  |
||
|
Edition 1 / September 2007 |
||
| Welcome to the first edition of Manningham City Council's Doncaster Hill eNewsletter. This quarterly publication will provide regular updates on the Doncaster Hill project as it progresses. The first half of 2007 has seen a lot of activity on Doncaster Hill,
and with several projects currently underway, the momentum looks set
to continue well into 2008. |
|
|
In this edition
|
|
|
PLA Award for Boulevard and Art FenceThe Doncaster Hill Boulevard and Public Art Fence is now an award-winning project, having won the Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) Management Award for Open Space Development in the Victoria and Tasmania Region. The presentation of the award was made at the PLA Victoria and Tasmania Regional Council 2007 Annual General Meeting on 20 August. The Doncaster Hill Boulevard and Public Art Fence was also a finalist in the National Parks and Leisure Awards in the Open Space Development category.
Priority Development Panel reviews strategyThe Priority Development Panel (PDP), a State Government advisory body made up of planning, urban design and architecture, land economics, social research, transport planning and engineering experts, has been appointed by the Minister for Planning to review and provide advice to Council on elements of the Doncaster Hill Strategy. The Panel is in the process of implementing a review of the plan and preparing advice on opportunities for Precinct 1, and is due to report its recommendations to the Minister by 21 September. Updates will be provided on the Doncaster Hill website and in future newsletters. Westfield updateWork on the $600 million Westfield Doncaster transformation has passed the eight-month mark. A new intersection at Doncaster Road and the former Tower Street opened early in September, giving access to the Centre via the existing rooftop carpark. Civic works are under way to create easier access to the northern (Myer end) carpark off Williamsons Road. These are scheduled for completion within two months. Construction at the intersection of Doncaster and Williamsons Roads is clearly showing where the signature curved glass drum will appear, while to the east of Myer the new structures are evident. On all fronts there are major concrete and steel structures rising quickly and helping define the new-look Centre.
Smart Energy Zone on Doncaster HillThrough Sustainability Victoria, the State Government is seeking partners to take part in a Smart Energy Zone initiative to demonstrate how communities can cut their greenhouse emissions with a combination of energy solutions. Council hosted workshops with Sustainability Victoria and other stakeholders in the Doncaster Hill project, including the PDP, to discuss the opportunity to establish Doncaster Hill as a Smart Energy Zone, on 21 May and 10 August. The sessions looked at the opportunity to establish a large-scale renewable energy project, along with solar panels on individual sites such as bus stops and buildings, bulk purchase of green power, use of mini-hydro and waste heat, and facilities for the re-charging of electric bikes.
Pedestrian and cycling path project underwayIn May the State Government Council announced that, through its Local Area Access Program (LAAP), Manningham City Council will receive $173,195 funding for improvements to Doncaster Hill connectivity, through the creation of pedestrian and cycling links. This grant will fund Stage 1 of the project, involving the creation of pedestrian and cycling paths between the Civic Centre Precinct (Precinct 1) and Westfield Doncaster. The proposed paths will extend along Council Street, Goodson Street and through the back of Doncaster Primary School. A Steering Committee has been established to oversee the project, comprising Councillors, Council Officers, and representatives from the Department of Infrastructure, Doncaster Primary School, Manningham Bicycle Users Group and Westfield. Council will apply for further funding in 2008/09 to upgrade links between Doncaster Hill and Ruffey Lake Park. Precinct 1 transport infrastructure wins grantThe State Government has also confirmed that LAAP will provide funding for Council's proposed innovative transport infrastrusture in Precinct 1. This project will provide transport infrastructure that connects modes of transport services such as the smart bus route and Doncaster Area Rapid Transport services, with pedestrian and cycling facilities, an improved bus interchange, high profile bus stops and shelters. These works will offer better passenger comfort, security and information, as well as improved streetscapes. Street lighting funding applicationCouncil has also applied for funding through the Creating Better Places program to replace existing outdated and inconsistent street lighting in Doncaster Hill. This project is planned to be undertaken in three stages, with Stage 1 in 2007/08 involving the replacement of street lights along Doncaster Road, between Westfield Doncaster and Precinct 1. Unlike the existing street lights, new Doncaster Hill street lights are fitted with Metal Halide lamps, which produce pedestrian-friendly white light and do not fade over time. Saxon Reserve upgradeResidents surrounding Saxon Reserve are being surveyed on what they value about the reserve, and how they use it, as Council prepares a Draft Development Plan to provide direction for its future use, development and management. Saxon Reserve is the second proposed open space upgrade, following Carawatha Reserve, as part of the Doncaster Hill Strategy. A questionnaire covering existing use, access, play opportunities, amenities, landscaping, likes and dislikes about Saxon Reserve has been distributed to residents in the area surrounding the reserve. The survey period ends on Friday 21 September 2007. Doncaster Library's new home announcedCouncil and Westfield recently negotiated for the Doncaster Branch Library's new permanent site to be located within Precinct 1. The previous proposal for the library was for it to return to Westfield upon completion of the redevelopment, however, it will now be positioned among a variety of community services in Precinct 1. The library is currently located at the rear of the Scout Hall, off JJ Tully Drive behind the Council offices.
Planning application update632-640 Doncaster Road: application commenced advertising
Subscription informationPast editions of the Doncaster Hill eNewsletter are available for viewing on the Doncaster Hill website. If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter you may unsubscribe by emailing doncasterhill@manningham.vic.gov.au from the email address you would like removed from our mailing list, with 'Unsubscribe' typed in the subject line. Alternatively, to subscribe email doncasterhill@manningham.vic.gov.au with'Subscribe' in the subject line.
Disclaimer:
This newsletter was produced by the Economic
and Environmental Planning Unit of Manningham City Council
|
||
