Changes in Monash SRL Structure Plan
On 26 June we got this broad overview of the SRL Structure Plan changes, in preparation for the plans being finalised. Here the state suggested the final plans would be released and gazetted in mid-July. In this overview, we got the following explanation of the changes to Monash:
>Building heights have been reduced in the employment and innovation hubs north and east of Monash University. Pedestrian and cycling links have been refined, complementing the new street network that will form part of the new town centre in Monash.
However planning scheme amendment C176mona, which implements the Monash SRL East Structure Plan was released and is now active as of 1 July. Interestingly, the background documents for that amendment "leaked" the final Monash SRL Structure Plan.
Here are the details of the changes I've noticed in that plan. Other than what I've mentioned, everything including proposed public transport, street layout, precinct boundaries etc all remained the same.
Height Changes
- Reduction in northern Employment Growth area from 10 storeys (red) to about 8 storeys (orange)
- Reduction in height in eastern Health Innovation precinct from about 8 storeys (orange) to about 6 (light orange)
Active Transport
- Blackburn Road is promoted to a Strategic Cycling Corridor
- Scenic Boulevard and Research Way are promoted to local cycling corridors
- Finch Street Reserve and this Dunlop Road shared path demoted from "Important or Local Key Link"
- Despite the overview, I didn't actually notice any changes in the pedestrian network
- They've now explained how the active transport will be funded:
>Amend the planning scheme to introduce an Infrastructure Contributions Plan to contribute to the funding of new and enhanced transport infrastructure serving and supporting development in the Structure Plan Area
- They've now defined the way strategic cycling corridors will be implemented:
>Enhance existing infrastructure as appropriate such as by widening paths and enhancing wayfinding. Provide new cycling infrastructure where gaps exist, preferably in the form of off-road shared use paths, separated cycling lanes or on-road cycling lanes as appropriate for the link.
- And for local cycling corridors:
>Enhance existing infrastructure as appropriate such as by reducing speeds on local streets and enhancing wayfinding. Provide new cycling infrastructure where gaps exist in the form of off-road shared paths or 'sharrow' treatments (with associated speed mitigation / reduced speed limits) as appropriate for the link.
Open Space
- "Westerfield Drive Reserve" proposed here, east of the Hutton-Westfold Observatory.
So, what do you think of the changes? Notice anything else in the new planning scheme or structure plan that I've missed?