Posts Tagged ‘housing’
MAKING THE EAST END A GREAT GATEWAY
EAST END AMENDMENT — a submission from the Fremantle Society
1. INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS
The Fremantle Society supports the concept of redeveloping the East End of the City, with residential development being the dominant use. This would help boost the City’s population and provide spin-off economic benefits to the city’s business and services.
The current renovation of the Fort Knox heritage former woolstores building for residential apartments — an extension of a now well-established Fremantle conversion process — is a promising indication of the potential of the area. The Society, as an advocate of affordable and low-income housing in Fremantle, is particularly pleased to note that the Government has recently committed to providing some Homeswest units as part of the fort Knox development. We believe that there is more room for affordable housing – through the involvement of organisations such as Foundation Housing – in the East End redevelopment area.
The East End area is one of the main entrances to the City and currently creates a poor impression. Parts of the area are run down, there are vacant lots, and there is clearly the potential for more appropriate development that would provide a more impressive entrance to the city. The current mixture of activities, many auto-oriented, interspersed with some marginal and predominately low-density development, has a very run-down and tired feeling to it.
2. SPECIFIC CONCERNS
The Society has specific concerns that are detailed separately below. In outline, our main concerns cover the proposed height and bulk of development envisaged for some parts of the East End. We would like to see ‘human scale’ retained in new development, and are of the opinion that proposed building heights of up to seven stories are excessive in this regard.
We question the ability of the proposed Amendment to adequately protect the visual and cultural integrity of the area’s important heritage buildings. The question of whether there is sufficient infrastructure to cater for the proposed population influx allowed for in new residential development needs attention.
We also consider that the Amendment should address traffic flow through and in the area, and transport requirements, matters that are currently overlooked.
3. GENERAL CONCERN : AMENDMENT AS PRECEDENT
The Fremantle Society also has a general concern over the effective ‘up-zoning’ of the East End, i.e. only one part of the City Central Area zone as defined under the Metropolitan Regional Planning Scheme. This concern is the precedent the Amendment may set for other parts of the City centre. There is a danger that this amendment, proposing — for specific reasons of encouraging a high-density ‘urban village’ — to change the scheme to allow buildings of greater height than in the Scheme, may lead to pressure for similar increases in other parts of the city’s central area where redevelopment is likely.
LPS 4 was only adopted and gazetted in recent years, after extensive public consultation. The timing of the current Amendment may be taken to imply that the overall city centre Scheme provisions are in need of review, without LPS 4 having been allowed to run its course.
We believe that the current amendment should not be used as a precedent for Scheme amendments in others parts of the City’s central area. We are of the opinion that the current provisions of LPS 4 are generally adequate. Their maximum height limits help ensure that city centre development is of a scale and intensity suitable to harmonise with the long-developed and relatively low-rise character of the Fremantle City centre, and to protect its important heritage assets.
4. BUILDING HEIGHTS
In general, we submit that the height profile of the East End should be in the form of an apex from west to east, such that heights should reach a maximum on the ‘central spine’ of Queen Victoria Street, with diminishing heights to the east towards Quarry Street and to the west towards Beach Street.
Area 2 – Beach Street north
We submit that the proposed maximum height in Area 2 should be confined to 5, rather than 7 stories (18 rather than 24.5 metres).
In line with the desired height profile above, this change is also proposed so that views though to the Harbour – an iconic part of Fremantle’s amenity — from areas to the east of Beach Street, are maintained. Even with the fall in ground level from Queen Victoria St to Beach St, the current proposal – a maximum of 7 on Beach St and 5 on Queen Victoria – would see maximum heights of buildings close to the harbour greater than those along Queen Victoria Street. This threatens views through to the Harbour beyond, particularly from the Burt St heritage precinct.
Areas 7 & 8 – Block bounded by Beach, James, Queen Victoria and Parry Streets.
The Society submits that the maximum height of buildings in these two areas should be changed from 5 to 4 stories (18 to 15.5 metres)
We are particularly concerned to protect the visual and cultural integrity of the former Woolstores building, Fort Knox. The current proposal would allow buildings in the block to match the height of fort Knox, subject to certain conditions. The proposed conditions refer to the need for buildings to be consistent with ‘conservation objectives for the site locally and generally’, a standard central area policy/condition.
However, we consider that buildings adjacent to and in the vicinity of the Fort Knox building, the only remaining intact Woolstores building in Fremantle, should be mandated to be at least one-storey lower than Fort Knox. In this way the existing visual prominence of Fort Knox, and particularly views of its distinctive saw-tooth roofline will be maintained.
The lowering of proposed building heights will also lessen the risk of this portion of Victoria Street becoming beyond ‘human scale’ and becoming canyon-like in appearance, thus creating an uncomfortable wind tunnel effect for pedestrians.
Part of Area 4 – along Quarry Street
The Fremantle Society submits that the maximum height of buildings in this area be lowered from 5 to 3 stories (18 metres to 11 metres with a possible fourth level to 15 metres set back), consistent with proposals for adjacent parts of Quarry Street and consistent with current provisions of LPS 4.
We are very concerned to minimise the impact of redevelopment on the adjacent residential precinct in Quarry and Shuffrey streets, so as to maintain their valuable historic integrity and their amenity.
The current proposal for the part of Area 4 along Quarry Street – altered from the officer’s recommendations that went to Council – would allow 5 storey buildings in an area of predominately one and two-storey residential buildings. The proposal would allow buildings that could literally overshadow, especially in mid-winter, houses in Quarry Street.
Should the Leisure Centre Car Park (not included in this Amendment) be developed in the future in accord with the provisions of LPS4, it would also likely be to one and two storey residential development.
Higher buildings in this section of Quarry Street would detract from its amenity as a residential precinct and would also prejudice views through to the important heritage-listed Arts Centre complex.
The current scheme TPS4 designates a maximum of 3-4 stories in this strip, a height that residents have fought hard for in order to protect their amenity. For this reason, we consider that the current limit should be maintained.
5. TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC FLOW
Beach Street
The Fremantle Society believes that much greater use should be made of Beach Street for traffic entering and leaving Fremantle. Some benefits of directing more traffic to Beach Street are:
- Improved access to Fremantle railways
- The opportunity to greatly improve the Queen Victoria St environment
- To make greater use of Fremantle Harbour as a significant ‘entry statement’
Queen Victoria St
The Fremantle Society supports improving the streetscape amenity of Queen Victoria St especially South of James St. Road narrowing, footpath widening, tree planting, cycle paths, reduced traffic will all help. Creating a successful precinct is much more likely if greater use is made of Beach St.
Traffic Management Study
An increase in the population of the East End of 2000 to 2500 is significant. We urge Council to conduct a thorough Traffic Management Study. The impact of increased vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic should be considered.
Submitted on behalf of the Fremantle Society
October 2010
LAUNCH OF SOCIETY’S NEW IMAGE IN HERALD
Good to see a nice article about Monday’s launch of the Fremantle Society’s new branding in this weeks Fremantle Herald.
A new logo, website, blog, manifesto,and Facebook page will be celebrated at the XWray Cafe, opposite the Luna Six cinemas from 6pm on Monday. Well known local architect Andrew Sullivan will talk about his vison for Fremantle.
Come join us!
REBRANDING OF FREMANTLE SOCIETY
Launch of the Rebranding of the Fremantle Society. Monday October 18th. 6pm. X-Wray Cafe in Essex Street.
This is a special event where we are launching the rebranding of the Society. City of Fremantle Councillor Andrew Sullivan, Chair of the Planning and Development committee, a well-known local architect and a member of the Society for over ten years, will speak briefly on his vision for Fremantle and will answer questions.
There is no charge as you can order food and drinks. Do join us and bring your friends.
Please RSVP to Ruth Belben by Friday October 15th. Email:rbelben@iinet.net.au
For Fremantle People and Places :
# The Fremantle Society is a tribe of dedicated people working for a better future for Fremantle.
# The Fremantle Society, since 1972, has been improving the quality of life and working hard to protect the unique built and cultural heritage of Fremantle.
# The Society is proactive on heritage; productive for community; progressive about development; and inclusive for everyone. You can join the Freo Tribe and contribute your views and voice to Fremantle’s future.
# An exciting new era in Freo has emerged, with a greater focus on community connectivity and involvement in local issues.
# The Freo Society is responding to that change by rebranding its look and feel with a new logo, new colours and a newly developed Manifesto. Join us on the 18 October to be part of the launch of the refreshed Society and hear all about it and what is planned for the future.
Come and meet the Committee members, who will explain the Society’s new, refreshed direction, introduce you to the Freo Tribe blog and new Facebook page. Have your say and be an active force in Freo’s future.
If you can’t make it we’ll tell you more after the event.
Hope to see you there.
DATELINE TV ON HERITAGE
There was an interesting documentary on SBS Dateline on Sunday evening about the problems of the Lebanese people to preserve the heritage buildings in Beirut.
It is worth viewing, so check out the SBS website to see if you can have a look at it on-line.
Roel Loopers
WANTED: NEW FREMANTLE PRESIDENT!
With Fremantle Society president Ian Alexander moving to Albany at the end of this year, and hence resigning from the position, the Fremantle Soceity is now looking for an energetic and passionate supporter of Fremantle’s heritage, who wants to have a say in the future of our city.
If you feel you have the ability and commitment for this important position, or know someone who could be interested, let us know!
Roel Loopers
THE BEAUTY OF BEING OLD
I don’t believe many people are against development in Fremantle, but walking around in the West End just after sun rise this morning, I understood again why so many of us are fearful of mindless, uninspiring, and ugly new buildings. Look at the beauty of the old buildings in High Street, and see the amazing job the owners of the National Hotel have done with the rebuilding of the badly burnt old building. Why would we need to compromise and allow third rate development, when all we are asking for is to respect the character and history of the city we love.
Roel Loopers
Photos copyright Roel Loopers
HISTORIC FREO HOME FOR SALE
An historic Fremantle house owned by a member of the Fremantle Society is for sale in Burns Street in North Fremantle. Home will be open this coming Saturday at 10am and the auction will be on October 2. For more information contact Altus Real Estate
EAST END COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
As part of the Council’s community consultation process an interactive community workshop will be held at
6:00- 8.15pm Thursday 16th September 2010 Reception Rm
First floor City Admin Bldg, 8 William St, Fremantle.
Information will be provided about the amendment and feedback sought from
participants using interactive survey technology.
Attendance at the workshop can only be obtained by:
· completing the slip provided
· providing an rsvp to planning@fremantle.wa.gov.au or
· phoning 089432 9805 before 4pm Monday 13th September 2010
Light refreshments will be also served.
FREMANTLE TRIBE 