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levelcrossings.vic.gov.auAuthorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

SOUTHERN PROGRAM ALLIANCE

CARRUM REVITALISATIONCOMMUNITY AND STAKEHOLDER

FEEDBACK GUIDEJuly 2017

Rethink the space you live in.

Context 02

Consultation outcomes 03

Key outcomes 04

Key considerations 04

Place pillars 05

Key actions 08

What does success look like? 12

Contents

This Guide has been commissioned by the Level Crossing Removal Authority and completed by The Space Agency – an independent consultancy specialising in stakeholder engagement and placemaking.

The Space Agency was engaged as an impartial, external consultant to review and synthesise community feedback for the Carrum Revitalisation and Level Crossing Removal Project tenderers following a series of community engagement activities held in Carrum and online in May/June 2017.

Every effort has been made by the authors of this document to represent accurately community feedback and insights.

All content is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without express written consent of The Space Agency.

Picture opposite – Armstrong Creek West park.

02 | Carrum Revitalisation Community Feedback Guide — July 2017

ContextThis document has been created to further inform the design of the new station precinct and revitalisation of Carrum by providing an overview of community feedback. It specifically relates to the new public space as well as the look and feel of the station and rail-bridge itself.

This document does not provide technical architectural or landscaping information, rather it is intended as a guide for the tendering parties to better understand and appreciate what the community of Carrum would like to see emerge from this project.

The recommendations put forward in this document have resulted from a series of community engagement activities conducted in Carrum and online during May/June 2017. In addition, the Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) has consulted with the City of Kingston and local traders as major stakeholders in the project.

The objectives and outcomes of these engagements are included in the following Consultation outcomes section.

This document has collated community feedback and recommendations in order to establish the following framework. This framework is intended to inform and prioritise decision-making.

Key outcomesFive top-level outcomes intended to underpin decision-making.

Key considerationsSix main recommendations highlighted by the community for careful consideration.

Place pillarsThree guiding vision statements that articulate how the community would like to see the future station precinct as a part of Carrum, including the main design ingredients for achieving this vision.

Key actionsThe top recommendations across five main action areas: the look and feel of the station, landscaping and streetscaping, beach connections, walking and cycling, and community spaces.

The final section of this document includes a snapshot of what a successful design outcome would mean and contribute to Carrum.

Amazing community spaces start here.

Carrum Revitalisation Community Feedback Guide — July 2017 | 03

Consultation outcomesLXRA conducted a series of stakeholder engagement activities in Carrum and online during May/June 2017 in order to gain local insights and community feedback on the plan to revitalise Carrum.

Community feedback is regarded as a valuable addition to the development of positive project outcomes. Employing community insights ensures that the project delivers a place not merely a design. The consultation included two community workshops, a trader breakfast and doorknocks and an online ideas hub.

Through these engagements, we have been able to better understand:

• Carrum’s unique features

• what makes Carrum a great place to live

• what the community would like to see take shape in Carrum

• specific ideas and recommendations on landscaping and streetscaping, community spaces, beach access, walking and cycling connections, and the look and feel of the rail bridge and station.

University Square

The main themes to come out from the engagements were:

Theme Description

Activity How the space will be used.

Aesthetic General comments about the appearance of the area, including use of artwork.

Car parking Placement and number of car parks.

Environment Noise, pollution and the wildlife.

Maintenance The upkeep of the area, including who will be responsible for undertaking and financing the maintenance.

Security The safety and security of the area, children safety, lighting, damage and privacy for surrounding residents.

Transport/movement

This includes public transport, cycling, pedestrian pathways and traffic management.

Vegetation The type of vegetation, size of plants, the amount, and location of vegetation.

General Further comments that did not fit in with the above themes.

Key outcomesThe following represents the ideal design outcomes for Carrum. They are intended to inform and guide decision-making.

Tenderers must address the following outcomes in their submission, in conjunction responding to the Carrum Urban Design Guidelines:

• emphasise the beach and connection to nature

• make it easy for people to get around – connect the beach, river and village

• don’t overshadow Carrum – maintain the area’s character

• provide a diversity of experiences that encourages residents and visitors to interact with the precinct, not just the station

• establish an enduring place that considers the environment, and allows for flexible and evolving community needs.

Key considerationsThese key considerations have been identified by the community and are regarded as important overall recommendations for the design and functionality of the new station precinct and revitalisation of Carrum:

• Visual impact of the station and elevated rail – it is important that the overall aesthetic of the station and elevated rail is in keeping with the area’s character. It is preferred that the visual impact of the station is minimised to this effect.

• Retain the beach look and feel of Carrum – Carrum’s connection to the beach has informed the lifestyle and character of the suburb. It is important that this character is considered and – where possible –incorporated into the design of the station precinct.

• Multi-use of community space – the opportunity to create new community space as part of the revitalisation of Carrum is considered a valuable and necessary addition. Stakeholders would like for new public realm space to be flexible and allow for multiple uses.

• Planting of native trees – stakeholders would like to see native plants and trees used as much as possible in the landscaping of the station precinct. This included tall trees to mask elevated sections and ample vegetation to mask concrete to blend the station into the local area.

• Improved pedestrian connections between beach, station and shop – the Carrum revitalisation initiative is seen as an opportunity to address the lack of connectivity between the beach, station and the area’s retail offering. Improved connections will make it safer and easier for people to access the natural features that make Carrum special and help to enhance the suburb’s village feel and sense of place.

• Increased parking – the provision and configuration of parking is important to stakeholders, however it is important that Carrum is not used simply as a ‘park-and-ride’ spot for commuters. Parking for locals who are looking to access the beach and shops is also an important consideration.


Place pillarsThese place pillars are informed by the key themes and key considerations that emerged from the community consultation. They are intended as guiding statements that articulate the community’s vision for the future of Carrum.

These pillars are:

• a complementary place that celebrates the best of Carrum

• a connected place that brings together the beach, river, village and community of Carrum

• a place for incidental interactions.

A complementary place that celebrates the best of CarrumCarrum is a much-loved suburb with an established character and a strong desire to preserve the qualities that make it great in the eyes of its residents, business owners and visitors. It is important that the new station precinct is a place that complements and enhances this character.

Carrum is quiet, relaxed and peaceful. There is a strong desire for the station to incorporate design features that maintain this character. Noise-reducing barriers, tall, bushy or mature trees that mask elevated sections of rail, as well as abundant vegetation to mask large concrete sections are seen as important additions to help blend the station into the immediate vicinity and make the station precinct feel like it is part of Carrum.

It is a family-friendly place where generations of locals have grown up and where new families have moved to raise their children. Stakeholders would like to see the station incorporate the community-feel of Carrum. This might include placemaking in the form of creative seating and public amenity through to new public space where people can come together and eat, relax or meet-up, or larger format spaces that might be used to host events, markets and festivals.

The proximity to the beach and the natural environment around the Patterson River are regarded by many as qualities that make Carrum a special place. These natural features have influenced the character of the suburb as well as the lifestyle of its people. There is a desire for the station precinct to celebrate and facilitate Carrum’s connection with the beach and river. This might be achieved by the use of natural materials such as wood, or through themed artwork, signage and wayfinding.

Moreover, the area has an important social history, with generations of residents involved in creating this place. Many houses in the area were built by local families whose ancestors were builders, bricklayers and labourers. This heritage is visible in the physical environment and informs the unpretentious and un-assuming character of the suburb.

Ingredients:• mature trees to mask elevated rail sections

• abundant vegetation to mask concrete where possible

• places for people and the community to come together

• use of natural materials to establish ‘Beachside’ look and feel

• themed artwork, signage and wayfinding

• incorporation of historical elements, materials or information.

A connected place that brings together the beach, river, village and community of CarrumCarrum’s geography is informed by the beach and Patterson River however the Nepean Highway and the rail corridor divides the suburb.

The design of the new station precinct should look to facilitate and increase the movement of people in and around the station and allow for greater access to the beach, river and retail 'village'. If this is realised in the design, Carrum will become a more connected and functional place to the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors.

Suggestions to improve pedestrian and cyclist movement around the station might include:

• establishing multiple signalised crossings and beach access points

• separated cycling and pedestrian paths

• improved access to the beach from Patterson River

• improved Pedestrian access from Progress Avenue.

Cyclists and pedestrians might be further supported by:

• improving Old Post Office Lane to be a more enticing and attractive access to the beach

• new facilities for people to secure/store their bikes if they chose to ride into the station

• new signage and wayfinding to help connect the local area.

Participants also wanted to see a better connection with the Surf Life Saving Club, which is an important community anchor.

Improved connectivity is seen as a successful way to transform the station precinct from a thoroughfare into a flexible community space that might include new public amenity and placemaking. Without the addition of pedestrian and cycling features, stakeholders are concerned that new public spaces will be unsafe and difficult to access. Furthermore, these connections are seen

as significant for the local traders along Station Street who need to remain linked to the station and the public space in order to thrive.

Ingredients:• multiple signalised pedestrian

crossings across the Nepean Highway to the beach

• improved connections to the beach

• improved cycling lanes and bicycle storage facilities

• improved signage and wayfinding to help people access and connect with the retail, beach, river and Carrum Surf Life Saving Club

• good lighting throughout the station precinct and along the connections.

Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

Carrum Station should be renamed Carrum Beach Station


A place for incidental interactions The station precinct is an opportunity to create new public realm and spaces for the whole Carrum community. Locals would like to see this space become an active and inviting destination, with flexible spaces that allow for diverse uses and users. More than just a train station, this precinct should become a place where people can come together for markets and events, enjoy sunny days, play games or grab a coffee with friends. This might be achieved by designing a space within the station precinct that is flexible and programmable – similar to a village square or piazza. In this way, Carrum Station might become a place for incidental interactions rather than a place with prescribed activities.

This form of activity was seen as more inclusive and beneficial to the development of a richer sense of place for Carrum. While new sporting facilities (basketball, tennis or skate spaces) and play areas were recommended as possible additions to the public space, people recognised that these features were already provided at the Carrum Roy Dore Reserve. Instead, they wanted to see the public space become an environment that would complement and evolve with Carrum. Suggestions included artwork, native planting, places to listen to music, educational features (such as signs or artworks that shared the history of the area, including the aboriginal history), more seating and creative placemaking (such as playful landscaping instead of kids play equipment).

Within the draft concept plan presented to the community, two areas on the scheme were seen as well suited to this kind of activity: the larger public space that sits across from the retail shops on Station Street and a smaller space near the Progress Avenue beach connection.

For the larger area, participants wanted to see parking configured to allow for a large open public space. At the smaller space, participants wanted to see a green space that connected the precinct with the beach. This space was also seen as the best place to position some active placemaking features such as a skate bowl, basketball court or outdoor fitness equipment. Participants were primarily concerned with how these spaces would be maintained and made safe – highlighting the need for both spaces to be designed in such a way that they were low maintenance, well lit and countered/limited anti-social behaviour.

Ingredients:• multi-use open public space – similar to a piazza or square

• optimised parking to support local traders

• a place that is easy to maintain and hard to vandalise

• artwork and educational installations

• ample lighting for atmosphere as well as for safety

• some active placemaking (basketball courts, skate park, outdoor fitness activities) as long as they are not overbearing.

Key actionsIn the community engagements, participants were asked to provide feedback on five key aspects of the new station proposal: the look and feel of the rail bridge and station, the landscaping and streetscaping of the precinct and public space, how the community could access the beach, walking and cycling connections, as well as the addition of new community space within the precinct.

Their top (most frequent) recommendations have been included below. This section is intended to provide further ideas and suggestions in support of specific locations and place features for overall consideration within the tender response.

Rail bridge and station look and feel• Use colours and materials that reflect the coastal

environment, incorporating them into the design of the station as well as in the placemaking – benches, paving, public space.

• Look to minimise the visual impact of the elevated rail sections and station building as much as possible through sensitive design and the use of panels, screens or vegetation.

• Include ample vegetation or creative design to beautify the underside of the rail bridge and pylons where possible. Include creative lighting under the rail bridge to make this passage more inviting at night.

• Consider how the station design might incentivise walking and cycling – signalised crossings, connected bike and walking paths to beach, river and retail, signage and wayfinding, bicycle storage facilities.

Bottom-left – Seaford Surf Life Saving Club, below – library at the dock.

Opposite page: top – Patterson River, bottom-left – Muriway Surf Life Saving

Club, circle – Royal Alex LRT station.


Landscaping and streetscaping• Use native plants as much as possible throughout the station

precinct. Create a lush and verdant space that is attractive, welcoming and communicates the seaside character of Carrum.

• Ensure that landscaping is easy to maintain. Consider textures and materials that are difficult to vandalise.

• Consider night-time safety and access as well as suitable interventions that limit anti-social behaviour (graffiti, loitering).

• Consider how the space might be used in different seasons. Include within the landscape design features that shelter people from the wind in winter and provide ample shade in summer.

• Use vegetation to reduce the visual impact of the station and elevated rail as much as possible. Use vegetation to create soft edges that blend the new building into the environment.

• Include public/community artwork to bring colour to the space or communicate the area’s heritage.



Beach access• Consider the station precinct as a space that brings the community

closer to the beach and river – making it easier to access and enjoy.

• Improve the streetscaping along Old Post Office Lane and Progress Avenue to create visually engaging and pleasant entry points to the beach. This might be achieved through planting, public art, textured paving or other creative options.

• Create a compelling journey through the new station precinct for those looking to access these connections. Don’t treat the public space as a thoroughfare but as a place to meet friends, enjoy the sunshine and spend time before or after a session at the beach. This might be achieved through improved placemaking and landscaping that carries the beach look and feel.

• Create a connection with the Carrum Surf Life Saving Club. This might be achieved through creative signage and wayfinding, public art, or a dedicated kiosk within the new public space.

Walking and cycling connections• Consider the future station precinct as an integrated transport hub

where walking and cycling are prioritised alongside trains, buses and motor vehicles.

• Link up walking and cycling connections across the precinct in order to unite the shops, beach, river, station and nearby trails into a single, easy experience.

• Incentivise cycling and walking by creating high quality paths and connections that are safe and can be used by all – regardless of age or skill. This might include additional signalised and illuminated crossings.

• Include bicycle storage facilities, integrated bike pumps and water fountains to support cyclists and pedestrians.

• Include creative signage and wayfinding to encourage people to safely move around the precinct.

Community spaces• Consider the new station precinct as a village square or piazza. It needs

to be a flexible and open space that can be used for diverse activities and involve diverse users. Consider how this space might be used for large events such as markets and community festivals.

• Include a number of different formats within the overall design that encourage different users to come together. This might include quiet spaces, more active spaces, meeting spaces and places to have fun.

• Consider how parking might be reconfigured to increase capacity and ensure a large public space.

• Play spaces should consider and allow for all ages. Consider the safety of children in these areas (proximity to roads/cars).

• Include ample and creative lighting to make these spaces safe and inviting. Include colours and textures that make the spaces fun and reduce anti-social behaviour.

• Look to formats and placemaking that creates activity and drive visitation to the retail on Station Street in order to support these local businesses.

Below – Wheaton Square, below-right – Geelong foreshore sculptures, bottom – University Square.

Opposite page: Circle – beach trail Carrum Bowling Club, bottom-left – Australian Garden Cranbourne, bottom-right– Dandenong street lighting.



In 10 year’s time Carrum’s station precinct will be:

• a safer and more inviting place for pedestrians

• a new village square where the whole community can come together

• an active public space with year-round activity that continues to attract more people

• a well maintained and enduring place that connects the beach, river and village

• a vibrant shopping and lifestyle destination

• an integrated hub – with multiple transport connections (train, bus, cycling, walking, motor vehicle).

In 10 years time, visitors will arrive in Carrum to discover an active village square where the whole community has gathered to enjoy a sunny day. Along Station Street is a cluster of thriving retailers serving a delighted crowd beautiful food and wine while others pop into shops to find the kind of curated lifestyle goods reminiscent of seaside villages around the bay.

This hustle and bustle of people overflows into the piazza across the road. People sit under shady trees as the warm summer wind melts the gelatos in their hand. The space is alive with buskers playing music, kids chasing their friends and families unloading their cars of the necessities for a day at the beach.

Reaching over the square like a weathered surf-life saving club this feature has become a statement to Carrum’s love of the beach and the natural environment.

WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?


Walking across to the station building, kids lock up their bike in a colourful storage cage before sprinting off to join their friends outside. The open and airy building captures the best of the summer air and moves it through a mass of passengers waiting to board their train. From atop the platform, a wide panorama of Port Philip bay unfolds to the west.

Stepping back out, a canopy of native trees protects the heads of commuters walking back to their cars. Across from the carpark, an enchanting pocket of green draws in the attention. Only a stone’s throw away from the loud piazza and yet seemingly a world apart, this quiet pocket is home to a beautiful mural celebrating Carrum’s indigenous history. The artwork guides you along a path to Progress Avenue where groups of beach-goers can be seen washing their sandy feet in the fountains that dot this leafy strip. Looking down to Eel Race Road, the verdant greenery continues to fold over the top of the rail lines creating the illusion of thick scrub nestled in serene suburbia.

Top – Birangaroo embankments, opposite – Brisbane City Cat terminal.

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