

• Include an IGA in the Town Centre near the Bassendean Train Station; and

• Have refurbished existing Old Perth Road business.

Governance / Planning Controls

Forum participants raised a number of concerns in relation to on-going governance, to ensure outcomes are achieved. Some of these issues included:

• Manage ‘zoning creep’

• Maintaining high environmental standards

• Lack of confidence in Council’s ability to get things done

• Current zoning plan is already being changed in response to developer’s wishes to planning in the future? What certainty is there about adhering to planning in the future?

• Does Town of Bassendean have an architectural advisory committee?

• Town of Bassendean’s Council budget – action on recreation/ playground/ picnic areas have not been actioned on – only promised.


Aligned with feedback from the Community Survey, forum participants were also keen to explore other areas which provide scope for redevelopment, outside of the project area, such as:

• Develop on infill already built sites along Old Perth Road near the Bassendean Hotel

• Old car yard

• Town of Bassendean council building

• Higher developments over the railway station;

• Explore development sites north of the train line;

• Redevelop the Council land / Bassendean hotel and Palmerston;

• Fire station, vacant land and TAB;

• Ashfield Reserve opposite the Ashfield Station;

• Reduce the rail reserve on North and South side to allow for development and commercial activity;

• Development of a shopping centre on Mylen Drive and Ivanhoe; and

• Development of the Bassendean Hotel and carpark behind.


Transport, Access And Parking There were several community concerns about accessibility, transport and parking within the Bassendean Town Centre. A number of these issues are relevant for the overall use of the Town Centre, and need to be acknowledged within the planning for the redevelopment of the sites identified.

1. Improve access and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists

• Create bicycle and pedestrian corridors (preferential pathways)

• Improve and add more footpaths (including access considerations for people with disabilities, the elderly and mothers)

• Improve shade along footpaths

• Build bike path along river trail and connect it to Town Centre

• Fix the existing block paved paths for improved disability access

• Add dual cycling paths / designated cycle paths

• Ensure slopes improved from 7:1 to 14:1 to comply with standards

• Add in town bike facilities and security (bike lockers)

• Walking school bus

• Footpath around exterior of the football ground

• Improve pedestrian safety:

• Safer crossings for Guildford Road from the Town Centre to Bassendean Train Station and Success Hill Station (Pedestrian overpass or underpass)

• Pedestrian crossing mobility for schools

• Safer journey for pedestrians throughout the Town Centre

• Improved street pedestrian access from the Bassendean Shopping Centre to the Football Oval

• Slower change of traffic signals to prioritise pedestrian’s crossing.

• Add in a third gate north-west of the Football Oval

• Improved access to sporting and recreational areas for the elderly and young that usually walk

• Link the Bassendean Shopping Centre with Lamb Street and Success Hill over railway station

• Improve walking traffic links between tennis club and bowling club

• Make river accessible and include in all planning

• Add emergency phones around the train stations and public transport areas

• Improve lighting around train stations, Success Hill and Swan River pathways

• More seating everywhere

• Consider disability access to all buildings and public toilets

• Improve pedestrian connections between North and South Basso. Hard to walk!

• Lord and Guildford Road intersection hard to walk and cycle across – improve!

2. Improve public transport facilities The close proximity of three train stations (Ashfield, Bassendean and Success Hill) within the Town of Bassendean are a key asset of the Town Centre and provide significant lifestyle benefits to the community on a daily basis. Forum feedback suggested the following public transport aspects could be improved:

• Improve pedestrian access to Bassendean Station and ensure lifts in working order;

• Bassendean Train Station security;

• Lord Street doubled/bus terminus;

• Redesign Bus routes e.g. re-route bus 55 to oval during football season;

• Centralised activity centres might encourage better use of public transport;

• Longer platform Lord Street access;

• Add ‘kiss n ride’ at the three stations;

• Upgrade Ashfield Station and Success Hill Station (including parking);

• Add footbridge from Old Perth Road to Bassendean Train Station; and

• Public transport activities are currently inadequate at peak hour, with additional population it will fail.


3. Manage the traffic in and around the Town Centre

A Traffic Management Study was requested to be undertaken for the Town Centre, to provide a holistic overview of traffic/ transport issues such as:

• Traffic flows outside of the Town Centre area;

• Traffic congestion along Guildford Road:

• Crossing the road is dangerous

• Improve access to the roundabout Old Perth Rd/Guildford Rd

• Bassendean Shopping Centre (West Road),

• Road orientation at Guildford Road,

• West Road/Lord Street lights

• Guildford Bridge upgrade – traffic flow

• Re-route Guildford Road

• Access out of Thomson Road

• Reinstate control arrow West & Guildford (for Thompson Rd access)

• West Road – Lord Street and Guildford Rd

• North Road and Guildford Road;

• Review congestion on Hamilton Street with the school and bowling club and Aegis Bassendean.

• Keep Hamilton Street safe by not opening up (at school end)

• Shopping Centre accessibility is poor and potentially dangerous;

• Support bike paths – road markings;

• Lower traffic speed needed; and

• Lack of pass over rail line Lord Street and Collier Road (lots of space between).

4. ParkingFeedback highlighted that it is important to provide easy access to parking in the Town Centre, and expressed concerns that increasing the residential population may increase traffic movement and parking access for the broader community.

• Current inadequate parking in the Town Centre:

• Bassendean Shopping Centre parking is congested

• Current free parking for the Bassendean train station on the train side needs to remain or replaced

• Lack of car parking options:

• At the North side of Guildford Road

• Multi storey car park on the current SDFC car park

• Use land behind the small shopping centre on Old Perth Road

• Look at more opportunities along Old Perth Road instead of using public open space

• Include innovative parking solutions:

• Smaller zone street design

• Embayment, porous paving and stormwater

• Building setbacks and street design (smaller zone)

• New buildings to include off street parking and underground parking.


Activation And Uses Several uses for the redevelopment sites were identified, generally focusing on the uses of commercial/office, residential, community facilities, education, cultural and recreational/sport. It is important to note that in one of the forums, a participant communicated that it should not be assumed that passive use of a public area is not a “use”.

The following comments about uses of the redevelopment areas were noted in the discussions:

• Walking songlines to be increased, benches and info brochures to include Success Hill (housing there);

• Design a space for recreation, events, culture and arts and public open space (cross-utilisation) e.g. similar to Maylands;

• Use existing areas zoned for residential for high rise development e.g. between Guildford Road and rail to Success Hill Station;

• Office space

• 9-5 actuation – connection and availability

• Employment recognising higher educated demographic including State Government and co-op space

• Encourages retail growth (cafés and restaurants)

• Shared parking;

• Strategically placed sports facilities and public activity areas that are integrated with the natural environment;

• Creative industries or cultural space;

• Activity that spills into the streets;

• Active streets not just for cars;

• Small community business rentals where the Town of Bassendean owns the building and rents out to community groups;

• Commercial space along Old Perth Road;

• More medical facilities to accommodate for increase of population in the Town Centre;

• Indoor recreation facility;

• Ensure that money from the redevelopment of the land will flow through to the local community and organisations;

• Mixed-use spaces; and

• More facilities provided that focus on education, daycare, entertainment and medical services.

Bassendean Oval use

• Use should be recreational not housing on Bassendean Oval;

• Concentrate the recreation zoning;

• Consider effects of parking and noise concerns; and

• Provide flexible open space fencing (bowling, tennis, football spaces);

• Use the Bassendean Oval and Swan Districts Football Club facilities for community event/concerts/jazz club;

• Sports medical facilities;

• Child/day care centre at Bassendean Oval; and

• Retain Bassendean Oval for sporting uses and activities and redevelop area around the tennis court and bowling club – will have less impact as fewer residencies.

BIC Reserve and Car Park use

• School and educational play spaces retained for St Michaels and Casa Montessori;

• Less programmed space and more natural activation;

• Include an improved ‘recreation centre’ that connects with library and could include Shire Offices; and

• Public swimming pool and increase gym size at the Bassendean Oval.


Activation

Participants would like to see the Town Centre activated in the following ways:

• Include passive and active use of public spaces;

• Move perimeter fence into the oval area and use area for picnic tables, barbeque and seating;

• Sculpture and community arts;

• Increase restaurants and cafés - not food chains as we want local people investing in local businesses;

• Community sporting events;

• More festival and events like Fringe Festival;

• Major events (Skyworks, ANZAC service, community cinema, NAIDOC);

• Manage the interface between sports clubs, and local residents disturb residents;

• Involve the community in planning events and activation;

• Broader engagement with other community bodies to benefit from the redevelopment e.g. youth services, aged care and environmental groups;

• Courts for sports hire;

• Activity rooms for community recreation programs;

• Linking green space area and amphitheatre in from of the library;

• Undercover parking areas could be used for winter markets; and

• Bike facilities.


This report provides an overview of the community’s input received via the LandCorp Community Survey and the Community Forums’ held in Bassendean during February/March 2016. In addition, targeted engagement will focus on receiving input from both the youth and indigenous communities.

This information will guide the Community Working Group, Project Steering Group and the Stakeholder Reference Group to develop the Vision and Objectives, and subsequently inform the planning and design process (including the Planning Design Forums), in preparing the draft development concepts over the coming months.

The Community will be invited to provide further input at an evening session of the Planning Design Forum in April, and at the Community Open Day in May 2016.

In the meantime, members of the community who wish to be kept informed as the project progresses are encouraged to register their interest and keep up to date via www.landcorp.com.au/bassendean

Conclusion

APPENDIX 1BASSENDEAN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM

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