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2.9 RESPONSE TO PETITION: CAR PARKING AT KEL PELL TENNIS PAVILION, BARNARD STREET, BENDIGO

Document Information

Author/ Lincoln Fitzgerald, Acting Manager RecreationResponsibleDirector Pauline Gordon, Director Community Wellbeing

Summary/Purpose

The purpose of this report is to provide a response to the petition presented to Council at its meeting on November 30, 2011 regarding an issue with parking for the mid-week tennis players utilising the Kel Pell Tennis Pavilion, Barnard Street, Bendigo.

Policy Context

Council Plan Reference: Built and Natural Environment

Strategy Reference: 1.7 Develop and enhance public places, open spaces and recreation facilities to meet community needs.1.7.2 Complete planning documentation for Spring Gully corridor.

Council Policy Reference: Plan for and develop additional recreation facilities for recreational networks.

There is currently no endorsed site specific Master Plan for this facility.

Background Information

The petition received is outlined below:

"I am writing to you requesting consideration be given to us, the undersigned members participating in midweek tennis competition, permission to park on the land beside the Kel Pell Pavilion because of the lack of available parking around and near the Barnard Street lawn courts.

We are only there from approximately 9.15am-12.30pm on Wednesdays and 9.15am-2.30pm on Thursdays. We have noticed in the past when Country Week Bowls are on, they are allowed to park there

We are hoping you will give our request favourable consideration".

Signatures - 89

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Report

The Kel Pell Pavilion is located on Barnard Street, Bendigo. This facility is situated within one of the City’s most central and high profile sporting precincts.

Within the precinct are a host of State, National and International standard sporting facilities which attract large crowds of spectators and athletes of all abilities ranging from beginner to elite.

The precinct is also surrounded by other key community infrastructure including the Bendigo Hospital, Rosalind Park, Bendigo Senior Secondary College and the new Theatre currently being developed in partnership with the Department of Education.

Given the high profile and importance of this precinct, the City is currently in the process of developing a master plan which encompasses the area from the Capital Theatre / Queen Elizabeth Oval through to Tom Flood Cycling Track and Rosalind Park. This scope will include the Kel Pell pavilion. A clear outcome of initial planning for this project has been consideration of parking for the precinct both currently and into the future.

Car parking for this precinct extends beyond the needs of the tennis club users to include major events such as the Bendigo Football and Netball League finals or the Bendigo International Madison at Tom Flood Cycling Track.

The petition submitted requests parking be allowed on the grassed area adjacent the Kel Pell pavilion. This area is currently cordoned off with bollards in order to maintain a suitable standard of landscape amenity around the pavilion. This area is not formalised to support efficient or safe car parking.

There are a number of car parking options available to users of this precinct within walking distance of this facility. This includes the car parking parallel to Barnard Street, within Tom Flood reserve and along Park Road.

The Kel Pell pavilion has a pick up / drop off area which is available for users and visitors to the site. This area is accessed from the Barnard Street car parking area.

While parking adjacent the pavilion may be convenient for users of this active sporting facility, thorough planning for the future of the site is recommended to be undertaken.

Priority/Importance:

Development of infrastructure within one of the City’s most high profile precincts would ideally be supported by a long term plan for the precinct in order to minimise risk of duplication, functional layout problems and minimise capital outlay.

Risk Analysis:

The development of a car park requires adequate planning to ensure safety of the public and access and egress of vehicles is sufficient. To date, no formal planning has been undertaken to ensure public safety and compliance with regulations.

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No formal design has been undertaken for this site, vegetation removal, compaction, erosion control issues have not been considered as part of the proposal.

Consultation with other stakeholders within this precinct has not been undertaken. The development of car parking within land designated for public parkland and recreation purposes without consultation could pose a risk to Council’s reputation for engaging with the community.

Consultation/Communication

There are different points of view expressed within the community relating to the use, development and preservation of this precinct. Currently no plan for the site has been developed with input from all stakeholders and the community. An outcome of the master plan will be to develop a thorough planned approach to the future development and management of the area.

No consultation on this parking proposal has been undertaken with other interest groups.

Conclusion

The midweek tennis players utilising Kel Pell pavilion have submitted a petition including 89 signatures seeking permission to utilise the area surrounding the pavilion for car parking.

The City is currently in the process of developing a Master Plan for the precinct surrounding and including this area. The master plan will include consideration of car parking for the current and future uses of the area including major events and facilities.

Kel Pell pavilion is located on a highly visible site and there are differing opinions relating to the use, development, protection and management of the area. To date, consultation with key stakeholders has not been undertaken relating to this proposal.

If use of this area were to be allowed, works would be required to formalise the area for use by vehicles and to ensure public safety.

Resource Implications

Budget Allocation in the Current Financial Year:

There is currently no financial allocation for the development of car parking at this site.

Projected costs for future financial years:

The master plan for this precinct will include an assessment of parking needs and any capital investment required.

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Any ongoing recurrent expenditure required:

If informal car parking were allowed at the site, there may be funding required for the purposes of maintaining the surface to a suitable standard for this purpose and to minimise any impact on the surrounding area.

Attachments

Nil

RECOMMENDATION

That Council resolve:

1. not to allow parking adjacent the Kel Pell pavilion.

2. to engage with the midweek tennis players in the development of the master plan for this precinct.

3. receive a further report following development of the master plan which provides direction in relation to car parking for the precinct.

4. advise the contact listed on the petition of Council’s decision.

RESOLUTION

Moved Cr Reade, Seconded Cr Campbell.

That the recommendation be adopted.

CARRIED