Liveability - Reports
Ordinary Meeting - 18 December 2013
The Code needs to consider some new design treatments for furniture and fittings (including barriers) to give more alternative and attractive design options, as more options are available on the market. The team has also identified the following points which were considered as a part of the review and conducted consultation with internal and external stakeholders on the issues:Barriers in the Mall Umbrellas Blinds/weather treatments Barriers Display of goods Advertising Furniture supply – opportunities to improve standards and facilitated Use of flags/advertising Busking Benchmarking The Code document was bench-marked against some similar Victorian Local Government authorities as well as the City of Adelaide and City of Darwin. It was found that our Code was similar in its objectives and content as other policy documents from these Local Governments. All documents contained design standards to promote balanced use of public space with clear requirements about public access. Clearly it is well recognised that shared use of the footpath adds colour, vibrancy and activity to the streets frontages and public places. There is a clear aim to promote the mutual benefit to traders and the community and to facilitate these activities in a safe and responsible manner. Peer Review The City of Melbourne conducted a peer review of our Code and provided the following comments:The linkage between the City’s strategic objectives, plans, strategies and the Code is of paramount importance and sits well within the document. Enclosing a Public Place – stronger and earlier articulation why it is inappropriate to enclose a public place. The City of Melbourne commented that they are in the process of ensuring the removal of blinds, awnings and structures that have been put in place across the City that enclose public places without permission. Fixed furniture/glass screens only considered on a case by case basis – this approach is supported as generally it is not a desired outcome in the public realm. This process allows you to consult with external and internal agencies to either support or reject the proposal on merit. A frame signage – highlighted that we might like to consider that signage should be included within the Outdoor dining area to reduce the footprint in the public space. Acts as a disincentive to place too many signs in a public place.
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