LXRP Mont Albert - Masterplan Advocacy

Consultation has concluded

Council has developed an Urban Design “Vision” for the Level Crossing Removal Project in Mont Albert. 

The Vision has now been finalised and is available to view here

The Vision brings together the consultation and design process that Council conducted to guide the design and development of three key areas within the City of Whitehorse. 

The Vision will be used to advocate for positive outcomes for the level crossing removal project.

The City of Boroondara have also completed a similar project for their local government area. 

The three key areas in the City of Whitehorse are:

  1. The new Community Plaza is located at the “head” of Mont Albert Village (Hamilton Street) and stretches over the rail trench. It connects to Beresford Street. 
  2. The new station Drop-Off Area is located off Mont Albert Road and will provide a location for dropping off and picking up people near to the station. 
  3. Lorne Parade Reserve is located on Windsor Crescent and Lorne Parade. It contains one of the new station’s main entry points and is a popular park and open space.


Community Engagement Methods

The Vision Report has been shaped by feedback received during consultation with the local communities of Mont Albert and Surrey Hills. Community engagement activities included:


Stakeholder sessions
Community groups and interested stakeholders attended several sessions to discuss their concerns and thoughts. Four sessions were conducted. These sessions provided opportunity for open discussion to directly shape the Vision Report.

The following groups were represented:
- Friends of Lorne Parade Reserve
- Mont Albert Village Traders Association
- Rail Corridor Residents Group
- Surrey Hills Progress Association
- Whitehorse Disability Advisory Committee

YourSay Surveys
Two online surveys were conducted in August and October and allowed the wider community to contribute to the Vision.
The ‘Masterplan Advocacy’ survey investigated how the existing station precinct and surrounds are used and what the community wanted in the new precinct.
The ‘Urban Realm Vision Feedback’ survey looked specifically at the three areas of interest
and gauged satisfaction levels with the proposed designs.



Community Engagement Findings

The key themes to emerge from the surveys and stakeholder sessions were:


Retain trees and
green space

Maintain the 'village'
feel of Mont Albert

Retain and incorporate
heritage aspects


Many survey responses related to parts of the project that are beyond Council’s control, or elements that Council is unable to influence as part of the Level Crossing Removal project. These included:

  • Two stations instead of one.
  • Construction of a pedestrian / bicycle overpass or underpass at Mont Albert Road.
  • Having a larger plaza area across the rail trench.


Draft Urban Design Advice Vision Report

You can view the complete ‘Mont Albert Level Crossing Removal Urban Design Vision’ report here (or from the menu opposite). 

The below summary is extracted from the draft Design Vision for each
of the three key areas.


Area 1 - Community Plaza Vision

The Vision for the plaza built over the new train line includes:

  • A place for people to gather and relax under shade trees.
  • An area where local (indigenous and more recent) history can be appreciated and is built into the plaza surface, seating and fences.
  • The old station building being repurposed for community use.
  • The old station building facing towards Churchill Street to “invite” people into the plaza.
  • Garden beds located to showcase a range of planting.
  • A dedicated area that functions as a community garden, looked after by locals.
  • New pedestrian and cycling paths being clearly marked, to maximise safety. 
  • All abilities access to and within the plaza.
Refer to the ‘Level Crossing Removal Urban Design Vision’ document to view the Community Plaza area in further detail.

Area 2 - Drop-Off Area Vision

The Vision for the “Drop Off” Area includes:

  • Providing an efficient and easy way to get to and from the new station – whether by car, bus or walking. 
  • The area being attractive and functional, with landscaping. 
  • The central lawn area being the focal point from Mont Albert Road, with canopy trees providing shade. 
  • The “Drop Off” Area for cars being a “one way loop” made of paving.
  • A sustainably designed area. 
  • The “Drop Off” Area will have priority (drop off) for disabled car parking bays closest to the station entry.
  • The “Drop Off” Area will have a sheltered, well-lit walkway leading from it, to the station entry. 
  • Primary access paths will be designed with a minimum 2 metre width, allowing for ease of movement for people of all abilities.
  • Planting and well-designed screening treatments will be located to screen the nearby infrastructure, whilst minimising the visual and sound impacts on nearby residences.

Refer to the 'Level Crossing Removal Urban Design Vision' document to view the Drop-Off Area in further detail.

Area 3 - Lorne Parade Reserve Vision

The Vision for the Lorne Parade Reserve and its surrounds includes:

  • Knowing that Lorne Parade Reserve will provide one of the main entries to the new station building, it will retain its primary role as a “green open space” for locals to enjoy a range of activities in.
  • Formal paths will be used only where required within the reserve.
  • Significant and existing trees will be protected and retained in the passive open space. 
  • The bicycle path will form part of the Box Hill to Hawthorn Strategic Cycling Corridor, and will be sensitively located and consider the reserve’s primary use being passive, open space.
  • Accessibility will be well designed to and from the station entries. Paths will be suitable for all users.
  • Priority, disabled car parking bays for users will be located in the carparks nearest to the station entry. 
  • Onstreet car parking will incorporate plantings to enhance streetscape amenity.
  • Traffic calming and at-grade pedestrian crossing points will be integrated into the street in suitable locations. 
  • Planted and aesthetic screens will be used to direct views and screen infrastructure. 
  • All selected materials will be chosen to enhance the local character and amenity.

Refer to the 'Level Crossing Removal Urban Design Vision' document to view the Lorne Parade Reserve area in further detail.

What Next?

  • The Vision Report will be used as part of Council’s advocacy work for the LXRP project. 
  • Council will continue to ensure that community preferences are considered in the LXRP designs to achieve integrated urban design outcomes that leave a positive, long term legacy for the community.

Should you have any concerns, you can contact Council via:

Email:


lxrp.advocacy@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Post:


Whitehorse City Council
Major Transport Projects - LXRP
Locked Bag 2
NUNAWADING VIC 3131

Telephone:


9262 6333


Council has developed an Urban Design “Vision” for the Level Crossing Removal Project in Mont Albert. 

The Vision has now been finalised and is available to view here

The Vision brings together the consultation and design process that Council conducted to guide the design and development of three key areas within the City of Whitehorse. 

The Vision will be used to advocate for positive outcomes for the level crossing removal project.

The City of Boroondara have also completed a similar project for their local government area. 

The three key areas in the City of Whitehorse are:

  1. The new Community Plaza is located at the “head” of Mont Albert Village (Hamilton Street) and stretches over the rail trench. It connects to Beresford Street. 
  2. The new station Drop-Off Area is located off Mont Albert Road and will provide a location for dropping off and picking up people near to the station. 
  3. Lorne Parade Reserve is located on Windsor Crescent and Lorne Parade. It contains one of the new station’s main entry points and is a popular park and open space.


Community Engagement Methods

The Vision Report has been shaped by feedback received during consultation with the local communities of Mont Albert and Surrey Hills. Community engagement activities included:


Stakeholder sessions
Community groups and interested stakeholders attended several sessions to discuss their concerns and thoughts. Four sessions were conducted. These sessions provided opportunity for open discussion to directly shape the Vision Report.

The following groups were represented:
- Friends of Lorne Parade Reserve
- Mont Albert Village Traders Association
- Rail Corridor Residents Group
- Surrey Hills Progress Association
- Whitehorse Disability Advisory Committee

YourSay Surveys
Two online surveys were conducted in August and October and allowed the wider community to contribute to the Vision.
The ‘Masterplan Advocacy’ survey investigated how the existing station precinct and surrounds are used and what the community wanted in the new precinct.
The ‘Urban Realm Vision Feedback’ survey looked specifically at the three areas of interest
and gauged satisfaction levels with the proposed designs.



Community Engagement Findings

The key themes to emerge from the surveys and stakeholder sessions were:


Retain trees and
green space

Maintain the 'village'
feel of Mont Albert

Retain and incorporate
heritage aspects


Many survey responses related to parts of the project that are beyond Council’s control, or elements that Council is unable to influence as part of the Level Crossing Removal project. These included:

  • Two stations instead of one.
  • Construction of a pedestrian / bicycle overpass or underpass at Mont Albert Road.
  • Having a larger plaza area across the rail trench.


Draft Urban Design Advice Vision Report

You can view the complete ‘Mont Albert Level Crossing Removal Urban Design Vision’ report here (or from the menu opposite). 

The below summary is extracted from the draft Design Vision for each
of the three key areas.


Area 1 - Community Plaza Vision

The Vision for the plaza built over the new train line includes:

  • A place for people to gather and relax under shade trees.
  • An area where local (indigenous and more recent) history can be appreciated and is built into the plaza surface, seating and fences.
  • The old station building being repurposed for community use.
  • The old station building facing towards Churchill Street to “invite” people into the plaza.
  • Garden beds located to showcase a range of planting.
  • A dedicated area that functions as a community garden, looked after by locals.
  • New pedestrian and cycling paths being clearly marked, to maximise safety. 
  • All abilities access to and within the plaza.
Refer to the ‘Level Crossing Removal Urban Design Vision’ document to view the Community Plaza area in further detail.

Area 2 - Drop-Off Area Vision

The Vision for the “Drop Off” Area includes:

  • Providing an efficient and easy way to get to and from the new station – whether by car, bus or walking. 
  • The area being attractive and functional, with landscaping. 
  • The central lawn area being the focal point from Mont Albert Road, with canopy trees providing shade. 
  • The “Drop Off” Area for cars being a “one way loop” made of paving.
  • A sustainably designed area. 
  • The “Drop Off” Area will have priority (drop off) for disabled car parking bays closest to the station entry.
  • The “Drop Off” Area will have a sheltered, well-lit walkway leading from it, to the station entry. 
  • Primary access paths will be designed with a minimum 2 metre width, allowing for ease of movement for people of all abilities.
  • Planting and well-designed screening treatments will be located to screen the nearby infrastructure, whilst minimising the visual and sound impacts on nearby residences.

Refer to the 'Level Crossing Removal Urban Design Vision' document to view the Drop-Off Area in further detail.

Area 3 - Lorne Parade Reserve Vision

The Vision for the Lorne Parade Reserve and its surrounds includes:

  • Knowing that Lorne Parade Reserve will provide one of the main entries to the new station building, it will retain its primary role as a “green open space” for locals to enjoy a range of activities in.
  • Formal paths will be used only where required within the reserve.
  • Significant and existing trees will be protected and retained in the passive open space. 
  • The bicycle path will form part of the Box Hill to Hawthorn Strategic Cycling Corridor, and will be sensitively located and consider the reserve’s primary use being passive, open space.
  • Accessibility will be well designed to and from the station entries. Paths will be suitable for all users.
  • Priority, disabled car parking bays for users will be located in the carparks nearest to the station entry. 
  • Onstreet car parking will incorporate plantings to enhance streetscape amenity.
  • Traffic calming and at-grade pedestrian crossing points will be integrated into the street in suitable locations. 
  • Planted and aesthetic screens will be used to direct views and screen infrastructure. 
  • All selected materials will be chosen to enhance the local character and amenity.

Refer to the 'Level Crossing Removal Urban Design Vision' document to view the Lorne Parade Reserve area in further detail.

What Next?

  • The Vision Report will be used as part of Council’s advocacy work for the LXRP project. 
  • Council will continue to ensure that community preferences are considered in the LXRP designs to achieve integrated urban design outcomes that leave a positive, long term legacy for the community.

Should you have any concerns, you can contact Council via:

Email:


lxrp.advocacy@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Post:


Whitehorse City Council
Major Transport Projects - LXRP
Locked Bag 2
NUNAWADING VIC 3131

Telephone:


9262 6333