Bondi Junction Complete Streets Update

BONDI JUNCTION

COMPLETE STREETS

APRIL 2019 UPDATE

Disclaimer & Copyright This document was prepared for the exclusive use of Waverley Council. This information is considered 'preliminary' and should not be used for detailed design discussions. RobertsDay acts in all professional matters as a faithful advisor to its clients and exercises all reasonable skill and care in the provision of its professional services. The information presented herein has been compiled from a number of sources using a variety of methods. Roberts Day does not attempt to verify the accuracy, validity or comprehensiveness of any information supplied to RobertsDay by third parties. RobertsDay makes no warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, validity or comprehensiveness of this document, or the misapplication or misinterpretation by third parties of its contents. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by RobertsDay. This document cannot be copied or reproduced in whole or part for any purpose without the prior written consent of RobertsDay.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In 2013 RobertsDay was commissioned by Waverley Council to produce a comprehensive Complete Streets strategy for Bondi Junction. The final report provided Waverley Council with a coordinated and integrated approach to make Bondi Junction a destination of choice, deliver real improvements to the public domain and create a place loved by visitors and locals.

This document seeks to graphically articulate the key messages behind the Complete Streets concept, demonstrate the relationship to key strategic plans and policies, illustrate the potential benefits of continuing the proposals, and summarise the progress that has been made on the previous strategy.

INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND

In light of previous studies which had shown that many of the intersections in Bondi Junction’s centre were at or nearing capacity, the aim of the Complete Streets project was to assist the council in improving the quality of public domain and better integrate alternative transport modes in the Bondi Junction Town Centre. The overarching objectives of the study were to:

In light of previous studies which had shown that many of the intersections in Bondi Junction’s centre were at or nearing capacity, the aim of the Complete Streets project was to assist the council in improving the quality of public domain and better integrate alternative transport modes in the Bondi Junction Town Centre. The overarching objectives of the study were to:

• • • •

• • • •

• •

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achieve and reinforce a sense of place for the centre; integrate the various transport modes; achieve a holistic approach to taffic planning and public space planning; formulate a vision for the future public domain in Bondi Junction; reinforce the importance of the public domain; and improve the quality of the public domain.

Bondi Junction Complete Streets Update

• •

achieve and reinforce a sense of place for the centre; integrate the various transport modes; achieve a holistic approach to taffic planning and public space planning; formulate a vision for the future public domain in Bondi Junction; reinforce the importance of the public domain; and improve the quality of the public domain.

“

It is now generally accepted that city life and regard for people in city space must have a key role in the planning of cities.

- Jan Gehl, Urban Designer

“

PROJECT BACKGROUND

WHAT IS ‘COMPLETE STREETS’?

An urban planning approach that:

• • • •

Considers spaces holistically, across all disciplines; Takes a human-centred approach and creates a ‘sense of place’; Regards the needs of all users of a street; and Ensures that streets are pedestrian-friendly, provide good access to public transport, accomodate cyclists, are safe and benefit the local economy.

highest

pedestrian

cyclist

transit

service

Cheshire, UK lowest

single occupant car

BEST PRACTICE MODAL HIERARCHY, NACTO

5

PLANNING POLICY

GLOBAL • UN– Habitat III – The New •

Urban Agenda (2017) 100 Cities’ Resilience Framework

STATE

WAVERLEY COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2018-2029

• Future Transport Strategy • •

2056 (2018) GANSW - Greener Places GANSW - Better Placed

LOCAL • Waverley Community •

NATIONAL

REGIONAL

• Places for People – An • • •

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Urban Protocol for Australian Cities (2011) Smart Cities Plan (2016) Road Safety Strategy 2011–2020 National Climate Resilience and Adaption Strategy 2015

Bondi Junction Complete Streets Update

• A Metropolis of Three Cities • •

– Greater Sydney Region Plan (2017) Eastern District Plan (2018) Sydney’s Cycling Future (2013)

• • •

Strategic Plan 2018-2029 (2018) Bondi Junction Evening, Entertainment and Culture Strategy Creative Lighting Strategy Street Design Manual Urban Interventions Framework

• Create a resilient, caring and cohesive community • Improve health and quality of life through quality open spaces

• Promote Waverley as a significant sustainable economy and innovation precinct

• Ensure Bondi Junction continues to have a diverse • • • • • •

range of businesses, local jobs and services Encourage tourism to support the local economy and contribute to local amenity Facilitate and deliver well-designed and accessible public spaces that improve liveability Provide a range of transport options so people can travel easily within and beyond Waverley Build and maintain streetscapes that have a welcoming sense of place Create safe streets with fair access to parking Construct and upgrade new buildings and infrastructure that meed current and future community needs.

COMPLETE STREETS RESPONDS TO KEY STRATEGIC POLICY PRINCIPLES INFRASTRUCTURE AND COLLABORATION

OUR GREATER SYDNEY 2056

Eastern City District Plan

E1

– connecting communities

BE T TER

LIVEABILITY E4

E6

March 2018 Updated

EASTERN CITY DISTRICT PLAN

March 2017

This 20-year plan gives effect to ‘A Metropolis of Three Cities’, the Region Plan, and seeks to manage growth by setting out planning priorities and actions for the East District. Complete Streets aligns with key priorities set out in the Plan, including: Infrastructure and Collaboration Liveability Productivity Sustainability

Healthy, creative, culturally rich and socially connected communiites

PLACED An integrated design policy for the built environment of New South Wales

Creating and renewing great places and local centres and respecting the district’s heritage

E10

E11

E13

Delivering integrated land use & 30 minute city Growing investment, business opportunities and jobs in strategic centres Supporting growth of targeted industry scores

SUSTAINABILITY E17

Increasing urban tree canopy cover and delivering Green Grid connections

E18

High quality open space

E19

Reducing carbon emissions

BETTER FIT 1A

Contextual, local and of its place

BETTER PERFORMANCE 2A

PRODUCTIVITY

Greater Sydney Commission

• • • •

A city supported by infrastructure

BETTER PLACED Government Architect NSW May 2017

Better Placed is an integrated design policy for the built environment of NSW. Leveraging the GA200+ forums & workshops, the policy offers clear directions towards design excellence at the scale of cities & towns, the public realm, buildings, and open space and landscape. Complete Streets responds to the key principles set out in the Plan.

Sustainable, adaptable and durable

BETTER FOR COMMUNITY 3A

Inclusive, connected and diverse

BETTER FOR PEOPLE 4A

Safe, comfortable and liveable

BETTER WORKING 5A

Functional, efficient and fit for purpose

BETTER VALUE 6A

Creating and adding value

BETTER LOOK AND FEEL 7A

Engaging, inviting and attractive

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Draft for discussion

GREENER FUTURE TRANSPORT STRATEGY 2056

PLACES Establishing an urban Green Infrastructure policy for New South Wales

DRAFT GREENER PLACES

FUTURE TRANSPORT STRATEGY 2056

Government Architect NSW

Transport for NSW

May 2017

March 2018

Greener Places is a draft policy to guide the design, planning and delivery of Green Infrastructure in urban areas across NSW and to ensure that green infrastructure is considered at the forefront of the city making process. Green Infrastructure or assets range from residential gardens to local parks and housing estates, streetscapes and highway verges, services and communications corridors, waterways and regional recreation areas. Complete Streets meets each of the core Green Infrastructure design principles set out in the report, including Integration, Connectivity and Multifunctionality.

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Bondi Junction Complete Streets Update

INTEGRATION Combine Green Infrastructure with urban development and grey infrastructure

CONNECTIVITY Create an interconnected network of open space

MULTIFUNCTIONALITY Deliver multiple ecosystem services simultaneously

The Future Transport Strategy is an update of the 2012 Long Term Transport Master Plan for NSW. It is a 40 year strategy, supported by plans for regional NSW and for Greater Sydney. It looks to improve customer and network outcomes, and it starts with a long term vision for the communities.

Future Transport builds on the achievements of the Long Term Transport Master Plan. The Complete Streets project actively responds to the key principles set out in Chapter One of the strategy - ‘A vision for transport’.

SUCCESSFUL PLACES 2A

Activating centres with a new Movement and Place Framework

2B

Encouraging active travel (walking and cycling) and using public transport

2C

Strengthening local partnerships

A STRONG ECONOMY 3B

Strengthening our Global Gateways and Satellite Cities

3C

Connecting people to jobs, goods and services in our cities and regions

SUSTAINABILITY 6B

Supporting more environmentally sustainable travel

Spring Street, Bondi Junction today

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THE QUALITIES OF A COMPLETE STREET... complete streets ARE SAFE AND EFFICIENT

complete streets ARE HEALTHY

complete streets INCREASE PEDESTRIAN ACTIVITY

They are designed to enable safe access for all users. They make it safe and easy to cross the street, walk and cycle to a destination.

They provide greater independence for children, as well as the elderly and disabled, and encourage more physically active lifestyles.

By developing attractive spaces and reducing the dominance of cars, they are inherently walkable for users of different ages and abilities.

REDUCED PEDESTRIAN DEATHS

REDUCED RISK OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES & EARLY DEATH

INCREASED PEDESTRIAN VOLUME

5%

reduction on 32km/h streets

45% on 48km/h streets 85% on 64km/h streets

SOURCE: UK DEPT OF TRANSPORT

The once car-dominated Ninth Avenue, NYC was transformed from 4 to 3 lanes with dedicated turn bays, shorter pedestrian crossings, and protected bicycle facilities.

Once a dangerous, fast moving thoroughfare, it is now safe for all users.

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15 mins of walking per day reduces risk of mental health issues and early death by

45%

Reconfiguration of New Road in Brighton resulted in:

62%

more pedestrians

SOURCE: EUROPEAN SOCIETY OF CARDIOLOGY, 2016 AND UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL, 2007

SOURCE: GEHLPEOPLE.COM

By re-prioritising pedestrians over cars, removing car parking spaces and creating new street furniture and landscaping Fort Street, Auckland has seen an increase of 54% in pedestrian volumes and 25% decrease in vehicle volumes, leading to safer streets for people across all ages and abilities.

Perhaps the world’s most iconic complete streets projects is that of Times Square in New York City. In 2007 it was identified that 90% of the space in Times Square was used for cars, yet 90% of the people using the space were pedestrians. A new pedestrianfocused design have seen the number of people walking through increase by 11%.

complete streets ENHANCE SENSE OF PLACE

complete streets STIMULATE ECONOMIC VITALITY

They are recognised as more than just transport corridors. Rather, they are the backbone of urban life and healthy communities.

They create attractive places with greater street activity, increasing the number of potential customers passing by shopfronts and the length of time spent in town centres.

INCREASED LINGERING ACTIVITIES

INCREASED CONSUMER SPENDING

600%

more lingering activities

60%

IN TOTAL, THE PROJECT WILL COST WAVERLEY COUNCIL... $17.5 MILLION to implement the strategy’s1 recommendations

IT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO RETURN...

in the first 3 months of the Bondi Junction Urban Lounge program

$11.80 per $1 invested2 to improve cycling and walking amenity

SOURCE: GEHLPEOPLE.COM

SOURCE:WAVERLY COUNCIL AND GLOBAL DESIGNING CITIES INITIATIVE

Car-free streets allow children and adults alike to play safely in Tirana, Albania, a city which also allows young people to take part in decision making.

By re-landscaping a street for a range of social activities, a run-down thoroughfare on New Road, Brighton which was not serving local businesses well, has been transformed into a destination in its own right, encouraging people to spend more time and money in the town centre.

COUNCIL’S POTENTIAL RETURN IS... $200 MILLION over 20 years for the local economy.

1Figure based on the 2013 estimate calculated into today’s value using the www.inflationtool.com.

Source: http://futureofplaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/FoP_Economic-benefits-of-public-

2

space-investment-1.pdf

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2013 STRATEGY BACKGROUND The 2013 Complete Streets Strategy was led by RobertsDay who oversaw Andersen Hunter Horne (landscape architecture), Cardno (transport) and KPMG (transport economics). The collaborative approach - combining expertise from various fields - enabled the team to develop a unique methodology and achieve a ‘placedriven’ approach to transport strategy and street design.

VISION

TRANSPORT FOCUSED TO PLACE FOCUSED

METHODOLOGY The approach included:

• • • • •

A thorough analysis of the study area was undertaken, including vehicular studies, parking, bus stops, bicycle parking, public spaces, active frontages, awnings, seating, footpaths, seating, lighting and evening activity; Identification of the the strengths and weaknesses of the existing pedestrian movement networks and public domain design; Formulation of an evidence-based vision, recommendations and concepts for the future of the street network and public domain within the study area; The development of street concept designs that supported and integrated all modes of transport with priority given to pedestrians; and Examples of ‘ quick win’ desmonstration projects.

FROM STOP-OVER TO DESTINATION

FRAGMENTED TO INTEGRATED

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40 60

MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS

VISION, PRINCIPLES + FRAMEWORK

EASTERN GATEWAY

• Quality streetscpae to welcome visitors from suburbs & beaches

• Reference point for future projects

SPRING STREET

• Humanise streetscape to become Bondi Junction’s second main street

P 4

2.5

P 3.5

3.5

2.5

4

20m

Spring Street Cycleway a key cycle route through the centre

OXFORD ST MALL

• New entry to transport interchange from Oxford Street Mall.

WESTERN GATEWAY

• Redesign intersection to become welcoming, attractive entry point

PARKING STRATEGY

• Expand peripheral council carparks • Restrict new parking spaces in centre

Primary bicycle routes were identified through Bondi Junction’s centre as either separated cycle paths on busier street, or safe-on-street cycling within the commercial core. Of these, Spring Street was identified as a priority cycle path which would help to reduce traffic congestion, enourage active travel, and help to boost social and business activity on the street itself.

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2013 STRATEGY CONCEPT DESIGNS Concept plans were created for Bondi Junction’s streets. The aim of these plans was to guide the next phase of detailed design and construction.

Instead of utilising a “one size fits all” approach, each concept responded to common underlying principles, including:

• • • • • • • •

the street’s role and hierarchy; potential community benefits; the use of ‘road diets’ (ie. re-allocating surplus car space more equally to other users); existing footpath deficiencies; the outcome of intersection modelling; opportunities to improve pedestrian and cycling convenience, access and safety; opportunities to improve the visual quality and decluttering of steets and greening the town centre; and assess opportunities to retain existing kerbs, trees, poles and other infrastructure where practical to minimise costs.

Each street concept plan included an overview of the key principles, issues, community benefits and recommendations.

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Proposed intermediate streetscape upgrade

EASTGATE PARKING ENTRY AND EXIT

EASTGATE PEDESTRIAN ENTRY

EASTGATE SERVICE ENTRY

VIEW LOCATION

GARDINER ST

EXTRACT IMAGES FROM THE EBLEY STREET CONCEPT PLAN

EBLEY ST

MACKENZIE ST

COMMERCIAL DRIVEWAY

In 2013 it was recommended that several low-cost demonstration projects should be implemented so the community can experience the value of reclaimed public space on a small scale and the benefits it can bring to street life and businesses.

This will help to form a better understanding the transformative effect the Complete Streets Project could have when applied to the entire town centre.

FOOTPATH SEATING

MURALS

QUICK WINS

WIND/LIGHT INSTALLATION

PAINTED CROSSINGS

OPEN-AIR CINEMA

NIGHT

MARKET 15

COMPLETED PROJECTS oxford street tree planting

urban design and transport guidance

for a greener Bondi Junction

Street Design Manual + Transport Hierarchy

Street trees do wonders for city streets. Not only do they look beautiful, but they help to reduce stormwater run off, increase air quality, store carbon, provide shade and decrease the urban heat island effect. It has been estimated that they can reduce day time temperatures by 5-20°C3.

Taking recommendations from the Complete Streets Strategy, the tree planting works on Oxford Street between Denison Street and Newland Street has helped to enhance the vibrancy of the Junction and its spaces. 9 new street trees have been planted, including excavation of tree pits in the parking lanes, installation of structural soil cells and construction of stone kerb garden beds around the trees.

3. Killicoat et al., 2002; Burden, 2006

to understand Bondi Junction

Complete Streets identified the need for a Pedestrian and Public Life Study to fill information gaps about pedestrian and cyclist activity in Bondi Junction, which was previously limited and dispersed.

The Complete Streets Strategy has helped to guide and inform two of Waverley’s key policy guidance papers.

1.

Building on the principles set out in the Complete Streets Concept Designs, Waverley’s Street Design Manual provides sound public domain principles and guidance for the upgrades to the public domain.

2.

Waverley’s People Movement Places Strategy aims to make it easier for people to move within the LGA by utilising the transport hierarchy proposed in Complete Streets. A hierarchy of pedestrians first, followed by people riding bicycles, using public transport, service vehicles, shared mobility and then private vehicles forms the backbone to this strategy and its recommended actions.

16 Bondi Junction Complete Streets Update

pedestrian activity/ public life

Since then, the Bondi Junction Pedestrian and Life Survey was undertaken by students of UTS and documents how people use Bondi Junction’s public domain as pedestrians. It fills in signficant data gaps in understanding how pedestrians utilise pubic spaces in the Junction.

active & engaging temporary

urban interventions showcasing the principles of Complete Streets

Two initial pop-up projects were developed to launch the public exhibition of the Complete Streets Project. The purpose was to change public perception through tactical interventions. This process involved early engagement with businesses and retailers to maximise the impact and effectiveness of the initial pop-ups.

The success of the initial two pop-up projects provided the motivation for Waverley Council to prioritise funding and develop a suite of place-based urban interventions throughout the Waverley LGA. Over the years, Council staff have instigated a range of Urban Interventions that vary in scope, scale, duration and delivery. The recent ‘Bronte Cutting’ saw a trial walkway linking Calga Reserve and the Coastal Walk, and has received strong support.

culture, evening & entertainment

brisbane street square is now a destination to spend time in

to create an exciting evening destination

The Complete Streets project identified that Oxford Street Mall became relatively quiet during evening hours, with many shops closing at 6 pm. As a result of this observation, Waverley developed a Culture, Evening and Entertainment Atrategy which seeks to address this issue on Oxford Street and has subsequently grown to address nighttime and cultural activity within the broader Bondi Junction precinct. The strategy provides the means to develop Bondi Junction over the next 10 years as an evening destination that is economically viable, culturally exciting and safe. The Strategy focuses on moving away from an emphasis on an alcoholbased evening culture, instead focussing on the demand for activities that attract families, young children and the elderly.

creative lighting strategy

for a coherent approach to lighting the LGA

Brisbane Street Square has been rejuvenated through tree planting, re-grading, implementation of bicycle parking, new paving, street furniture installation, new lighting and art work installation. This micro-precinct has been given both a new function and aesthetic, becoming a place for people to relax and socialise rather than than simply move through.

The Creative Lighting Strategy provides a coherent approach to ensure public spaces are vibrant by day and remain safe, comfortable and engaging after dark. The strategy provides general principles and specifications for lighting throughout Waverley nd provides sitespecific recommendations for the Bondi Junction, Bondi Beach and Coastal Walk.

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CURRENT PROJECTS Bronte Road Streetscape upgrade

Spring Street Cyclepath to understand Bondi Junction

Bronte Road is in the process of being upgraded between Ebley Street and Birrell Street to reflect a number of the recommendations made in the Complete Streets Strategy, including new kerb ramps, tree and hedge planting, gardens beds and footpath widening.

Identified as a key recommendation in the Complete Streets Strategy, the Spring Street cycle will be a key route connecting Bondi Junction with Sydney’s CBD. With funding now confirmed, this long anticipated cycle path will soon be implemented - helping to turn Spring Street into a destination in its own right, as well as decrease traffic congestion and promote active travel.

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PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE Rowe Street Interchange

finding a solution to a major transport conflict

The Bondi Junction Transport Interchange is among the busiest in Sydney with 85,000 customers per day, of which 70,000 arrive or leave the station on foot. The conflict between buses and pedestrians on Grosvenor Street was identified by Complete Streets as a major challenge to address.

Knowledge and Innovation Hub

Norman Lee Place a leafy urban plaza

giving an elegant heritage asset back to the community

It has been acknowledged that it is crucial to redevelop the Oxford Street Interchange entrance into one that is reflective of a major interchange, with safe, direct entries to both the bus and rail concourses via escalators and lifts that would increase foot traffic in the mall with flow on economic benefits.

Creating a major entrance within Oxford Street mall will help to reduce pedestrian flow at Grosvenor Street, as well as improve the image and perception of the Junction for thousands of public transport users each day - many of whom are currently forced into conflict with moving buses.

The Knowledge and Innovation Hub is a Waverley Council run initiative which will be focused within the Boot Factory building on Spring Street (owned by Council).

Sitting adjacent to the Boot Factory, Normal Lee Place is a leafy, hardscaped urban plaza which was identified as having potential to add a new micro-destination to the Junction, as well as help to transform Spring Street into a vibrant pedestrian-friendly street with a unique identity.

Owned by the Council, Waverley has previously undertaken an urban intervention in on the site and is currently developing designs for its longterm improvement.

The initial part of the project involves works to conserve and upgrade the existing heritage listed building, which is in a state of disrepair and neglect, for adaptive reuse.

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MORE TO ACHIEVE BECOME A DESTINATION

PEOPLE-FOCUS

Most of Bondi Junction’s streets remain designed to get vehicles into, through and around the town centre.

Life in Bondi Junction still suffers from large volumes of through traffic and is largely dominated by cars and buses. With an increasing employment base and residential population, these issues are expected to become more pronounced.

COHESIVENESS The town centre’s activity and amenity remain fragmented by low amenity transport corridors that are difficult to negotiate, and impact on the overall experience. By reinstating the idea of Complete Streets, which cater for all users and create high amenity public spaces, the fragmented parts of Bondi Junction can be stitched together to create a continuous high quality urban fabric.

“[In Bondi Junction] Traffic and parking congestion are on the rise, the transport interchange is truncated, and the public domain has become dated and dysfunctional with poor pedestrian connectivity.”

- Paul Jones, Associate Professor of Urban Planning, July 2018.

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