What do you think of the draft Precinct Plan?
You are invited to read Council's draft Ferguson Street Level Crossing Removal Project - Precinct Plan and let us know what you think - will it improve the local area and known safety concerns?
The government authority for this project
The station, level crossing, surrounding public areas and arterial roads in and around the North Williamstown Station fall under the jurisdiction of the Victorian Government.
What the Precinct Plan will be used for
Once Council’s Precinct Plan is updated to reflect community feedback, Council will advocate to the Victorian Government for funding and partnership support to undertake the proposed precinct upgrades, which would complement the upcoming Level Crossing Removal Project’s (LXRP) Ferguson Street project. State government funding and consideration for the Ferguson Street Precinct Upgrade is one of Council’s Advocacy Priorities for 2020.
The features of the plan
Long-standing concerns about community safety - including vehicular, cyclist, and pedestrian - and land-use in the precinct have informed Council’s draft Plan, which seeks to develop an integrated multi-modal transport hub, enhanced open space offerings and improved connectivity for the community of Williamstown and beyond.
A flexible plan
The principles and ideas the plan contains are designed to maximise the precinct’s appeal and functionality on land that abuts the LXRP project. Therefore, is not linked to any level crossing removal design option (i.e. rail over road or rail under road), which are yet to be finalised by the LXRP.
PRINCIPLES AND FEATURES
What are the key considerations and principles of the Precinct Plan?
The Precinct Plan takes in to consideration existing site features and proposed infrastructure including heritage, cycling and pedestrian connections and land management.
The Plan has three key principles:
1. Better Spaces and Places - utilising the project as a catalyst for upgrading existing spaces and delivering new spaces that will add life and amenity and improve the quality of the public area around the rail precinct
2. Connecting the Community - focus on delivering improved movement and safety for all modes of transport and creating a truly integrated multimodal hub
3. Enhancing Character and Amenity - “telling the story” of the place and finding better ways to actively involve the community to create a stronger sense of identity and ownership over the design and outcomes
What are the main features of the Precinct Plan?
Council has developed the Plan with reference to its Grade Separation Principles, the LXRP’s proposed design guidelines for the project, and the Community Interest Group input, which was acknowledged by Council on 10 September 2019.
The main features of the Plan include:
- An efficient multi-modal hub – hosting vehicle, bus, train, cycling and pedestrians traffic
- Signalised intersections (two) near the station, with current roundabouts removed
- Relocation of train platforms
- Heritage train station upgrade and repurpose
- Parkland / open space / community plaza with seating located to the east and west of the station
- Pedestrian and cyclist linking pathways
- Cycling and end of trip facilities
- Relocated / reconfigured car park
- Retention of established trees, where possible
- The incorporation of art, architectural or landscape elements to establish a landmark gateway to Williamstown on potential raised rail infrastructure