andy.tsang - Ozcykler 2010- |

What part of Swanston Street is under review?
The section of Swanston Street under review is between Flinders Street to the south and Franklin Street to the north.

Why is it necessary to review Swanston Street?
Swanston Street is a public and civic space for all Melburnians as well as a functioning street in which trams, bicycles and service and delivery vehicles need to be accommodated.

Swanston Street provides direct access to iconic buildings, such as the Shrine of Remembrance, Federation Square, City Square, Town Hall and the State Library. By 2020, more than one million people are expected to access the city each weekday.

On Tuesday 2 February 2010 the Future Melbourne Committee recommended the design concept and commencement of stage one to Council.

Pending the outcomes of the road closure process, works in Swanston Street are scheduled to commence by September 2010.

Tender will commence in July 2010 and construction in September 2010 to finish by early to mid 2011.

Stage one (July 2010 to June 2011) Latrobe Street tram platform

Stage two (July 2011 to June 2012) Bourke Street, Collins Street and Franklin Street tram platforms

How much will the project cost?
After an extensive design and research phase and on expansion of the civic brief for the street, we now estimate that the project cost will be $25.6 million.

For stage one in the first year of the project (2010-11 financial year) $7.8 million will be required. This will be sought through the Council budget process.

We will pause at the completion of stage one and assess exactly what is needed to complete stage two.

Stage two will see the majority of the redevelopment works completed including further design, construction of all four platform tram stops, implementing the road closure, new lighting and increased amenity including granite and bluestone paving.

A further $17.3 million will then be sought from future budgets to complete the subsequent works.

We will pause at the completion of stage two and assess exactly what is needed to complete the vision.

Where will this money come from? Will Council need to take funding from other projects to deliver Swanston Street?
This is essentially a capital works project. The 2009 total capital works budget was in excess of $60 million. In 2010 Swanston Street will be factored into the budget process just like any other major project.

State government contribution is also being confirmed.

What about stage three? There are no costings for it contained in the report. How much more will it cost?
Stage three is more about further beautification of the street, and addresses the blocks in between the tram stops. We will make an assessment on exactly what, if any, part of stage three is required once stage two has taken shape, so we can evaluate what is needed to complete the vision.

Will there be any further public consultation on the redevelopment?
The Inter-Agency Steering Committee will continue to oversee the project, and there will be a range of stakeholder consultation that continues to take place in relation to the specifics of street-level works.

We consulted the public extensively on the outcomes they wanted for the street, and the project continues to be driven by the community’s preferred outcomes –less vehicles and greater priority for trams, bikes and pedestrians.

The community engagement plan January to June was noted by Council. Consultation with stakeholders will continue throughout stage one and stage two to resolve issues of concern.

What will happen to the parades?
Parades that use Swanston Street include the Moomba Parade, Anzac Day March, Melbourne Cup Parade, Grand Final Parade and the Christmas Parade.

This design option will not impede parade functions of the street. The surface materials and construction of the parade corridor must allow for parade horse traffic.

The implementation of this design option for platform stops may improve the experience for spectators as it elevates the view above the procession. The absence of permanent shelters or barriers will ensure views are not obstructed.

The Grand Final Parade currently passes through the Collins street Superstops and the Myer Christmas Parade passes through the Bourke Street Mall superstop platforms.

The space in front of the Town Hall will create an open area to hold events on the street.

Wider pedestrians crossing adjoining the platform stops will create more open space and accessibility allowing freedom of movement and viewing areas for pedestrians.

Will I still be able to get a NightRider Bus from Swanston Street?
NightRider buses will continue to have access the street.

NightRider buses are a key aspect to our late-night transport and city safety initiatives and we will continue to accommodate them through all stages of the redevelopment.

At the end of stage two their terminal will be relocated from City Square to the block adjacent to St Paul’s Cathedral between Flinders Street and Flinders Lane.

Will horse-drawn vehicles be banned from Swanston Street?
Horse-drawn vehicles will continue to have access to the street.

Once stage two is complete, the endorsed design will allow for horse-drawn vehicles to park and trade in front of St Paul’s Cathedral between Flinders Street and Flinders Lane.

We have also offered the horse-drawn vehicle operators an alternative parking location on St Kilda Road, opposite the Arts Centre in front of Alexandra Gardens.

We have offered to install infrastructure and shelters in this location and assist them further in promoting their services through our tourism and marketing channels.

The operators have indicated that they rely heavily on pedestrian customers in Swanston Street for their trade, however, our research has shown that the space offered to them on St Kilda Road provides access to high levels of tourist pedestrian traffic. This is the location where cruise ship tourist buses drop off and pick up about 40,000 tourist passengers per year.

The NightRider buses' new location will not impede on the horse-drawn vehicles' proposed location as they operate at different time.

How will the design impact on street trading vendors and outdoor cafes?
The endorsed design concept will encourage further activity along Swanston Street including street vendors, busking, and outdoor cafes.

Accessibility for street trading vendors to access Swanston Street will not be impeded by the design.

Street trading vendors will need to adhere to the new delivery vehicle access times at the completion of stage two.

What will happen to the existing trees in the redevelopment?
The existing trees in Swanston Street will remain. The design to incorporate florals around the existing trees will allow for additional hand watering.

Will any additional trees be added along the street?
The number of additional trees to be added along the street will be detailed in design work during construction. At this stage we cannot say exactly how many trees will be added at each of the four new public spaces.

Below is a picture of the proposal as seen on seven news...


Source: Melbourne City Council