Author:  MBCL Member (name withheld)

Date:  mid September 2004

 

Response to the

Final Draft ‘Mordialloc Structure Plan’

 

General Comments

Vision

We feel that a Vision for the future of Mordialloc must have, as its main focus, an objective to retain and enhance all those features that together constitute the uniqueness and appeal of Mordialloc, and we are pleased that, in many respects, this Final Draft attempts to do so.

To achieve this Vision, we need to think about each of the proposed changes and assess how individually and jointly they may affect the special atmosphere and appeal of the area for residents and visitors.  If we thoughtlessly adopt all the current fashions in town planning and building, there is a risk that the area will lose the historical and cultural qualities that make it special. We hope that future residents and visitors will not look back to our time as the period when the last distinctive features of Mordialloc were destroyed forever.  Indeed, we hope they will look back and applaud today’s Council and residents for their efforts to retain and improve all that is especially valuable about Mordialloc.

Aspects of the Structure Plan that have significant effects outside the Study Area

The structure plan is likely to have effects outside of the Study Area in relation to a number of issues, such as future building heights, density, and traffic flows.

Building Height.  An issue that needs to be addressed relates to the ways that increases in building heights within the study area may ultimately influence building heights in surrounding residential areas.  For example, it would seem that the proposal for 3-storeys at the Bear Street/Albert Street junction and further north on Albert Street (both of which we consider inappropriate) could eventually result in similar heights spreading across adjacent residential areas. 

In principle, this applies throughout the study area.  Inevitably, developers will apply for similar heights in nearby areas, and, because of precedents set in the study area, Council will be powerless to prevent these developments.

It is, therefore, important that before any of the proposed plans for increased building height within the study area are finalised and approved by Council, some protection for nearby residential areas needs to be put in place.  How this will best be done we do not know.  However, one option would seem to be a broad statement of planning policy:

“that building heights within the Mordialloc Structure Plan Study Area will not at any time or under any circumstances be regarded as precedents for development in adjacent or nearby residential areas”.

Density.  Areas that are too great a walking distance from the rail station, such as White Street, should not be targeted for higher density.

Traffic.  Proposed changes to parking and land use close to the Albert Street/Bear Street junction are likely to hinder free movement of vehicles.  This may deter drivers from entering or transiting Mordialloc via Governor Road, Park Street and Albert Street.  We need to consider whether this side-effect of the Plan is positive or negative in relation to our aspirations for Mordialloc.

Similarly, proposed additional pedestrian crossings, with traffic lights, in Main Street would inevitably slow traffic and deter some drivers from using Main Street if they have an alternative route to their destination.  We need to consider how this may affect business in the village and whether the likely changes to traffic flows are in line with the City of Kingston’s traffic plans for the Mordialloc area.

Uplighting and feature spotlights.  We are concerned about the excessive emphasis on uplighting and feature spotlights because they:

1.  are a modern feature incongruent with heritage building character

2.  unnecessarily contribute to greenhouse gases from coal used in power generation

3.  will contribute to reduced vision of the night sky - many people visit Mordialloc Pier and open  areas to enjoy the night sky

4.  disrupt the natural cycles of both nocturnal and diurnal creatures, especially the uplighting of palm trees

5.  are not necessary for safety and security reasons where street lighting is properly designed, installed and maintained.

Security lighting.  There is an overemphasis on general security lighting.  The perception by the City of Kingston and the public that all unlit areas around Mordialloc are unsafe needs to be corrected.  We walk at night separately or together and have not had reason to feel threatened by anything or anyone.  In fact, quite a number of people, of both sexes, enjoy the pier, foreshore and parks, on foot or on bicycles, after dark. The fact that we often chat to complete strangers in these unlit areas after dark is a measure of how secure actual users of the areas feel.

 

Built Form – Building Height (Fig 6)

The Structure Plan states on p32, ‘…Mordialloc landscape and topography marks it as a place along Port Phillip coast’.  Presumably this refers to the relatively natural coastline and low-rise, low-scale buildings.  We would like these features to remain, and do not wish Mordialloc to be marred by dominant building mass or high-rise.  The village can accommodate 3-storeys in some locations, and setbacks would retain openness.

Beach Road (Fig 6)

The 2-storey DDO up to Centreway should remain.  To prevent high-rise development and building mass dominating the foreshore landscape, our preference is for 2-storeys to continue round to Main Street/Nepean Highway, with space for small gardens and canopy trees.  If 3-storey buildings are permitted, then the 3rd level should be recessed.

Mordialloc Railway Station (Fig 6)

The building to the immediate north of the forecourt is single-storey and should remain single-storey to prevent overshadowing of the public space, especially from spring to autumn.

Main Street, and Albert Street, north of McDonald Street (Fig 6)

Please keep to 2-storeys.  Three-storey buildings here will set an inevitable precedent for the spread of 3-storeys amongst this predominantly single-storey area.  Upper level outdoor decks and verandahs would be out of character and should not be incorporated in new development, unless a verandah is an integral part of a building’s original character.

Albert/Bear Streets corner (Fig 6)

Again, please keep the Albert and Bear Streets corner at 2-storeys; 3-storeys is unacceptable.

Albert and Park Streets - Timber Yard (Fig 6)

Four-storeys cannot be permitted directly opposite single-storey dwellings on a relatively narrow street.  Here, there should be a maximum 2-storey frontage, preferably with space for landscaping and canopy trees, and a possible 3rd storey setback, to reflect the existing low-rise, residential streetscape.

It is also not appropriate to have 3-storeys abutting parkland; there needs to be a reduction to single or at most 2-storeys next to George Woods Reserve.

Pompei site (Fig 6)

No more than 2-storeys frontage to Main Street, with 3rd storey setback, as proposed for the east side of Main Street.  We must not allow high-rise to dominate the creek area.

Heritage (Fig 7)

We are delighted that, in general, Mordialloc’s heritage is acknowledged and respected.  We would like the Heritage Overlay extended to include Mordialloc Primary School, Barkly Street Church, Masonic Hall, Latitude, Bridge Hotel (which may all have regional significance), and the Government Aboriginal Reserve site in Attenborough Park (which should have national or state significance). 

Apparently, a location needs to be found for the Mayfield artefacts.  Mordialloc is the most appropriate location, since Mayfield was located in Mordialloc.  We suggest the ground floor of the Masonic Hall as an ideal display location, if it were possible to lease space or purchase the building.

 

Mordialloc Railway Station (Fig 8)

We support most of the suggestions for the Railway Station Precinct, especially the upgrade of the garden cottage style Railway Station, upgrade and landscaping of the water tower, retaining the Victorian character of Bell’s Antiques and adding shop fronts and corner landscaping, and opening the laneway (Fig 8, Item 4) which will add to the village character.

Railway station landscaping (Fig 8, Item 2)

It would be preferable if narrow landscaping were extended along the front of the station to complement the garden cottage style building.  (Mordialloc historical records could be checked for any photographs that show the original landscaping.)

Station uplighting (Fig 8, Item 7)

Appropriate conventional lighting would be more suitable.  Uplighting of the station buildings would be out of character with a building from an era that did not use uplights.

Station forecourt (Fig 8, Item 8)

Rounding the building edges is a good feature.  The station forecourt is an excellent area for community seating or gathering, and for taxis.  A central peppercorn tree would complement the era of the building and would be an attractive feature.

Station underpass upgrade (Fig 8, Item 6)

Good to improve this public access.  Suggest historic murals or mosaics of steam trains, etc.

Pedestrian path to Bear Street (Fig 8, Item 11)

Please retain peppercorn trees in the upgrade.

Bus pull-in (Fig 8, Item 9, Options A & B)

This is not a good spot for buses; it was tried in the past but diesel engines left running caused noxious fumes to build up on the pavement and in the shops, which was unpleasant and unhealthy for shop staff and customers.  Diesel fumes would be trapped in the proposed small landscaped seating area nearby because it is almost enclosed on three sides.  We suggest bus parking at the rear of the station in Albert Street, or in the lower section of the west service lane (see Central Precinct).  Perhaps all buses could terminate at the rear of the station in Albert Street, away from shops and housing, which would leave more parking available in Main Street.

Demolish existing building (Fig 8B, Item 13)

We consider this proposal to realign the station entrance and improve views to and from the rail station is a good idea, if it is achievable.  That is to say, we prefer version B.

 

centreway (Fig 9)

Centreway urban design improvements (Fig 9)

We strongly support these suggestions, and agree with improving views to the clock tower, station, and Masonic Hall.  But we disagree with balconies and open-air decks, unless they are recessed 9m, because they do add to building height and mass.

Our alternative suggestion for a one-way street system (Fig 9)

In the Final Draft Plan it is proposed that Centreway be a one-way street in the east-west direction. But, we feel a better arrangement might be for Centreway to be west-east only and for Owen Street to be one-way east-west.  This would mean that (1) traffic from Beach Road would have an alternative access road to the main shopping area and car parking, (2) congestion at the Beach Road/Main Street roundabout would be reduced, (3) access to the new 2-storey car park would still be easy from Main Street, and (4) the traffic flow around this one-way system would correspond to traffic flow directions on the roads at each end, i.e. the Main Street service road and Beach Road.

Mixed-use residential (Fig 9, Item 1)

We agree with such development on the vacant block on Montgomery and Owen Streets, but consider that future 2-storey dwellings should have a set back for a garden and canopy tree, which is consistent with the character of Montgomery and Owen Streets.

Maintain residential edge (Fig 9, Item 2)

We agree with the proposal to maintain the residential area between Montgomery Street and Beach Road.

Car parking deck (Fig 9, Item 5)

Please allow some setback for landscaping and canopy trees to avoid a ‘canyon’ look.

Changes to Safeways car park (Fig 9, Items 7 & 10)

We support these proposed changes to the Safeways car park. We especially like the suggestions for trees and other plantings to improve the ambience of the car park.

Bus stop in Centreway (Fig 9, Item 9)

As noted elsewhere in this submission, a bus stop is not a good idea in a pedestrian shopping precinct, especially if it is near a confined area and has on-street dining.  Past experience for shopkeepers on the east side of Main Street has been that shoppers do not like the diesel fumes that collect on the pavement on still days and drift into shops.  A recent study referred to in the ABC 7.30 report (details available) established that particulates from diesel engines are not only unpleasant, but are also very harmful to health.

We consider that a more appropriate location for this bus stop would be on the west side of Main Street in the service road on the median strip between the two most southerly palms. The service road is very wide here, so a bus stop would have the least effect on other vehicles and pedestrians.  The bus could then be routed to Beach Road via Epsom Road with a second stop on Beach Road for people visiting the Scullin Reserve.  This would make Centreway less congested and more pleasant for shoppers and café users.

Redevelop car park area west of Safeways (Fig 9, Item 11)

This is a great idea.  Adding shop frontage and plantings will add a great deal to the pleasure and functionality for users of this area.

Encourage improvements to Safeways façade (Fig 9, Item 12)

Excellent.

Timber Yard Redevelopment (Fig 10)

90 degree parking on Albert and Bear Streets (Fig 10, Items 4 & 11)

If it is correct that this junction is accident prone (p55), then parking should not be concentrated here.  90 degree parking will cause problems and likely accidents because of the heavy traffic flow at peak times and the speed at which drivers enter from the southern part of Albert Street around a blind corner.  Currently, there is no parking on Bear Street between the rail line and Albert Street, and none should be permitted because it would be unsafe.

Water Tower Court (Fig 10, Item 1)

We think the proposal to create a court around the old water tower is a great idea.  However, the tower needs investment in cleaning and regular maintenance.  The interior of the water tower could perhaps become a small museum with volunteer staffing.

Commercial infill on Bear Street pedestrian path (Fig 10, Item 3)

This is a logical location for a small kiosk or café, but any new building should not overly block views to the historic rail station.

‘Key stone edges’ at the Albert/Bear Streets junction (Fig 10, Item 2)

Three-storeys on three corners at the Albert/Bear Streets roundabout is too high because it will (1) detract from the presence of the Masonic hall, (2) overlook nearby residences unacceptably, (3) constitute a height precedent that will spread into adjacent residential areas, and (4) excessively enclose the area.

We like the proposal for round edges to new buildings.

New supermarket on Albert Street (Fig 10, Item 9)

We consider that a second supermarket would be a great asset for Mordialloc, attracting more shoppers, and thereby helping the viability of small shops, particularly on the east side of Main Street.  However, we are concerned that the proposed location close to the Bear Street junction would cause excessive congestion and risk of vehicle collisions, and would be too close to existing residences across Albert Street.  We would prefer to see any new supermarket located a little further south at the junction of Albert and Park Streets, because of better on-street visibility, and because it is further from housing.

We suggest the section of Albert Street close to Bear Street is ideal for professional suites such as architects, or speciality shops.

3-4 Storey higher-density residential on Albert/Park Street (Fig 10, Item 16)

It is not acceptable to have 3-4 storeys directly opposite existing single-storey residences across a relatively narrow street.  A compromise here might be a maximum height of 2-storeys with a 3rd level setback so as to be invisible at street level.  Please allow a setback for landscaping and canopy trees.

It is also not appropriate to have 3-storeys abutting parkland; there needs to be a reduction to single- or at most 2-storeys next to George Woods Reserve.

Balconies, bays, or porches of residences should not be allowed to project over the footpath or other public space.

Aged housing (Fig 10, Item 17)

This does not seem an appropriate location for aged housing between a busy road and a rail line that is fairly busy until late evening and very noisy at night because of the long diesel trains carrying heavy loads of steel products.  Vehicle fumes from busy Albert St and the large car park are also a concern for the health of elderly residents.

 

Pier, Creek and Foreshore (Fig 11)

Lighting (Fig 11)

In the previous Draft Mordialloc Structure Plan we supported the excellent proposal to replicate throughout the pier, creek and foreshore area, the existing art deco style lighting on the promenade.  This proposal seems to be missing from the Final Draft.  We would like to see this very attractive art deco style lighting replicated along the pier, on the foreshore, and along the creek in Hazel Pierce Park, Attenborough Park, and the Pompei site.  We hope this proposal will be reinstated in the Mordialloc Structure Plan.

Peter Scullin Reserve (Fig 11)

Number of overall car spaces (Fig 11).  Council has promised not to increase the number of car spaces on the creek and foreshore reserve.  This is an issue that is unresolved, as there are 10 too many car spaces on the most recent draft plan for changes to Scullin Reserve.

New path between promenade and Beach Road (Fig 11, Item 1).  There is an existing path opposite Owen Street between the promenade and Beach Road; therefore, there is no need for an additional path and removal of vegetation.

Existing trees and shrubs (Fig 11).  We are very concerned that Fig 11 omits to show the existing row of vegetation east of the former car park in the middle of the Reserve.  Sophie Beasley assured Mary Rimington, and ourselves, that this row of vegetation would not be removed.  We strongly support retention of this vegetation, which provides a necessary windbreak and sheltered picnic area, and prevents the setting sun from blinding northbound Beach Road drivers.

Palm trees.  We object to the introduction of palm trees on the foreshore opposite Centreway.  Community members have discussed this issue with David Digby and Sophie Beasley, and they agreed that palm trees should be restricted to Main Street, and that only indigenous species will be planted on the foreshore and creek area.

We are pleased that the existing palm trees on Pier Road are being moved to Main Street, where they do contribute a distinctive feature to Mordialloc.  Please limit all foreshore vegetation to indigenous types.

Mordialloc Creek

Floating kiosks (Fig 11, Item 9).  Definitely not three floating kiosks alongside Hazel Pierce Park, not even one should be here, because, (1) floating kiosks would spoil the creek views, (2) even more litter will end up in the creek, (3) there are already three kiosks nearby: in the car park blue stone block, at Blue Line Boats, and at Windows on the Bay.  Also, we feel that replacement of mooring spaces with floating kiosks will irrevocably alter the quality of the harbour and yuppyise the existing modest and practical hobby/working boat area that people love.

Hazel Pierce Park

Loading and restricted parking for Sea Scouts and Motor Yacht Club (Fig 11, Item 12).  It is completely unacceptable for any additional part of Peter Scullin Reserve to be taken for parking.  There is already parking available on Beach Road beside Hazel Pierce Park.  We have an agreement with Council that no more creek-side or foreshore reserve will be taken for parking.  So allocating additional parking space for club members in Hazel Pierce Park is definitely not on!

Public access to Island (Fig 11, Item 14)

Public access to the island is unnecessary because (1) club security will be a problem, (2) there are ample attractive areas nearby for the public, and (3) a bridge from Hazel Pierce Park would interrupt the creek views.

We consider it would be preferable for any new bridge to connect the island to Bowman Street or near the Mordialloc Sailing Club, and be closed to the public.

Sea Scouts and MMYC buildings (Fig 11)

Can anything be done to improve the appearance of the Sea Scout and MMYC buildings?  No doubt they are examples of buildings from their era, but the square shape and grubby pebbledash would seem to have little appeal or historic merit.  Maybe, at least, something could be grown up the side of the buildings in places.

Blue Line boat hire and kiosk (Fig 11, Item 19 and Fig 11A, Item 2)

There seems to be some ambiguity about whether the Blue Line boat hire shop and kiosk is to be moved.  Fig 11 (Item 19) shows Blue Line boat hire further from the car parking in Scullin Reserve, which does not seem a good idea.  However, Fig 11A (Item 2) shows Blue Line boat hire in its existing location.  Surely the boat hire facility needs to be close to parking, therefore, we consider that this facility should remain where it is, but that there is scope for improvements to its appearance.

Expansion of Mordialloc Sailing Club (Fig 11, Item 10)

We agree with an upgrade of the building (please retain murals), but definitely not with any expansion.  The building footprint on the foreshore must not be increased.

Pedestrian bridge attached to existing Nepean Highway Bridge (Fig 11, Item 20)

We strongly support this proposal for a pedestrian bridge attached to the Nepean Highway Bridge, which we have advocated for several years.  This would allow two lanes on the highway in each direction and physical separation of pedestrians from vehicles for enhanced safety and enjoyment. In fact, there needs to be a pedestrian bridge attached to both sides of the existing bridge.  Many people, including Mordialloc College students, shoppers and cyclists, regularly cross from Main Street east to Attenborough Park, and a pedestrian bridge needs to be provided for them on the east side of the road bridge.  The proposed floating pedestrian underpass would not satisfy their needs.   (See our comment below.)

Public pedestrian creek-side access next to Doyles and the Bridge Hotel (Figure 11A, Item 8)

Yes, this pedestrian boardwalk is in need of maintenance!  Even more importantly, by signage, or other means, it needs to be made clear to visitors that this public walkway does not belong to Doyles, as it appears to do now.

Another problem with this pedestrian walkway is that, at present, it leads only to the boats moored to it, the private bridge to the island and the Bridge Hotel carpark.  This walkway would become a wonderful asset and would be more widely used if some way could be found to link it to the foreshore south of the Pier and North Aspendale beach.

Commercial development at Doyles

Any commercial development over the Doyles car park should be limited so that it does not adversely affect the amenity of residents.

Attenborough Park

Floating pedestrian underpass - Attenborough Park/Doyles linkage (Fig 11, Item 22).  As we previously commented in response to the earlier Draft Plan and on other occasions, a floating pedestrian underpass on the south side of the Creek is impossible.  This is a silly idea, proposed by consultants and adopted by Kingston staff that have not checked the tide data.  There is insufficient clearance for walking under the bridge at most, possibly all, states of the tide.  This is why the underpass on the north side was built low!  There is not enough clearance on the north side under the bridge, nor is there sufficient clearance on the south side of the Creek.

Improve indigenous garden (Fig 11, Item 24).  A great idea, if the indigenous community agree.  We would also like to see historical reference to the Bunurong, the Government aboriginal reserve here, Chinese settlement on the banks of Mordialloc Creek, etc.

 

Pompei’s Landing (Fig 12)

We are concerned that any changes to Pompei’s Landing should not result in sanitisation of this site.  Whilst nautical sculptures may add general appeal, we do not want real maritime activities replaced with pseudo nautical structures.  This area of real informal maritime activity has long identified Mordialloc’s character and is a great attraction.  Pompei’s Landing could do with a bit of tidying and landscaping, but please don’t replace the Pompei boat operations with generic pseudo structures that can be seen anywhere!

We do think the existing casual overnight truck parking should be discouraged, and a toilet block at the rear of the site is a useful addition.

New Main Street parking near Velas apartments (Fig 12, Item 1)

In principle, we disagree with any further loss of Main Street median and aesthetic green buffer.

Redevelop existing boat sheds (Fig 12, Item 3)

This development is visually far too large so close to the Creek.  It may be only slightly higher than the existing boat sheds, but its visual bulk would be enormous in comparison to them.  The heights in this area should, at most, be a continuation of those to the north, with 2-storeys to Main Street and a possible 3rd level setback, but no higher than the existing 10.5m barn.  We should not allow the proposed development at the old police station to set a precedent here.  The 4-storey development at the police station site has not been built and may never be built.  If it is built it should not legitimise, or be legitimised by, 3- to 4-storeys on the boat-shed site.

We disagree with general retail premises so close to the creek.  We suggest this building incorporates a Mordialloc historical museum or a maritime display (which could be run by volunteers), maritime clubrooms and offices, and a small boat accessories store at ground level.  Accommodation could be provided above but height should not exceed 3-storeys, and the 3rd level should be recessed.

Extend line of Main Street planting (Fig 12, Item 5)

We are delighted that this area is to be landscaped with trees.  However, we feel that it would not be appropriate to plant palms here.  This area is transitional between the palms lining Main Street and the Monterey Cypress at Pompei’s, and the plantings here should be chosen so as to appear as a natural transition.  This might be done with lower or less showy trees, such as Sheoaks or Coast Manna Gums.

Enable pedestrian access to Main Street east (Fig 12, Item 6)

We like the proposed layout of paths, which seems visually and functionally satisfactory.

Café and boat building museum (Fig 12, Item 10)

It would be a great shame to see this area ‘tidied up’ by putting a café and museum close to the creek, and we strongly object to this suggestion.  The untidy boat works area is unique in Port Philip Bay, as residents say ‘it is the heart and soul of Mordialloc’, a place where ordinary people can muck about with boats.  To plonk a cafe here would be an act of vandalism of the very worst sort.  It would be destruction of Mordialloc village culture and heritage, and would inhibit ordinary people from working on ordinary boats here.  A commercial building on the creek bank would add an out-of place modern element to the creekscape, and will add to litter in the creek.  We have little enough left of the original Mordialloc, so hands off the boat works on the creek bank!

Museum.  We would like to see a Mordialloc historical museum on this site, including the Pompei history and artefacts, and run by the Mordialloc and District Historical Society.  This could be located in the ground floor of the redevelopment of the existing boat barn, or incorporated into the new boat shed.

New boat sheds at south end of Pompei site (Fig 12, Item 11)

We accept new boat sheds in this location, but consider a 2-storey building too dominant next to the creek.  The building should be single-storey.  A completely transparent building seems out of character with the area.

Pompei’s 100 year shed should be retained and restored, and some boat-related use found for it.

Slipway (Fig 12, Item 13)

We consider that the existing slipways and facilities should be retained and upgraded, and boat repairs next to the creek retained and encouraged.  This will enormously enhance the tourist attraction of the area, because there is nowhere else people can see these activities.  The word ‘unique’ appears repeatedly in the Final Draft Plan, but we actually have little that is truly unique. This boat work area and the water tower are probably the only features of Mordialloc that are unique in any real sense, so let’s retain them both.

Provide a pedestrian walkway under the rail bridge adjacent to the creek (Fig 12, Item 16)

We strongly support the proposal to close the existing ugly concrete tunnel under the rail line, and move the footpath away from the rail yards.  This would improve the amenity of the area and probably reduce vandalism in the rail yards because the yards would soon be out of sight and out of mind for vandals.

We feel that a solid footpath under the rail bridge, as on the south bank of the creek, would more aesthetically link the landscaped area by the moorings with the parkland to the east.  But we accept that a floating walkway under the rail bridge would be less costly to install and maintain, and feel this is an acceptable alternative.

We suggest murals or mosaics of creek scenes or Bunurong activities would improve the visual presence of the rail bridge.

 

Main Street (Fig 13)

Facades (Fig 13)

We suggest historical murals (Coffee Palace, Grand Hotel, stage coaches, etc), or appropriate maritime mosaics or images, on bland buildings such as Safeways.  Some covered facades, such as the Good Guys building, could be uncovered and restored.  Improvement is needed overall in consistency of façade colours, rhythms, textures, and shop signage.

Infill development (Fig 13)

We agree with infill not exceeding 2-storeys or adjacent building heights, and following existing alignment.  But we prefer all 3-storey additions to be recessed 8m to avoid a jumbled look and to reduce the impact of 3-storeys on the predominantly 2-storey streetscape.

Remove streetlight on Main Street/McDonald Streets roundabout (Fig 13, Item 1)

We agree that this streetlight is not appropriate on the roundabout at the northern entrance to the village. But, if there is to be a nautical sculpture on the southern roundabout, there should be something similar or compatible on the northern roundabout.  This could add to the sense of entry and the unity of the village, as well as being a strong statement about the history of Mordialloc.

New northern ‘gateway’ replacing the Not Quite Right block (Fig 13, Item 2)

This area does need improving.  We suggest no more than 3-storey buildings here, with a recessed 3rd level and space for landscaping or canopy trees.  This would be an excellent hotel site with a view down McDonald Street to the Dandenongs.

Additional pedestrian crossing points (Fig 13, Items 3 & 10)

We like the suggestion of additional crossing points. They might help to better connect the two sides of Main Street, and make shops nearer the north and south ends of the street more viable and vital than at present.  Psychologically, the end shops would seem more part of a pedestrian loop rather than extremities of an ‘H’, as they are now.

Four pedestrian crossings seem too many for this distance.  Three pedestrian crossings could be provided:

1.                             opposite the laneway that links Main Street to the station car park (Figs 8, Item 4)

2.                             the existing crossing linking the station to Centreway

3.                             slightly south of Bear Street.

Integration of telecommunications (Fig 13, Item 4)

If this means under-grounding power supply, we agree.  Hiding mobile towers is also worthwhile but it is unclear how this will be done.

Reduce height of highway lights (Fig 13, Item 5)

We like this suggestion to lower the lights to below the tops of the palms.  Aesthetically, this would improve the view by making the palms a stronger feature.  Obviously, this would have to be subject to maintaining and improving the level of lighting at street level.  The low-energy highway lighting proposal is also excellent, but the energy economies would be negated by proposed up-lighting or spotlights. 

Additional median strip parking (Fig 13, Item 14)

Object to further loss of median strip and green buffer.

Bus stop (Fig 13, Item 16)

A bus stop in front of shops near the station is not a good idea because of problems with noxious fumes on the pavement and in shops.  (See our previous comments.)

 

Central Mordialloc (Fig 14)

We are very pleased with the hardy coastal planting themes, and improvements to the various laneways.  We would like to see more consistency in street furniture.

New mixed-use development (Fig 14, Item 10)

Care must be taken that old building stock is not replaced with bland generic buildings, however, the office block on Beach Road arc could be replaced or improved.  Also, any Beach Road development should have variable set backs with space for landscaping and canopy trees.

Community Housing (Fig 14, Item 10)

We are happy for an upgrade to buildings, but we would not wish disadvantaged people to be forced into housing elsewhere.

Extension above Safeways entrance (Fig 14, Item 13)

Excessive height would be needed to gain views to the Dandenongs, which would be unacceptable.

 

Implementation

 

We sincerely hope that matters raised by the Mordialloc community will be fully considered, discussed with the community, and resolved.  Mordialloc and its special features and character are important to us.  So we appreciate this opportunity to express our views on aspects of the Final Draft Mordialloc Structure Plan.  The Final Draft Structure Plan is long and complex, and demanded a great deal of time and careful thought.  We hope you find our comments useful and constructive, and take them into consideration in finalising the Mordialloc Structure Plan.

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