Oxford Street, Collingwood - new park to be created
Council is planning to create a small public space in Collingwood, by closing off part of Oxford Street.
The small green pocket, about 650 m2, would be created by closing part of Oxford Street, between Derby and Langridge streets, to vehicles. In July 2011, Council approved a final concept plan for the space (as per the site drawings below).
Council will now prepare a more detailed plan for the park's construction, which is expected to occur in 2012.
Construction of the park is expected to cost about $620,000, 80% of which would be funded through contributions from developers towards the creation of open space in Collingwood.
Four parking spaces would be lost in Oxford Street. However, it is anticipated that about three new parking spaces could be provided along Langridge Street.
Road Discontinuance
For the park to be created, Council must approve the discontinuance of part of Oxford Street, between Langridge and Derby streets.
Council called for community submissions on the proposed road discontinuance in May 2011. At its September 2011 meeting, Council resolved to discontinue the section of Oxford Street between Langridge and Derby streets.
However, Council officers have subsequently determined that they received a submission from a local property owner that had not been considered prior to Council deciding to discontinue the road. It was decided not to proceed with the road discontinuance until the submitter's concerns had been considered by Council.
The property owner made a verbal submission at a meeting of Council's Finance and Human Services Committee on Tuesday 8 November.
At its November meeting, Council noted the earlier procedural error and recognised that access rights to 22 Derby Street and 30 Oxford Street needed to be preserved as part of any process to discontinue the section of road envisaged to become a new public space.
Council resolved to commence a new statutory process to discontinue the road, ensuring that footpaths providing access to the abovementioned properties were retained.
Council will not begin advertising the proposed discontinuance and providing opportunities for residents and businesses to comment until the access requirements of the properties adjoining the space have been satisfied.
Background
The Oxford Street park proposal was first outlined in Council’s 2006 Open Space Strategy and then later recommended in the Smith Street Structure Plan, which Council adopted in November 2008.
In 2008, a Local Area Traffic Management Study was conducted and there were found to be no traffic issues with the closure of Oxford Street in this location.
Due to its industrial history, Collingwood has a very low proportion of open space (0.2 m2 per person) so Council has sought ways to create new green pockets in the suburb.
Public consultation
Council embarked on two rounds of consultation in planning this new space.
In early 2011, the community was asked to put forward suggestions and ideas for the space's use and design.
That feedback was used to create a draft design of the space, which was then put out for consultation in May and June 2011.
Further information
Joanna Bush
Coordinator - Open Space Planning and Design
9205 5794
Joanna.Bush@yarracity.vic.gov.au
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