Land Release Sites Belconnen Town Centre Place Design Brief - 10 June 2021

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Land Release Sites Belconnen Town Centre Place Design Brief - 10 June 2021
Land Release Sites
Belconnen Town Centre
Place Design Brief
10 June 2021
Land Release Sites Belconnen Town Centre Place Design Brief - 10 June 2021
Statement of Cultural Significance

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as Canberra’s first inhabitants and traditional
custodians of the ACT and Region.
We recognise the special relationship and connection to country that the Ngunnawal
people have with this area since time immemorial.
Ngunnawal were a thriving community whose cultural practices were and still are core to
their physical, social and spiritual wellbeing encompassing all aspects of their livelihoods,
cultural practices and families.
The Ngunnawal Nation includes seven clans which bear resemblance to some of the
place names across the ACT and region. These place names reflect some of the clan
groups of the Ngunnawal Nation. For example clans such as Maloongoola known as
Molonglo, the Biyaligee known as Pialligo, the Namitch or Namwitch known as Namadgi,
Cumbeyan known as Queanbeyan, the Toogoranoongh known as Tuggeranong.
There is also the clans Woolobaloah and the Ganberra that lived in the Belconnen area.
Kanberri in location was central to the seven clans and the word Canberra comes from
the word Kanberri, meaning meeting place.
There are many significant cultural sites around the ACT.
These include Kanberri/Belconnen in close proximity to Ginninderra Creek which holds
significant cultural relevance in social, spiritual, and historical contexts for the Ngunnawal
people. It is recognised in this place through their knowledge, Song Lines, Ceremonial
Areas, Corroborees, Women’s Business, the Wedgetail Eagle and pathways that connect
community.

This statement has been prepared by MurriMatters in consultation with Ngunnawal
representatives in February 2021.
Land Release Sites Belconnen Town Centre Place Design Brief - 10 June 2021
Contents

                               1.0   Purpose of the Place Design Brief		   4
                               2.0   Study Area 						5
                               3.0   Planning Context					6
                               4.0   Retail and Commercial Opportunity		   7
                               5.0   Place Proposition and Themes			       10
                               6.0   Community Place Aspirations 			       16
                                     Former Water Police Site				18
                                     Circus Sites Precinct					20
                                     Lathlain St Precinct					22
                               7.0   Urban Experience Guide				24

DOCUMENT CONTROL
Revision   Description                  Date of Issue
A          Preliminary Draft            13/04/2021

B          Draft                        26/04/2021

C          Final Draft                  03/05/2021

D          Final Draft                  13/05/2021
E          Final Draft                  20/05/2021
F          Final Draft                  24/05/2021
G          Final Draft                  3/06/2021
H          Final                        10/06/2021

                                                                                LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF   3
Land Release Sites Belconnen Town Centre Place Design Brief - 10 June 2021
1.0           Purpose of the Place Design Brief

The Place Design Brief sets out community aspirations to         Why Places are important.
                                                                                                                                   Creating a liveable neighbourhood requires good
ensure that the land release sites in the Belconnen Town         Creating a sense of place and community is a guiding              governance, people and place-based design thinking,
Centre can develop into a beautiful, liveable and loveable       principle in designing liveable, active and high-quality built    and a willingness to create a lasting legacy for
neighbourhood buzzing with street life and vibrant local         environments.                                                     community. It relies on a number of local factors,
businesses.
                                                                 For most people, where they live and work is a fundamental        including:
The purpose of the Place Design Brief is to guide developers,    part of their identity and an important part of their social      People: Tapping into the energy and aspirations of the
architects, landscape architects and urban designers in          life and community interaction. It is a place of family,          people who wish to live, visit, or invest there.
preparing a development proposal for the land release            friendship and networks, both within their neighbourhood
sites that responds to the area’s unique character and                                                                             Lifestyle: Delivering a lifestyle that enables people to
                                                                 and in places they visit, like nearby shops, work, public parks
contributes positively to a sense of place for the citizens of                                                                     balance work, time with family, recreation and relaxation.
                                                                 and recreation areas.
Belconnen and visitors alike.                                                                                                      Community: Developing a sense of community by
The tender for the sale of the sites is inviting innovative                                                                        strengthening the social networks and building social
design and development proposals which will be assessed                                                                            capital through improving places to socialise.
against the high ambitions outlined in this Place Design                                                                           Local economy: Growing a resilient local economy
Brief. The innovation and excellence presented in the                                                                              through convenience, choice and distinction, supported
development proposals will be weighted highest in the                                                                              by pedestrian-friendly and inviting places.
tender evaluation.
                                                                                                                                   Activity: Creating unique place experiences by focussing
Prepared using the insights and local knowledge from                                                                               on place activation, place management and great design
within the Belconnen community, the Place Design Brief                                                                             that support a variety of things to do for young and old.
defines desirable urban experiences for the sites focused on
people and place.                                                                                                                  Urban environment: Providing safe, comfortable and
                                                                                                                                   walkable public places with multiple choices in relation
It sets out to inform the design of common spaces that                                                                             to experience and activity on offer.
are shared by the whole community associated with the
development sites, including:                                                                                                      Built environment: Designing high quality, comfortable
                                                                                                                                   buildings that support and integrate with public places,
.   built form interfaces,
                                                                                                                                   in particular on the ground level, for greater activation,
.   streetscapes,                                                                                                                  amenity and safety.
.   public amenity,
                                                                                                                                   Natural environment: Providing green spaces and
.   publicly accessible spaces and their location,
                                                                                                                                   interaction with water through biophilic design
.   greenery, and
                                                                                                                                   throughout the development to connect people to the
.   commercial activity.                                                                                                           natural environment for greater comfort, environmental
                                                                                                                                   and economic benefits.

    4    LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF
Land Release Sites Belconnen Town Centre Place Design Brief - 10 June 2021
2.0 Study Area

                                                                                                           rker   Place
                                                                                                 Evelyn Pa

                                                                                                   Beiss
                                                            St
                                                      ton
                                                  Lux

                                                                                                         el
                                                                                                              EMU INLET WATERFRONT
                                                                         CIRCUS SITE

                                                                                                        St
                                                                                                                     PRECINCT
                                                                          PRECINCT

                                                            Joynton
                                                                                                         Emu Bank

                                                              Smith D
                                                                 r

                                                                                                                                    Benjamin Way
                                                              Lathl
                                    LATHLAIN ST

                                                                 ain S
                                     PRECINCT

    Land release sites                                            t

    Circus Site Precinct

    Emu Inlet Waterfront Precinct

    Lathlain St Precinct

                                                                                  LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF    5
Land Release Sites Belconnen Town Centre Place Design Brief - 10 June 2021
3.0 Planning Context

                                                                Land release sites in the Lathlain Street and Circus Precinct are all zoned   Typical CZ1 & CZ2 uses include:
                                                                CZ2 BUSINESS ZONE except for one (Block 38 Section 52) being zoned
                                                                CZ1 CORE ZONE with the following objectives:                                  •   Car Park                       •   Shop
                                                                                                                                                                                 •   Drink Establishment
                                                                                                                                              •   Non-Retail Commercial Use
                                                                Typical CZ1 & CZ2 uses include:                                                                                  •   Emergency Services Facility
                                                                                                                                              •   Civic Administration Outdoor
                                                                •   Office and business sites that are accessible to public transport and                                        •   Subdivision
                                                                    convenience retailing and services                                            Recreation Facility
                                                                                                                                                                                 •   Home Business
                                                                •   Diverse range of accommodation sizes and locations for offices            •   Club
                                                                                                                                                                                 •   Temporary Use
                                                                •   Convenient outlets for goods, services and facilities to meet the         •   Parkland
                                                                    needs of the workforce
                                                                                                                                              •   Commercial Accommodation       •   Indoor Entertainment /
                                                                •   Vibrant and lively pedestrian routes and public spaces                        Use
                                                                                                                                                                                     Recreation Facility
                                                                •   A high-quality urban environment through use of sustainable               •   Pedestrian Plaza
                                                                    design and materials to maintain a high level of amenity for                                                 •   Tourist Facility
                                                                                                                                              •   Communications Facility
                                                                    employees and the public.
                                                                                                                                              •   Place of Assembly              •   Light Industry, Plant and
                                                                The land release site of the Former Water Police Site is zoned CZ6
                                                                LEISURE AND ACCOMMODATION.                                                    •   Community Use                      Equipment Hire
                                                                This zoning provides opportunities for recreation, tourism and leisure.       •   Public Transport Facility
                                                                                                                                                                                 •   Veterinary Hospital
                                                                The main uses within these areas are cultural, entertainment and
                                                                                                                                              •   Craft Workshop
                                                                tourist facilities providing recreation opportunities for both visitors and
                                                                                                                                                                                 •   Warehouse
                                                                residents of the ACT and surrounding region.                                  •   Residential Use
                                                                This site has some specific objectives and restrictions, including:           •   Restaurant
                                                                •   2 story height limit
                                                                •   Area excludes trees, jetty and boat ramp
                                                                •   Needs to maintain continuous public access around the lake edge           Typical CZ 6 uses include:
                                                                •   Active frontage to street level                                           •   Aquatic Recreation             •   Outdoor Recreation Facility

                                                                •   Needs to protect amenity of nearby residents from noise, traffic,         •   Club                           •   Parkland
                                                                    parking and privacy loss.                                                 •   Community Use                  •   Restaurant
                                                                                                                                              •   Commercial                     •   Shop
                                                                                                                                              •   Accommodation

Figure 1. Belconnen Town Centre Territory Plan                                                                                                •   Craft Workshop
                                                                                                                                              •   Indoor Entertainment /
                                                                                                                                                  Recreation Facility
                                                                                                                                              •   Drink Establishment

  6       LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF
Land Release Sites Belconnen Town Centre Place Design Brief - 10 June 2021
4.0 Retail and Commercial Opportunity

Commercial and Market Considerations                                               FORMER WATER POLICE SITE                                                     Summary
A separate study was undertaken by Taktic4 to identify commercial                  Block 29 Section 149
opportunities, issues and implications that will influence the development
of each site. It focuses primarily on commercial opportunities to                                                                                               .   The site could potentially attract a 750sqm
                                                                               Development Metrics
contribute to great places, in particular development interfaces and street                                                                                         restaurant / café venue and be complemented
frontages associated with each site and their respective relationship with     .   Developable area on-site is approximately 500m2 at ground level, with
their surrounding offer.                                                           approximately 1100m2 available over two storeys.
                                                                                                                                                                    by a 150sqm commercial water activity kiosk.
                                                                               .   Stormwater infrastructure located on-site requires services easement         .   The successful commercial development on
Overview of Mixed Use Development Opportunity                                      for access.
                                                                               .   3.5m wide no-build pedestrian access zone along lake foreshore
                                                                                                                                                                    this site would rely on attracting a proven
The development opportunities of the land release sites, especially those
along the 120m strip of Emu Bank and the 250m strip along Lathlain                 boundary.                                                                        commercial operator or business start-up to
Street, have the potential to generate between 7,000sqm and 8,500sqm           .   Existing jetty needs to be retained, upgraded and incorporated into              support water-based recreational activities.
of retail, food and beverage offer in two discrete new precincts designed to       future redevelopment of site.
complement the existing offer in the Town Centre:                              .   50m waterfront frontage.                                                     .   There may be an opportunity to attract a range
. Lathlain St - 3,500sqm – 4,000sqm                                                                                                                                 of activity types – but these will need to work
. Emu Bank - 3,500sqm – 4,500sqm                                               Commercial Opportunities
                                                                                                                                                                    together by creating a synergy between each
This retail/food/beverage offer represents the expected increase in market     .   This is a destination site.
demand forecast for the town centre and could therefore be viably
                                                                                                                                                                    use where trade for one activity facilitates
                                                                               .   Direct access and unconstrained views to water and park with south
considered.                                                                        and east waterfront and north facing with views to the lake.                     exposure to the other.
                                                                               .   Parkland setting.
 Mixed Use Development Context                                                 .   Jetty access.
 Up to 4.4M visitors to the Belconnen Town Centre each year are from           .   Opportunity for boardwalk between built form and waterfront.
 outside the Belconnen District and would not normally travel to               .   Potential for food services in prime waterfront location and licensing of
 the town centre except for the draw associated with the Westfield                 adjacent land for outdoor seating and hiring services for lake activities.
 shoppoing centre. This visitor economy is another target audience to
 support further commercial activity in addition to local customers.           Preferred Commercial Uses
 •  There is an over-representation of Retail, Financial and Insurance,        .   Highest and best commercial use with the right operator – restaurant/
    Rental, Hiring and Real Estate in the town centre when compared                café/takeaway or combination of all:
    to Belconnen District and ACT averages.
                                                                                       — Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner.
 •  Interestingly, accommodation and food service sectors are not
    over-represented despite the usual correlation to the retail sector.               — Weekdays and weekends.                                                                        EMU INLET

                                                                                                                                                                                  Beiss
 Further trends are:                                                                   — Casual dining / event and reception.                                                         WATERFRONT
 •  Forecast growth in resident population within the Belconnen                        — Complementary uses desired by community.                                                      PRECINCT

                                                                                                                                                                                   el St
    District catchment will be responsible for increasing the aggregate                — Commercial services for recreational or water-based activity.
    retail spending generated from Belconnen residents by $78M p.a.
 •  Belconnen Town Centre businesses may expect to capture up to               Considerations
    55% of this available retail aggregate spending – consistent with          .   It will require a proven operator or a creative business start-up with
    current market capture estimates.                                              commercial incentives to attract them to the site.
 •  Forecast population growth in the Belconnen District alone may             .   Creative architectural and commercial solutions required to co-locate
    be responsible for an increase of up to $43M p.a. in potential retail          other activities to create a critical mass.
    sales in the Belconnen Town Centre.                                        .   Competition includes Emu Bank Waterfront and the Belconnen Arts                                    Emu Bank
 •  This increase in the potential aggregate retail sales can sustain the          Centre.
    equivalent of an additional 8,500sqm of retail floor space in the          .   Existing retaining wall needs to be lifted and extended along south-
    Belconnen Town Centre every 5 years.                                           eastern boundary to prevent flooding in a 1 in 100 year flood event.              Land release sites          Emu Inlet
 •  An additional 8,500sqm is responsible for increasing the
    employment in Belconnen Town Centre by 200 positions.
                                                                               .   Limited dedicated or shared car parking.                                                                      Waterfront Precinct
                                                                                                                                                   LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF   7
Land Release Sites Belconnen Town Centre Place Design Brief - 10 June 2021
CIRCUS SITE PRECINCT                                                      Commercial Opportunities                                                      Considerations
                                                                              .   The Precinct should be providing consumers with complementary             .   The Precinct should facilitate a significant resident/employment
                                                                                  commercial activity to other parts of the Town Centre.                        base.
Development Metrics                                                           .   Development of Block 39 Section 52 can connect over Joynton Smith         .   Any café will predominantly need to be viable from sales generated
                                                                                  Drive to Development on Block 2 Section 151 and Block 38 Section              by residents, commercial tenants and adjacent consumers.
.   Precinct total – 18, 178m2                                                    52.                                                                       .   It is appropriate not to activate all street frontages.
.   Approximately 500 dwellings across precinct including requirement         .   A pedestrian walkway connecting Block 39 Section 52 with
    for 50 affordable and 25 public housing dwellings.                            Block 2 Section 151 will create a secondary edge providing more
.   4 Storeys in general. A maximum of 12 storeys could be allowed                development frontage, additional land value and an address through            Summary
    subject to a clear public pedestrian connection linking Lathlain              the middle of Block 2 Section 151 .
    Street to the lower end of Luxton Street or Emu Bank.                     .   A pedestrian walkway could logically be extended through the Block
                                                                                                                                                                . The Circus Precinct comprises three sites
.   Vehicle access to be provided from Joynton Smith Drive or Emu                 2 Section 151 to Block 23, Section 86, essentially connecting the               totaling 1.8ha in land area.
    Bank.                                                                         development directly to the Emu Inlet waterfront.
                                                                                                                                                                . The sites and their connections need to be
.   Joynton Smith Drive and proposed cycle /pedestrian path to                .   Block 38 Section 52 and Block 2 Section 151 has the potential to
    continue under/through the development.                                       create a double-sided retail/hospitality strip along 120m of east-west          considered as a whole.
.   Any podium levels along Lathlain Street are limited to a maximum of           frontages of Emu Bank.                                                        . Emu Bank could become a buzzing little
    2 storeys.                                                                .   Block 39 Section 52 Lathlain Street ground floor level suits retail and
                                                                                  hospitality.
                                                                                                                                                                  boutique strip of activity if designed and
                                           Block 2                                                                                                                activated properly.
                                                                     Beiss

                                                                              .   Opportunities for local business start ups, including boutique

                             n St          Section 151                            breweries/ small bars which act as community hubs /meeting places             . The activation of both sides of Emu Bank for
                         to                                                       for residents and workforce, Co-working, flexible, creative, and small
                     Lux
                                                                      el St

                                                                                  spaces provided as part of the commercial tenancy mix.                          retail / hospitality activity would generate
        Block 39                                                                                                                                                  240m of shop/hospitality frontage. This
                                                                              Preferred Commercial Uses                                                           equates to between 3,500sqm to 4,500sqm
        Section 52
                             Joynton

                                                                              .   Actively promote and create opportunities to attract franchise and              of retail/hospitality floor space and 35 to 45
                                                                                  brand tenants to priority streets and key corners to complement the
                                                                                  inclusion of small/medium enterprises and boutique businesses.                  tenants.
                                                          Emu Bank            .   Retail and commercial activity should include clusters of small shop
                               Smith D

                                                                                  fronts, including micro tenancies, along strategic locations along
                                           Block 38                               priority streets, key corners or adjacent to open spaces to create site
                                           Section 52
                   Lathl

                                                                                  specific destinations.
                                       r

                                                                              .   Highest and best uses for Block 2 Section 151 are residential and / or
                     ain S

                                                                                  office uses on the Luxton Street, Emu Bank, and Joynton Smith Drive
                                                                                  frontages.
                      t

                                                                              .   Retail or hospitality activity may be considered for south facing Emu
                                                                                  Bank on Block 2 Section 151 (if the opposite side of Emu Bank,Block
                                                                                  38 Section 52 is developed for retail/hospitality purposes).
          Land release sites                        Circus Site Precinct      .   Block 38 Section 52 is suited predominantly to hybrid ground level
                                                                                  mixed-use that can be either residential/commercial/office uses.
                                                                              .   Residential uses could be considered on Block 38 Section 52 facing
                                                                                  onto Emu Bank (away from shopping mall).
                                                                              .   Highest and best uses for Block 39 Section 52 are residential and /
                                                                                  or office uses on both the Lathlain Street and Joynton Smith Drive
                                                                                  frontage.

    8     LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF
Land Release Sites Belconnen Town Centre Place Design Brief - 10 June 2021
Commercial Opportunities                                                      Considerations
    LATHLAIN STREET PRECINCT
                                                                             .   Section 21 and Section 23 is directly opposite Westfield west entry       .   Retail/ hospitality needs to feed off the offer already available along
                                                                                 and external food and beverage offer.                                         Lathlain Street frontage of the mall.
Development Metrics                                                          .   Section 23 is in close proximity to bus station.                          .   Activation and viability would be dependent on attracting at least one
                                                                             .   Section 22 represents a significant and uniform parcel of land.               to two major operators or series of franchises to underpin the attraction
.   Precinct total – 21,095m2                                                                                                                                  of the other tenancies.
                                                                             .   Section 21 and 22 could attract an alternative and diverse retail, food
.   Approximately 500 residential dwellings.                                     or beverage offering.                                                     .   Poor attractiveness and amenity of Lathlain Street needs to be
.   Approximately 4000m2 of commercial/ community uses.                                                                                                        addressed.
                                                                             .   Section 22 may generate a significant number of addresses for
.   Ranges from 8 to 18 storeys.                                                 commercial business types – with over 350m of street address to all       .   Rae Street frontage would be best served as service street for activity
.   Residential use not allowed on ground floor and / or first level along       sides of the site (depending on the depth of the businesses).                 above.
    Lathlain Street.                                                         .   Upgrade Lathlain Street into an attractive slow-traffic shared street
.   Existing public car spaces need to be replaced within future                 with alfresco dining to activate the street front.
    redevelopment of site.
.   Minimum 6m verge to be installed along western side of Lathlain          Preferred Commercial Uses
    Street.                                                                  .   Section 21 lends itself to food & beverage to create a main street
                                                                                 character on Lathlain Street and to complement the offer on the
                                                                                 hospitality uses on the east side as part of the shopping mall.
                                                                                                                                                               Summary
                                                                             .   Section 21 and Section 23 could accommodate residential or office             . Lathlain Street Precinct offers a range of
                                Blocks 24 & 1                                    above ground floor.                                                             opportunities from food and beverage on
                                Section 21
                      Rae S

                                                                             .   Section 21 could generate between 1,500sqm-2,000sqm of food and                 Lathlain Street to secondary service type uses
                                                                                 beverage floor space containing 15-20 shops.
                                                                                                                                                                 on streets further west.
                                                                             .   Section 23 would generate up to 2,000sqm -2,500sqm of retail or
                            t

                                                                                 hospitality floor space containing 20-25 shops.                               . Lathlain Street will require significant amount
                                        Lathla

                t                                                            .   Section 23 could include community use such as a library or indoor              of design consideration and intervention to
           er S                                                                  sports facility on the ground floor to diversify the place offer and
      Wald                                                                                                                                                       create and activate an attractive 250m stretch
                                              in St

                                                                                 activate the precinct.
                                                                             .   Section 22 offers opportunity for secondary uses that may include               of street frontage.
                                                                                 hybrid ground level mixed-use that can be either residential,                 . The key to this precinct is to restrict the
                                                                                 commercial/office uses/retail services or service industrial uses.
                                                                                                                                                                 temptation to activate every street frontage
     Blocks 2 & 3                                                                                                                                                with high end uses. Activate edges should be
                                                       Blocks 2 & 3
     Section 22                                                                                                                                                  concentrated around the central open space
                                                       Section 23
                                                                                                                                                                 and Lathlain Street

        Land release sites                            Lathlain Street
                                                      Precinct

                                                                                                                                                  LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF                   9
Land Release Sites Belconnen Town Centre Place Design Brief - 10 June 2021
5.0 Place Proposition and Themes

Whilst the people of Belconnen are undoubtedly
proud of their town centre, they are also aware that
it lacks many of the ingredients that make places
great.
The land release sites are seen as an important
catalyst to reinvigorate and establish best-practice
benchmarks for the Belconnen Town Centre.
The following vision and themes capture the
community values in relation to the urban
experiences they desire and value as part of any
new development in Belconnen.
                                                                                       Key Community Messages
The themes have been applied to each of the sites
in Section 6.0 Community Place Aspirations and
7.0 Urban Experience Guide through describing
undesirable, successful and highly desired
outcomes for each site.                                                             What is the
                                                                                                                                What is the
                                                                                    problem?
                                                                                                                               opportunity?
                                                                              Human scale is missing
                                                                                                                        Catalyst for positive change
                                                                             Streets are unwelcoming
                                                                                                                  Use built form and streetscape upgrades
                                                                                     No green                            to provide a human scale
                                                                      Community functions are dispersed and         Leverage the shopping mall gravitas
                                                                                 inward facing
                                                                                                                    Give people a choice of experiences
                                                                      Public spaces don’t invite people to stay
                                                                                                                           Be intergenerational
                                                                      The dominant experience is the shopping
                                                                                                                     Create beauty, joy and happiness
                                                                                      mall
                                                                                                                  Unite stakeholders towards a common
                                                                           The shopping mall has limited
                                                                                                                   goal of reactivating Belconnen Town
                                                                          interaction with the surrounding
                                                                                                                                   Centre
                                                                                       streets

 10   LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF
PLACE PROPOSITION

“The land release sites in the Belconnen
Town Centre are an opportunity to
activate and humanise the urban
environment through development of
a series of place experiences. Centred
on creating local identity, the renewal
will be filled with moments of beauty,
intimate green places and ample
opportunity for play. With extensive
walkable connections and waterfront
recreation, living here and visiting will
make you feel like a local.”

                                            LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF   11
A fine-grained network of walkable connections throughout, around and between the land release sites

 Why is this theme important?
                                                         How the community would like the theme implemented
 . Encourages people to walk.
 . Connects and provides access to
   destinations.
 . More footfall is better for business.
 . More ‘eyes on the street’ provides increased
   levels of safety.
 . Opportunities for social interactions.
 . Opportunities for discovery and exploration.          Comfortable environment       Streets characterised by     Spaces that provide         Safer and easier pedestrian
                                                         with good shade trees,        interesting buildings,       opportunity for pop-        routes that are complete.
 . Provides a choice of routes and movement
                                                         wide footpaths, quality       frequent shop fronts,        up events, community
   through the sites and on to surrounding
                                                         materials, gardens, and       doorways and street level    activities, buskers and
   destinations.
                                                         street furniture are very     activities.                  street trading.
                                                         important.

                                                         Safer and slower streets      Connected and safe links     Public art that showcases
                                                         that include facilities for   to the cycle path network.   the history and character
                                                         pedestrians at key streets                                 of Belconnen.
                                                         such as Emu Bank and
                                                         Lathlain Street.

12    LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF
A network of green and lively open spaces

 Why is this theme important?
                                                    How the community would like the theme implemented
 . Spaces for activities and recreation that
   include all community members make
   people feel welcome.
 . Greenery reinforces Lake Ginninderra as
   Belconnen’s unique asset and brings activity
   and people closer to the water’s edge.
 . Many small interventions, such as public
   art, a friendly greeting or an event, brings
   joy and happiness and makes people feel
   positively about their community.                A choice of activities and    More greenery.    Intimate places providing   Well maintained places
                                                    amenities that invite                           opportunity for social      and spaces (i.e. place
 . Providing opportunity for people to be           people of all ages and                          interaction.                management).
   out and about generates positive social          abilities to stop and stay.
   interactions and creates safer places.
 . A connection to nature, including physical
   activity and play for all ages improves
   people’s sense of wellbeing and health.
 . More greenery helps to reduce the impact of
   urban heat island effect and offer habitat for
   urban wildlife.

                                                    Better public amenities.      Everyday uses.    Special events.             More water based and play
                                                                                                                                activities.

                                                                                                   LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF   13
Develop the land release sites in such a way that they give people more reasons to visit and live in Belconnen.

 Why is this theme important?
                                                         How the community would like the theme implemented
 . Increased choice of activities and
   destinations.
 . Acknowledging and recognising the
   Ngunnawal nations continuous connection
   to country.
 . New development can enhance the appeal
   of existing assets.
 . Preserve and enhance the multicultural
   flavour around Lathlain Street Precinct.              Parks, streets, shops and    Co-locate/ cluster retail     Be able to walk from home Events and celebrations on
 . Attracting more people can improve                    restaurants with a family-   activities to create a        to work and the shops and the lake edge.
   opportunities for businesses.                         friendly focus.              magnet of public life.        the parks.

 . Utilise the opportunities of the mixed-use
   land use zoning to provide incubator space
   for start-ups, small business, entrepreneurs
   and social enterprise.
 . Provide quality inner city living that is
   close to work, arts and culture, retail, and
   recreational activities.

                                                         Amplify the creative         Be multi-functional to        A variety of flexible     Family-friendly focus.
                                                         culture of Belconnen and     cater for different people at commercial and
                                                         establish the Arts Centre    different times of the day    community spaces
                                                         as the heart of Belconnen.   or week.

14    LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF
Feel like a local.

 Why is this theme important?
                                                  How the community would like the theme implemented
 . Daily habits and rituals built around
   authentic local experiences.
 . Shared spaces and facilities connect people.
 . Foster a sense of community and belonging.
 . Foster and recognise the rich histories and
   deep connection to this country by the
   Ngunnawal people as traditional inhabitants
   and custodians.
 . Promote neighbourliness and trust.             Diversity on the street –      Regular organised            Child-friendly parks and      New community facilities
                                                  types of people, mix of        community activities and     streets.                      such as water sports
 . Encourage small, localised businesses with     businesses, opening times      events.                                                    facility on the lake edge
   unique offerings.                              (day and night), residential                                                              with a café.
                                                  and types of activities.

                                                  Shared spaces and              More artwork and              Community focused social     Collaboration between
                                                  facilities that bring people   information that reflects     enterprise bike, kayak and   community groups,
                                                  together like a dog            the identity of Belconnen     canoe hire.                  creatives, Ngunnawal
                                                  exercise area.                 and its people, in particular                              and other stakeholders
                                                                                 the Ngunnawal peoples’                                     for a sense of place and
                                                                                 continuous habitation,                                     belonging.
                                                                                 custodianship and living
                                                                                 culture.

                                                                                                             LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF   15
6.0 Community Place Aspirations

The co-design engagement phase in early 2021          The community place aspirations are organised as follows:
provided an opportunity for the community
members and stakeholders to apply the Themes          Community Narrative and Site-specific Objectives.
in Section 5.0 to each of the land release sites to
                                                      The community aspirations for each site are summarised through a Community Narrative and Site-specific
articulate a series of desired urban experiences.
                                                      Objectives. The narrative describes the experience of each precinct. The objectives link the narrative to the
The outcome is a high-level summary of the            Place Themes described in Section 5.0.
community aspirations for each land release
precinct, surrounding public spaces and ideas for     Criteria for Successful Development Outcomes
creating a highly connected town centre.
                                                      Criteria for Successful Development Outcomes identify the community’s expectations for development
They include both private land and public             outcomes and are organised based on undesirable, successful and highly desired ambition levels. The criteria
land, highlighting to both developers and the         are supported by examples.
government the future vision for the public realm
within and between the land release sites from a
community perspective.                                         Undesirable Outcome                                          Successful Outcome                              Highly Desired Outcome
Design and development proposals are                      These are outcomes the community                          Successful outcomes are reflective of                The highly desired outcomes are in
expected to respond to the Community                      would not like to see developed. They                     people-focused place aspirations for                 addition to successful outcomes. They
Place Aspirations.                                        often reflect a ‘business as usual’                       sustainable urban living and the ideals of           demonstrate exemplar initiatives and
New development of these sites is seen as an              approach, or articulate ‘lived experiences’               a walkable and connected community.                  site-specific innovations.
opportunity to deliver broader community benefits         that do not adequately represent an                       They will deliver comfortable urban                  The will deliver exceptional places that
through on- and off-site place improvements. The          acceptable place quality to the local
aspirations extend beyond the physical outcomes                                                                     environments with good shade trees,                  are distinctly Belconnen.
                                                          community.                                                wide footpaths, quality materials,
to include ongoing management and maintenance,
and place activation programming.                                                                                   gardens, street furniture and public
                                                                                                                    amenity.

                                                      Community Place Aspirations Plan
                                                      Finally, a Community Place Aspirations Plan for each site illustrates the opportunities for how development
                                                      can improve places for people through on-site and off-site place improvements.
                                                      These plans also include ‘Day in the Life’ User Experience notes identifying how people see themselves
                                                      experiencing places within and around the sites. (These have been derived from an exercise undertaken with
                                                      community members during the Co-design phase).

                                                      Ongoing Community Participation
                                                      In addition to responding to the desired urban experience, there is an expectation from the community for
                                                      the developer to demonstrate accountability in the delivery of the outcomes.
                                                      This includes:
                                                      •    Providing a post-tender presentation of the successful tender concept to the community with reference
                                                           to the Place Design Brief.
                                                      •    Providing a post-occupancy statement to the community with reference to the Place Design Brief.
                                                      •    Undertaking a consultation process with Ngunnawal stakeholders to ascertain how this development
                                                           could further share their traditional knowledge with all members of the local community. This
                                                           conversation will further initiate how a series of self-determination strategies can be created to increase
                                                           empowerment, sustainability, and knowledge sharing.

 16      LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF
LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF   17
Former Water Police Site
Community Narrative                                   Criteria for Successful Development Outcomes
The former Water Police site on the edge
of Lake Ginninderra is transformed into
a recreation destination for locals and                         Undesirable Outcome                                       Successful Outcome                                      Highly Desired Outcome
visitors alike with easy access to both city
and nature.
Emu Inlet Park is activated as a sociable
meeting place with amenities for everyone,
including a public toilet, barbeques,
comfortable seating, picnic tables, and
nature play.
The lake comes alive with more water
activities and access to nature.
A program of regular community
events makes Emu Inlet the heart of
the Belconnen Town Centre – a place for                   Undesirable development outcomes will either             Successful development outcomes will improve               In addition to successful outcomes, a highly
everyone.                                                 maintain or reduce the current amenity.                  the basic landscape amenity and activation of              desirable development will be integrated into the
                                                                                                                   Emu Inlet Park.                                            park’s environment and substantially enhances the
                                                                                                                                                                              lake foreshore’s recreational uses, activation and
                                                                                                                                                                              connections.
Site-specific Objectives
1.    Development on the site is sympathetic to and
      integrates with the existing landscape and      Examples:                                                Examples:                                                  Examples:
      lake foreshore, and minimises negative impact
      to neighbouring areas;                          .     Excessive building bulk, which comprises views     .     An extra wide path along the water’s edge that       .     A small integrated cafe and hire shop with
                                                            of the lake (e. g. two-storey function centre).          connects to the existing path network.                     alfresco areas that look out over the lake.
2.    Development is ‘greening’ the site and
      promotes activity on Lake Ginninderra and       .     Development that adds further parking pressure     .     Public toilets returned to Government.               .     The hire shop includes bicycles, kayaks, stand up
      Emu Inlet Park;                                       on Emu Inlet and Beissel Street.                                                                                    paddle boards and other non-motorised boat
                                                                                                               .     A better choice of park seating, including picnic
                                                                                                                                                                                hire.
3.    Development improves access and                 .     Extensively built-up and predominantly hard              tables and benches.
      connectivity between the site and Emu Inlet           surfaces in a recreational area considered to be                                                              .     A pontoon is added to the jetty to assist with
                                                                                                               .     Native landscaping and tree canopy for shade.
      Park and the town centre;                             green and natural.                                                                                                  launching kayaks.
                                                                                                               .     A nature play area.
4. Development supports Emu Inlet Park                .     No off-site upgrades to the walkway and area.                                                                 .     Building incorporates public toilets (that are
   as a more attractive lakefront destination                                                                  .     A temporary coffee truck and/or private operator           managed by the tenant).
                                                      .     Fast food outlets dominate.
   and improves amenity through a series of                                                                          with temporary kayak/boat hire.
                                                                                                                                                                          .     Water feature next to nature play.
   recreational uses, including water sports,                                                                  .     An annual calendar of regular community events
   while targeting a diverse range of people and                                                                                                                          .     Public art and interpretation that is symbolic of
                                                                                                                     – film nights, concerts over the water, children’s
   activities.                                                                                                                                                                  the local Indigenous culture.
                                                                                                                     festivals.
                                                                                                                                                                          .     Site is connected to Emu Inlet Park, Lake
                                                                                                                                                                                Ginninderra cycle path and northern open space
                                                                                                                                                                                area via a new pedestrian and cycle path.

 18       LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF
LEGEND
                                                                                           Kids kick about on                    13                                          1     Kiosk / Cafe with kayak and bike hire
                                                  LAKE                                     the lawn while their
                                                                                           parents enjoy a Sunday                                                            2     4m wide boardwalk along water’s edge
                                                  GINNINDERRA
                                                  SEA SCOUTS                               afternoon drink with
                                                                                           friends.                                                                          3     Lawn
                                                                                                                                              Pat and Trev bring
                                                                                                                                           their grandchildren to the        4     Public toilets
                                                                                                                                           lake to watch the swans.
                                                                                                                    3                                                        5     Short term parking - 2 hours

                                                                                       5                                                                                     6     Picnic tables and BBQ

                                                                                                                             1                                               7     Nature play area
                                                                        LACE
                                                                   KER P                                                4                                                          Water play area
                                                              N PAR                                                                                                          8
                                                         EVELY
                                                                                                     7
                                                                                                                                                                             9     Upgraded jetty
                                                                                   6
                                                                                                             8                        2                9
                                                                   Local Mother’s Group                                                       10                             10 Kayak launch
                                                                catch up at the playground for a                                                                                   Traffic signals to favour pedestrians
                                                                morning tea picnic.                                                                                          11
                                                                                                                                          Mike and Simon wheel                     Possible pedestrian underpass
                                                                                                                                          their kayaks down and
                                                                                                                                                                             12
                                                                                                                                          launch them in the                       Beach
                 Iris walks her dog                                                                                                       lake.                              13
               from the Circus Precinct
               to the park every day.                                                                                                                                              Alfresco areas

                                                                                                                                                                                   Existing link
                                          BEISS

                                                                                                                                                                                   Pedestrian path
                                           EL ST

                                                                                                              LAKE GINNINDERRA
                                                                                                                                                                                   Shared path
     12                                                                                                                                                                            Pedestrian crossing

                                                                                                                                                                                   Major intersection

                                                                               Iman and Ari’s school                                                                               Beach access
                                                                               performed at the
                                                                               Children’s Festival.                                                                                Existing trees
          LU
            XTO

                                                                                                                                                                                   Additional trees
               NS
                 T

                                                                                                                           Josie and Leanne jog
                                                                                                                        around the lake and stop
                                                                                                                        for a coffee afterwards.
                                                                                                                                                                                              BELCONNEN
                                                                                                                                                                                              ARTS CENTRE
CIRCUS SITE
 PRECINCT                                                                                David rides his
                                                                                       bike to work in the
                                                                                       Benjamin Offices.

                                                           11                                                EMU BANK                                                       11
                     11

                                                                                                                                                                        0         10    20                  50
Community Place Aspiration Plan: FORMER WATER POLICE PRECINCT
                                                                                                                                 LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF                         19
Circus Sites Precinct                                                                                                                                                              A AThe High Line. https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/sep/22/
                                                                                                                                                                                   final-stretch-new-york-high-line-complete Iwan Baan west along
                                                                                                                                                                                   one of the rail track walks. All photographs: Iwan Baan/The High Line.
                                                                                                                                                                                   https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/sep/22/final-stretch-new-
                                                                                                                                                                                   york-high-line-complete
Community Narrative                                      Criteria for Successful Development Outcomes
This Precinct is a thriving residential
community. Lake Ginninderra, Lathlain
Street and Belconnen Mall are all within                           Undesirable Outcome                                            Successful Outcome                                       Highly Desired Outcome
walking distance along comfortable and
easy to navigate pedestrian connections
and streets.
While the three sites that constitute the
Precinct need to be considered as a whole,
its bulk will be reduced by a fine grain
of publicly accessible, intimate green
spaces and laneways. The link between
Lathlain Street and the Precinct will be a
destination with greenery, and shops and
cafes at key locations along its length. The
community were resolute that a link is
provided all the way to the lake, possibly                   Undesirable development outcomes will                        Successful development outcomes will activate                In addition to successful outcomes, a highly
via a pedestrian underpass under Luxton                      reduce the current amenity in the area without               the precinct and improve pedestrian connections              desirable development will seamlessly integrate
                                                             promoting good linkages to Lathlain Street,                  between the three individual sites and to Lathlain           the three sites with a series of green open spaces
Street, offering the community and                           shopping mall and the waterfront and failing to              Street, shopping mall and waterfront through                 and destinations along pedestrian connections
residents a direct, convenient and safe                      create more green spaces.                                    comfortable and high-quality urban environments              between Lathlain Street and the waterfront.
access to the waterfront.                                                                                                 and public amenity.
A street art trail telling the story of the
local history and Ngunnawal culture invite               Examples:                                                    Examples:                                                    Examples:
residents and visitors to enjoy the distinct             .    Narrow building setbacks with no room for trees         .    Modify Emu Bank to a ‘complete street’ to ensure        .    The level change between Lathlain Street and
character and vibrancy of the Precinct.                       and green edges.                                             slower traffic, increased pedestrian crossings, wide         Circus Precinct and then to the waterfront is a
                                                         .    Built form bulk and scale is excessive and                   setbacks to create a shaded tree-lined street and            generous pedestrian bridge. It is designed as
                                                                                                                           native plantings on verge, with outdoor dining and a         a destination all Canberrans come to visit. The
Site-specific Objectives                                      prohibits public movement through precinct.
                                                                                                                           bike lane.                                                   level change will occur over a number of terraces,
                                                         .    Unimaginative building interfaces with no scale or
1. Development connects the three sites within                                                                        .    Deep-soil planting zones, private gardens, vertical          be fully accessible, with greenery, colour and
                                                              articulation.
   the precinct seamlessly and expands walkable                                                                            gardens and a green space that operates as a focal           artwork.
   connections to Lathlain Street, the Shopping Mall     .    Uses on-site are designed and located to
                                                                                                                           point for interaction between the community and         .    Complete the connection to the waterfront by
   and the Lake Ginninderra foreshore;                        discourage activity at street-level.
                                                                                                                           residents.                                                   enhancing the pedestrian environment along
2. Built environment encourages sustainable urban        .    ‘Hard’ surface treatments dominate site design                                                                            Emu Bank or providing a direct pedestrian link
                                                                                                                      .    A secondary connection/building edge through
   living, allows public movement through the site            with no new tree planting or green spaces.                                                                                through an underpass under Luxton Street.
                                                                                                                           the middle of the large site to facilitate increased
   and interaction with a mix of public spaces closely   .    Quality of the cycle path network impacted by too            development frontage and footfall.                      .    Attractive laneways and walkways flanked by
   integrated with on-site uses;                              many vehicular cross overs, low levels of lighting,                                                                       vertical and horizontal greening that link with
                                                                                                                      .    Publicly accessible laneways that link Emu Bank to
3. The ground plane incorporates a mix of public,             and reduced safety.                                                                                                       nearby destinations in the town centre.
                                                                                                                           an internal publicly accessible space with greenery,
   semi-public and private spaces.                       .    Prioritises vehicular traffic with limited pedestrian        playspace and site-specific street art (managed by      .    A strategically located cafe and restaurant hub
4. Site design maximises the provision of green               connectivity to and from the precinct.                       the body corporate).                                         adjacent green open space.
   open space and biophilic design, including            .    Poor separation between private and public              .    The level change from Lathlain Street to the Circus     .    Commercial space that is affordable, varied in
   deep root planting zones with large canopy                 spaces.                                                      Precinct is alive with colour, art and greenery              size, and flexible to attract creatives or micro-local
   trees, vertical and horizontal greening, and the      .    Common open spaces inaccessible to the public.               creating an interesting destination that attracts            businesses. Co-working space and meeting rooms
   retention of existing mature trees where feasible;    .    Inequitable level changes with stairs or long runs           visitors.                                                    as part of the communal amenities to support
5. Frontages onto public streets establish a                  of ramps.                                               .    Quality of the cycle path network with good lighting,        people working from home.
   high amenity, safe and enjoyable pedestrian                                                                             passive surveillance for safety, and complete           .    No vehicular crossovers along the Emu Bank
   environment, with richly detailed and interesting                                                                       connections to the existing network.                         frontage.
   facades that create a distinctive sense of place;                                                                  .    Ground floors building interfaces are activated with
6. Uses within the Circus Precinct are situated to                                                                         tenancies or private garden terraces and interesting
   promote activity on the street and complement                                                                           building materials.
   the surrounding uses.

 20    LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF
JOYN
                                                     TON
                                                                                  T
                                                                                NS
                                                                              TO

                                                         S
                                                                             X
                                                                           LU

                                                     MITH
                                                       DRIV
                                                           E
                                                                               10                                                                       8                 LEGEND
                                      Erica’s gym takes                                                                                                                         High quality pedestrian link from Lathlain
                                   advantage of the lake route                                                                                                             1
                                                                                                       Drew regularly takes his                                                 Street to Circus overpass connection
                                   for a warm up run and the                                        kids to play in the courtyard
                                     lawn for yoga.                                                 because it feels safe and he                                                Laneways
                                                                                                      knows his neighbours.
                                                                                                                                                                           2

                                                                                                                                                                           3    Publicly accessible green courtyard with
                                                                                                                                                                                playspace

                                                                                                                                                                           4    Upgrade Emu Bank into a green slow-
                                                                                                            3                Megan and friends                                  moving street
                                                                                                                           meet for an early dinner
                                                                                                                           before heading to the Arts                      5    Emu Bank building facades have a cohesive
                                                                           7                                               Centre for a show.                                   design that expresses diversity

                                                                                                                                                                           6    Safe and attractive cycle path

                              11                                                                                                                2                               Curated Food & Beverage/ Retail
                                                                                                                                     7                                     7
                                                                       1                                                                                                   8    Luxton Street Underpass
                                                      7                                         5
                                                                                                                                                                  6   9    9    Improved traffic signals to favor pedestrians
                                                                                                                                                                                and cyclists
                                                                   9
                                                                                                                                                                           10   Retain existing trees
                                                                                      4                   EMU BANK
                                                                                                                                                                                Hybrid mixed use on lower levels

                                                                                                                                                                                Interesting and vibrant frontages
               John walks his dog to the
               lake every morning, he                                                               5                                                                           Commercial zoned space
               loves not having to cross                                                                                               Paul grew up in
               busy roads.                                                                                                          Belconnen and bought his
                                                                                                                                    first home here. It is so close             Pedestrian path
                                                               6                                                                      to everything.
                                                                                      Mike’s cycle club gather here                                                             Shared path
                                                                                      after the Stromlo Ride for
                                                                                      coffee. The bike repair shop is                                                           Crossing
                                                                                      a bonus!
                                                                                                                                                                                Destination anchor points

                                                                                                                                                                                Vehicle access

                                                                                                                                                                                Existing tree

                                                                                                                                                                                Additional trees

                                                                                                                                                                           0      10       20           50
Community Place Aspiration Plan: CIRCUS SITE PRECINCT
                                                                                                                                         LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF               21
https://spicealley.com.au/spice-

Lathlain Street Precinct
                                                                                                                                                                                  alley-pop-up/spicealleypop-up_
                                                                                                                                                                                  location7_1800x1200px/

Community Narrative                                        Criteria for Successful Development Outcomes
The Lathlain Street Precinct is family-
friendly and lively. The ‘Eat Street’ created
on Lathlain Street is expanded onto both                             Undesirable Outcome                                          Successful Outcome                                     Highly Desired Outcome
sides of the street and a shared zone
with slow traffic movement encourages
walking and outdoor dining. Late night
uses encourage people to continue using
the precinct for community and cultural
entertainment, creating a busy and vibrant
day and night-time destination.
The large urban park seamlessly
interfaces with the adjoining frontages.
Moveable seating and activity spills out
into the space. It is a venue for regular
community events, concerts and cultural
                                                               Development reduces the current amenity in the             Development delivers a mix of green spaces                In addition to acceptable outcomes, development
programming. A quieter and more                                area without promoting active travel, green open           and uses with a safe and inviting pedestrian              delivers a mix of green spaces and uses with
intimate native green space provides an                        space and a mix of uses.                                   environment.                                              curation of active ground level tenancies to create
opportunity to better connect with nature.                                                                                                                                          an entertainment precinct and sociable ‘vibe’.
Indoor recreation and community facilities
are also desirable. Community facilities,
preferably on the ground level, are part of
the mix of uses.                                           Examples:                                                  Examples:                                                    Examples:
                                                           .    An open space designed for minimal maintenance        .    Site design provides a space for community-based        . Connections to the shopping mall and the Circus
                                                                with hard surfaces, lack of large canopy trees and         activities and events and a series of green spaces.       Precinct are improved.
Site-specific Objectives                                        landscaping for cooling and ‘off-the-shelf’ seating   .    The ‘Eat Street’ along Lathlain Street is a shared      . Retractable bollards at the entry of Lathlain ‘Eat
                                                                and playground equipment.                                  zone with a slow speed environment to prioritise          Street’ allow for its closure to traffic, creating the
1.    Development promotes sustainable urban living,
                                                           .    A precinct dominated by vehicles with unsafe               people over cars.                                         perfect venue for regular weekend night markets,
      active travel and public transport use;
                                                                pedestrian connections.                                                                                              community events and festivals.
2.    Development includes a range of mixed land uses                                                                 .    Widened verges with more large street trees to
                                                           .    A mono-use for residential or office building              provide shade for alfresco dining.                      . The Walder Street urban park is active with
      that complement surrounding uses, promote
                                                                environments only.                                                                                                   free social programming and the open lawn for
      vibrancy on Lathlain Street and contribute to both                                                              .    Walder Street Park is a green space designed to
      the day-time and night-time economy of the                                                                                                                                     markets and regular events.
                                                           .    Limited interface between the park and buildings           create a distinctive sense of place, informal play
      Belconnen Town Centre;                                    (i.e. no active tenancies and opportunity provided         and is well connected to surrounding land uses          . A community facility on the ground level, which
3.    Development supports Lathlain Street Precinct             for outdoor dining).                                       and built form.                                           spills onto the park.
      becoming a location for entertainment and            .    Large format commercial tenancies that are            .    Custom-made park furniture with a design that           . Commercial space that is affordable, varied in
      community-based activities and events;                    difficult to tenant and subsequently left vacant.          encourages play, on-going events and informal             size, and flexible to attract creatives or micro-
4.    Site design maximises the provision of green space                                                                   socialising and reflects the social identity of the       local businesses, and offer community uses, co-
      and biophilic design, including the retention of                                                                     place.                                                    working space and meeting rooms as part of the
                                                           https://perth.wa.gov.au/en/news-and-
      existing mature trees and new tree planting.                                                                                                                                   communal amenities.
                                                           updates/all-news/northbridge-piazza-to-                    .    Site-specific street art is proudly displayed on the
                                                                                                                           edges of buildings.                                     . Continue Bayles Street to Lathlain Street (in lieu of
                                                           become-hub-of-western-australian-music-                                                                                   continuing Walder Street) and locate taxi and ride
                                                           and-culture                                                .    An intimate green space with large shade trees,
                                                                                                                                                                                     share bays .
                                                                                                                           native landscaping, waterwise irrigation and
                                                                                                                           seating for small group gatherings.                     . The developer, along with the commercial tenants,
                                                                                                                                                                                     contribute to the ongoing programming of the
                                                                                                                                                                                     open space and the Eat Street.

 22       LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF
LEGEND                                                                                                                     11
      Central lawn for events
                                                                                                                            12
 1
                                                                                       Sam takes the family to the
 2    Urban play space                                                                 Walder Lane Markets as a                                                      Malcolm and Lucy take Canberra
                                                                                       Friday night treat. Everyone                                                  visitors to Lathlain Eat Street. There
 3    Eat Street                                                   ST                  gets to choose their food,                                                    is a huge choice of affordable
                                                              ES                                                                               7
                                                         BAYL                          there is live music and a great                                               restaurants and the atmosphere is
                                                                                       lawn area for the kids to run                                                 great!

                                                                                                                                                          EAT
 4    Westfield Entry
                                                                                       about.

                                                                                                                                                           STRE
 5    Cafe
                                                                                                                                                                         10

                                                                                                                                                             T  E
 6    Food Hall, Tavern and Bar
                                                                                                                                                                                        4
 7    Small shops, bars and restaurants                                                                             6
                                                                                        8                                                                                         Every weekend Lathlain Street
 8    Transform streets into a green street
                                                                                                                                                                                  becomes a market for local
                                                                                                                                                                     3            produce. Sophie came first in
 9    Community facility such as a library or              R ST                                                                                                                   the local street dance comp!
      child care                                    WA LDE
                                                                                                                                 2
 10   Westfield ‘Eatery’                                                                                                                         1
                                                   Sarah likes to sit in the
 11   Extend Bayles Street through to              green plaza to eat her
      Lathlain Street                              lunch. From here she can
                                                   watch the world go by.
 12   Taxi and Ride share drop off

      Hybrid mixed use on ground level
                                                Cindy and Lei meet in the                                                                                   5
      Alfresco areas                            square before heading to the
                                                local Yum Cha restaurant for                    8
                                                Sunday brunch.
      Commercial zoned space

      Shared Street Zone
                                                                                            Harry and Anne play on
                                                                                            the swings in the park after                             9
      Precinct paving

                                                                                                                                                                                                        BU
                                                                                            visiting the library.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          SI
                                                                                                                                                                                                              NT
      Pedestrian path

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ER
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  HAC
      Retailer footprint

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    NG
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       E
      Existing tree

      Proposed tree
                                                                                                                         On the weekends my
                                                                                                                         friends and I meet at the
                                                                                                                         library to study. We can
                                                                                                                         grab a coffee from the Cafe.
                                                                                   T
                                                                              DUE S
                                                                          PUR

                                                                                                                                     RAE S
                                                                                                                                          T

                                                                                                                                                                 T
                                                                                                                                                                              0         10      20                      50
                                                                                                                                                             OT S
                                                                                                                                                         GILL
      Community Place Aspiration Plan: LATHLAIN ST PRECINCT
                                                                                                                                          LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF                      23
7.0 Urban Experience Guide

The co-design engagement phase in early 2021
provided an opportunity for community members
and stakeholders to describe their desired urban
experiences for the land release sites that would
improve Belconnen as a great place to live, work and
visit.
To assist developers in implementing community-         Undesirable, Successful and Highly Desired Outcomes
endorsed themes and experiences, they have
been distilled into an urban experience guide           Under each of these three categories, specific themes are described with Objectives and more tangible examples organised in three ambition levels. The examples used
demonstrating the desired place outcomes for all        are not exhaustive or mandatory. Their purpose is to demonstrate the community’s expectations and definition of success to guide design and development.
land release sites.
Design and development proposals are expected to
respond to the Urban Experience Guide.                         Undesirable Outcome                                       Successful Outcome                                  Highly Desired Outcome
As place-based experiences and perceptions
are intrinsically linked to physical appearances,        These are outcomes the community                        Successful outcomes are reflective of                   The highly desired outcomes are in
the outcomes have been arranged into three (3)           would not like to see developed. They                   people-focused place aspirations for                    addition to acceptable outcomes and
categories:                                              often reflect a ‘business as usual’                     sustainable urban living and the ideals of              demonstrate exemplar initiatives and
Built Environment - describes the relationship           approach, or articulate ‘lived experiences’             a walkable and connected community.                     site-specific innovations.
between the architecture and the public realm.           that do not adequately represent an                     They will deliver comfortable urban                     They will deliver exceptional places that
Urban Environment - describes publicly accessible        acceptable place quality to the local                   environments with good shade trees,                     are distinctly Belconnen.
common spaces including streets, laneways and            community.                                              wide footpaths, quality materials,
green spaces. These may be either privately owned
and managed or a privately delivered public asset                                                                gardens, street furniture and public
managed by Government.                                                                                           amenity.
Activity and Local Economy – describes the
elements that support public life, active streets and
business activity.

 24      LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF
BUILT ENVIRONMENT - Public Realm Interface - Residential

The buildings and their gardens along
streets and laneways make walking                                Undesirable Outcome                                     Successful Outcome                                    Highly Desired Outcome
interesting, comfortable and safe.
The public realm interface is the transition between
the public space, such as a street, and the private
space of a residential building.
The treatment of these edges makes a significant
contribution to the attractiveness and walkability of
the street

Objectives
•   Development creates a green and articulated
    street edge through a combination of elements
    including building scale and landscape (vertical
    and horizontal).
•   The built form features interesting and varied
    architectural treatments and interacts with the
    public realm and its landscape.
•   Carefully crafted and articulated edges
    significantly improve the privacy of residents
    living on or near the ground level and increase
    the sense of safety on the street.
                                                        .   Ground floor set lower than the footpath.          .   Setback for a garden terrace.                        In addition to successful outcomes:
                                                        .   Long walls without articulation.                   .   Greenery at boundary to soften the edges.            .   Architecturally articulated lower levels (with a 2 to
                                                        .   Zero or minimal setbacks with windows,             .   Good passive surveillance of the street to enhance       4 storey high podium).
                                                            courtyards or balconies directly opening onto          safety.                                              .   Mixed uses – hybrid spaces for flexible uses and
                                                            street.                                            .   Permeable fences.                                        residential on the ground level.
                                                        .   No privacy makes living spaces impractical and     .   Wide footpaths.                                      .   Direct entry from the street to the apartment
                                                            uncomfortable to use.
                                                                                                               .   Street trees.
                                                        .   No garden or trees to create a sense of privacy.
                                                                                                               .   Retain existing trees.
                                                        .   Narrow footpaths.
                                                        .   Too many vehicle driveways.

                                                                                                                                         LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF                       25
BUILT ENVIRONMENT Public Realm Interface - Commercial

                                                                   Undesirable Outcome                                     Successful Outcome                                  Highly Desired Outcome
Great shops, cafes and office spaces
attract people and will make the precinct
vibrant.
The public realm interface is the transition between
the public space, such as a street or a square, with a
commercial use on the ground floor.
This could include shops, businesses, cafes,
restaurants, and community facilities.

Objectives
•    The interface needs to be both physically and
     visually accessible.
•    The treatment of these edges makes a significant
     contribution to the vitality of the street by way
     of attractiveness, walkability, shade, shelter and
     comfort.
•    The use of street trees, garden beds and vertical
     green walls supports a visual continuity with
     surrounding built form.

                                                          .   Ground floor set lower than the footpath.          .   Mix of ground floor uses.                          In addition to the successful outcomes;
                                                          .   Long walls without articulation.                   .   Façade is divided into smaller scale shop fronts   .   Curated and complimentary mix of ground floor
                                                          .   Zero or minimal setbacks with windows,                 that relate to the streetscape and public realm        uses.
                                                              courtyards or balconies directly opening onto          uses.
                                                                                                                                                                        .   Interesting shop window displays.
                                                              street.                                            .   Clearly defined shop entrances, open doors, and
                                                                                                                                                                        .   Ambient lighting that highlights landscape and/
                                                          .   No privacy makes living spaces impractical and         visible window displays.
                                                                                                                                                                            or architectural elements.
                                                              uncomfortable to use.                              .   Ambient lighting in shop windows that lights the
                                                                                                                                                                        .   Layers of greenery with garden beds, pots, lawn,
                                                          .   No garden or trees to create a sense of privacy.       footpath at nighttime.
                                                                                                                                                                            and trees.
                                                          .   Narrow footpaths.                                  .   Universal access built-in to the design and not
                                                                                                                                                                        .   Shade coverage and weather protection to the
                                                                                                                     distinguishable to surrounding public realm.
                                                          .   Too many vehicle driveways.                                                                                   footpath, e.g. through continuous awnings.
                                                                                                                 .   Outdoor dining opportunities.
                                                                                                                                                                        .   Architecturally articulated lower levels (with a 2-
                                                                                                                 .   Seating choices.                                       to 4-storey high podium).
                                                                                                                 .   Interesting and high-quality building materials.
                                                                                                                 .   Clear and discrete wayfinding.
                                                                                                                 .   Street trees for shade and amenity.

    26    LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF
BUILT ENVIRONMENT - Carparking

Cars, either parked or moving, should not
dominate the urban experience.                                   Undesirable Outcome                                           Successful Outcome                                      Highly Desired Outcome

Objectives
•   If the development requires any at-grade or
    structured carparking, the carpark must be
    designed in such a way that it contributes to the
    quality of the urban fabric, including streetscape
    beauty, pedestrian connections and street tree
    provision.

                                                         .   Surface carparking (and/or vehicle circulation)        .   Podium parking structure sleeved by curated and         In addition to the successful outcomes;
                                                             between the property boundary and building                 articulated built form and landscape elements.
                                                                                                                                                                                .   Combined public and private parking provisions.
                                                             frontage blocking street frontage.                     .   Basement parking with discrete entry.
                                                                                                                                                                                .   Car sharing parking provisions.
                                                         .   Podium level carparking visible from the street.       .   If there is no alternative to at-grade carparking:
                                                                                                                                                                                .   Setting basement structures so that deep root
                                                         .   Spaces dominated by hardscaped pavements and                    — the street frontage must be planted with             planting zones are maximised for large shade
                                                             vehicle provisions with lack of landscaping and                    regular trees (1 large tree every 4 bays) and       trees and community benefit.
                                                             pedestrian spaces.                                                 a hedge to screen all parked cars from
                                                                                                                                                                                .   Permeable pavement surfaces.
                                                         .   Large front setback areas with no clear purpose                    surrounding footpaths;
                                                             that sterilise and de-activate the street.                                                                         .   End of trip facilities and secure bike parking for
                                                                                                                             — the carpark must be planted with regular
                                                                                                                                                                                    residents, visitors and workers.
                                                         .   Car-dominated environments with lack of                            trees (1 large tree every 4 bays) to provide
                                                             pedestrian provisions.                                             shade; and
                                                                                                                             — water sensitive urban design features to
                                                                                                                                reduce run-off from parking pavements.
                                                                                                                    .   Adequate lighting for safety.
                                                                                                                    .   Charging stations for electric cars.
                                                                                                                    .   Walkways through carparks along pedestrian
                                                                                                                        desire lines linking the footpath to building
                                                                                                                        entries.

                                                         https://www.allhomes.com.au/59-cameron-avenue-belconnen-
                                                         act-2617

                                                                                                                                                LAND RELEASE SITES BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE | PLACE DESIGN BRIEF                      27
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