Supplementary Agenda of City Infrastructure Committee Meeting

Item No. 10

Supplementary Agenda (Open Portion)

City Infrastructure Committee Meeting

Page 8

23/6/2021

REPORT TITLE: Stage 3 New Town Retail Precinct Upgrade - LRCI Round 3 Grant Funding Opportunity

REPORT PROVIDED BY: Senior Transport Engineer

Director City Planning

1. Report Purpose and Community Benefit

1.1. This report presents an update on the New Town retail precinct streetscape upgrade project, and an opportunity to complete the project (see attachment A for the extent of the works) with an identified capital funding grant source (LRCI – Round 3) and a Council capital works contribution.

1.2. The New Town retail precinct upgrade project, approved by the Council, which was partially completed but put on hold due to COVID-19, could now be substantially completed, should the Council so resolve.

1.3. The proposed streetscape improvements will provide better access and amenity for pedestrians, making it easier for people to safely and comfortably access the shops, services and public transport in New Town Road, between Pedder Street and Risdon Road.

2. Report Summary

2.1. The City’s design team has developed a draft streetscape plan for the New Town Retail Precinct, based on the New Town community Project Action Team’s recommendations and priorities.

2.2. The Council has previously considered a report relating to the community engagement and the streetscape design concept plan at its 4 June 2018 meeting.

2.3. The Council resolved to implement the streetscape upgrade, based on the concept design proposal.

2.4. Construction commenced in 2019 and a first stage of works in the vicinity of the Pirie Street, Pedder Street, New Town Road junction along with other kerb and channel and footpath renewal works between the junction with Pirie Street and the “Salvos” at 115 New Town Road were completed in early 2020.

2.5. Extensive project documentation and development was undertaken for the second and third stage works in anticipation of undertaking these during 2020.

2.6. The second and third stage works were however placed on indefinite hold following the COVID-19 pandemic and related financial impacts to the City of Hobart.

2.7. The City of Hobart has applied for funding from the Tasmanian Government’s VRUP (Vulnerable Road User Program) to support installation of median island crossings at two locations, as identified in the Council approved concept plans, near the “Salvos” and Cross Street, to improve pedestrian amenity and safety at these locations. It is likely this application will be well considered.

2.8. The City of Hobart is also eligible to receive an additional funding allocation of $1,370,000 under the recently notified, phase 3 of the LRCI (Local Road and Community Infrastructure) Program from the Australian Government. This program was initiated to help respond to the economic impacts of COVID 19.

2.9. The City of Hobart has until 31 July 2021 to nominate projects to utilise this funding. The funding is to be spent in 2022.

2.10. The New Town retail precinct upgrade is believed to be an eligible project based on the criteria for phase 1 and 2 of the LRCI program. Phase 3 criteria have not yet been released, but are believed to be largely unchanged.

2.11. The funding available from the phase 3 LRCI Program along with VRUP funding and a contribution from the City of Hobart of $500,000 would be sufficient to complete the substantial Stage 3 of the New Town Retail Precinct upgrade project in 2022-23. The smaller Stage 2 component of the project between Risdon Road and 192-194 New Town Road, and costed at $500K, would remain to be completed when funding became available.

2.12. Completing the substantial Stage 3 New Town Retail precinct project respects the existing Council resolution and commitment to upgrading this area of Hobart, capitalises on the extensive co-design community engagement process, detail design and planning already undertaken.

3. Recommendation

That:

1. The Council authorise the Chief Executive Officer to nominate the works associated with the Stage 3 New Town retail precinct upgrade for funding under phase 3 of the Australian Governments LRTI Program;

2. The Council allocate for its consideration an amount of $500,000 from the Capital works budget allocation in the 2022-23 year for Stage 3 New Town retail precinct upgrade project.

4. Background

4.1. In December 2015, the Council endorsed a plan to upgrade a series of local retail precincts across Hobart. A Plan for Hobart’s Local Retail Precincts (the plan) was prepared by a consultant team including MRCagney, Inspiring Place, Village Well, Jon Mongard Landscape Architects and Fresh Start Communications.

4.2. The Lenah Valley precinct was the first of the upgrades from the plan to be completed in 2018. In other work through the local retail precincts planning, The City of Hobart has also improved pedestrian access in the South Hobart retail precinct (pedestrian traffic signals and Macquarie Street (south side) raised threshold side road crossings), and undertaken extensive stakeholder engagement and trial installation in the Elizabeth Street “Midtown” precinct.

4.3. Prior to this program, the City of Hobart had also undertaken an extensive streetscape upgrade in the Sandy Bay retail precinct area. The City of Hobart has also continued to progressively upgrade pedestrian amenity in the Hobart Waterfront and Salamanca precinct in this time.

4.4. The complete documentation for those projects and the New Town retail precinct project has been previously considered by the Council.

4.5. The COVID-19 event, whilst not impacting Tasmania as deeply as some other jurisdictions, has reminded us of the need to support and enhance our local activity centres, supporting local businesses, community resilience, health and wellbeing.

5. Proposal and Implementation

5.1. The proposal is to nominate the package of works described as Stage 3 New Town retail precinct project as the City of Hobart’s phase 3 LRCI program project.

5.1.1. Should the Council so resolve, Council officers would prepare the necessary nomination paperwork for submission into the phase 3 process prior to the deadline of 31 July 2021.

5.2. It is also proposed to include an amount of $500,000 in the 2022-23 capital works budget to fully complete Stage 3 of the project.

5.2.1. It is noted the previously approved Council capital funding allocation for the project was reallocated during the COVID-19 related revised budget in 2020.

6. Strategic Planning and Policy Considerations

6.1. The proposal furthers a number of strategic objectives of the Capital City Plan 2015-2025, including:

1.3 Vibrant city centre and suburban precincts;

2.1 A fully accessible and connected environment;

2.2 A people-focussed city with well-designed and well managed urban and recreational spaces;

4.1 Community connectedness and participation realises the cultural and social potential of the community; and

5.4 An engaged civic culture where people feel part of decision making.

7. Financial Implications

7.1. Funding Source and Impact on Current Year Operating Result

7.1.1. The Australian Government phase 3 LRCI Program has not been planned or anticipated. It is part of ongoing COVID-19 recovery support.

7.1.2. As such there is no impact on the current year operating result.

7.2. Impact on Future Years’ Financial Result

7.2.1. It is proposed that the 2022-23 budget year capital allocation of $500,000 occur to complete Stage 3 of the project occurs at a time when recovery in the Council’s financial position will be improving.

7.2.2. Other financial implications including street cleansing, parks maintenance, planned asset maintenance and asset write offs have been previously documented in the New Town retail precinct upgrade report (CIC 30 May 2018). It is not believed there is any material change to these.

7.3. Asset Related Implications

7.3.1. It is noted that a portion of the works is planned asset renewal which is required in any event at some point in the coming years.

8. Legal, Risk and Legislative Considerations

8.1. Key considerations have been documented in the previous New Town retail precinct upgrade report (CIC 30 May 2018).

8.2. The additional consideration is that the Council is authorising the City of Hobart Chief Executive Officer to enter into an agreement with the Australian Government under the LRCI Program to fund the identified New Town retail precinct project.

9. Environmental Considerations

9.1. Key considerations have been documented in the previous New Town retail precinct upgrade report (CIC 30 May 2018).

10. Social and Customer Considerations

10.1. Key considerations have been documented in the previous New Town retail precinct upgrade report (CIC 30 May 2018).

10.2. By completing this substantial stage of the project the Council is honouring the commitment it has made to the local community and stakeholders.

10.3. The Council is demonstrating its prudent management through financial restraint when required, but also continued support of local community retail precinct areas when funding becomes available.

11. Marketing and Media

11.1. Key considerations have been documented in the previous New Town retail precinct upgrade report (CIC 30 May 2018).

11.2. Restarting and completing the project, with Australian and Tasmanian Government support will generate media interest.

12. Community and Stakeholder Engagement

12.1. A significant community and stakeholder engagement program has been undertaken during the planning phase of this proposal.

12.2. Key considerations have been documented in the previous New Town retail precinct upgrade report (CIC 30 May 2018).

12.3. Should the Council so resolve, and the LRCI Program funding application is confirmed as successful, the community and stakeholder engagement plan, previously put on hold, will be refreshed and engagement will recommence.

13. Delegation

13.1. This is a matter for the Council to determine.

As signatory to this report, I certify that, pursuant to Section 55(1) of the Local Government Act 1993, I hold no interest, as referred to in Section 49 of the Local Government Act 1993, in matters contained in this report.

Stuart Baird

Senior Transport Engineer

Neil Noye Signature

Neil Noye

Director City Planning

Date: 21 June 2021

File Reference: F21/57435; 2017-0082-02

Attachment a: New Town Retail Precinct Streetscape Upgrade - General Arrangement Plan ⇩

Item No. 11

Supplementary Agenda (Open Portion)

City Infrastructure Committee Meeting

Page 16

23/6/2021

REPORT TITLE: City of Hobart Temporary Hoardings and Fencing Permit Procedure

REPORT PROVIDED BY: Manager City Mobility

Director City Planning

1. Report Purpose and Community Benefit

1.1. Procedure purpose

1.1.1. Consistent with City of Hobart Council’s responsibilities under Section 30 of the Tasmanian Local Government (Highways) Act, Council is required to deliver a safe road environment.

1.1.2. As the City grows, key destinations in the city will be under pressure to perform economically for all businesses, and yet to accommodate significant development over the coming years.

1.1.3. This Works on Public Highways – Hoardings and Fences Permit Procedure (the Procedure) defines City of Hobart Council’s ‘local regulatory requirements’ in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.2.5 of Australian Standard 4687 Temporary fencing and hoardings.

1.1.4. The Procedure limits the use of fences in the city for vacant, dangerous and construction sites in selected areas which are within the pedestrian destination areas of the city.

2. Report Summary

2.1. Description of Procedure

2.1.1. Consistent with the current Permit application process which remains in place;

2.1.2. Provides for the requirement for more solid and safer construction and vacant site hoardings to be installed in select locations within the Hobart Local Government Area;

2.1.3. Will improve road safety particularly for pedestrians in key destination and centre areas by use of hoardings protection; and

2.1.4. Will improve visual outcomes in the city during its’ next growth phase.

3. Recommendation

That the Temporary Hoarding and Fencing Permit Procedure marked as Attachment A to this report be received and noted.

4. Background

4.1. City Infrastructure Committee Question Without Notice

4.1.1. City Infrastructure Committee raised a Question Without Notice at its meeting on 23 September 2020 as follows:

Could the Director please advise if the City has any standards for Building Site Hoardings such as in other Capital Cities? If not, is it time for Hobart to consider Hoarding Standards and requirements to avoid unsightly building sites with flimsy transparent fencing impacting on the streetscape?

4.1.2. Director City Planning, Mr Neil Noye responded on 19 November 2020 (F20/104415; 13-1-10) as follows:

A report is being prepared for the consideration of the committee for the review of the standards for building site hoardings taking into account standards employed in other Australian cities with the aim of improving the safety and appearance of building sites within the city. The report will be presented to the committee on or before the first quarter of 2021.

4.1.3. This Works on Public Highways – Hoardings and Fences Permit Procedure is the outcome report referred to in the Response to Question Without Notice referred to in section 4.1.2 of this report.

5. Proposal and Implementation

5.1. The Works on Public Highways – Hoardings and Fences Permit Procedure is consistent with the current Permit application process which remains in place.

5.1.1. The Procedure will be communicated to the industry as follows:

5.1.1.1. Briefing scripting and fact sheets available via the City of Hobart website, the City of Hobart customer service centre and the City Mobility Unit Duty Officer;

5.1.1.2. Via letter to key industry providers; and

5.1.1.3. By advertisement in the local newspaper distributed in the Hobart Local Government Area

6. Strategic Planning and Policy Considerations

6.1. The Procedure responds to the Council’s vision, Hobart A Community Vision for our Island Capital: Pillar 5 Movement and Connectivity as follows:

6.1.1. 5.1 WE KEEP OUR CITY BREATHING: 5.1.2 Any growth or changes to transport and technology must be unobtrusive; natural, environmental and cultural elements are all taken into account whenever we are contemplating any changes to our transportation and technology system.

6.1.1.1. In relation to city safety: Hobart’s footpaths are generally constrained in cross section. In the more pedestrianised areas of the city, the hoardings requirement will provide a high level of confidence for pedestrian and community safety i.e. extent of frontages on construction or vacant site will have fixed, legible and safer installations.

6.1.1.2. In relation to city aesthetics: Hobart is an historic and event city. In order to welcome business visitors and tourists to enjoy Hobart in the coming years, it is desirable to improve the visual impact of multiple development and construction sites across the centres areas which are expected to occur at the same time.

6.1.2. 5.2 WE MAINTAIN OUR PACE OF LIFE: 5.2.2 Connections between spaces are safe and easy to find and navigate. They are interesting, encouraging us to move between them, to be active as we move from place to place and space to space.

6.1.2.1. Consistent with Council’s and the community’s investments and expectations in the Hobart CBD, Hobart Destination and Hobart Suburban Retail Precincts, the redevelopment of these areas is expected to be consistent with the qualities of the surrounding environment.

7. Financial Implications

7.1. Funding Source and Impact on Current Year Operating Result

7.1.1. The implementation of this procedure is not expected to funding implication for the current financial year.

7.2. Impact on Future Years’ Financial Result

7.2.1. Potential for future revision to Fees and Schedules for minimum requirements and incentives.

7.3. Asset Related Implications

7.3.1. Consultation with Council’s asset management areas occurred during the development of the Procedure.

7.3.2. Section 2.4 of the Procedure excludes works by Council and other utility providers and their suppliers which are generally:

7.3.2.1. Of short duration (under 14 days), and/ or emergency works;

7.3.2.2. Within the trafficable highway area where fences are the only feasible solution; and

7.3.2.3. In parkland areas with higher wind loadings

8. Legal, Risk and Legislative Considerations

8.1. Legal review

8.1.1. The Procedure has been reviewed and amended in accordance with advice from the Legal Officer, Compliance and Permits, Mr Tom Rolfe.

8.1.2. The Procedure is generally consistent with other Permit and compliance procedures implemented by City of Hobart Council.

9. Environmental Considerations

9.1. Climate change

9.1.1. The Procedure retains the Australian Standard requirement for apertures in the Hoarding design, but requires that the hoarding is ‘visually solid’.

9.1.2. This is intended to maintain the safety and affordability of Hoarding structures in relation to wind speed and gust forecasts under both normal and climate change scenarios.

9.1.3. All Hoardings will be required to be designed and installed in accordance with the relevant engineering design standards and certifications.

10. Social and Customer Considerations

10.1. Pedestrian and disability access safety

10.1.1. The Procedure requires hoardings to be built in Hobart Destinations, the Hobart CBD, and the Suburban Retail Precincts.

10.1.2. As these areas are the highly pedestrianised areas of the city, the following benefits are anticipated:

10.1.2.1. Improved safety and legibility for all footpath users;

10.1.2.2. Improved safety and legibility for mobility impaired road users; and

10.1.2.3. Increased attractiveness for walking and moving in Hobart’s key pedestrian areas.

11. Marketing and Media

11.1. The Works on Public Highways – Hoardings and Fences Permit Procedure is consistent with the current Permit application process which remains in place.

11.1.1. The new procedure will be communicated to the industry as follows:

11.1.1.1. Via briefing scripting and fact sheets available via the website, the City of Hobart customer service centre and the City Mobility Unit.

11.1.1.2. Via letter to key industry providers

11.1.1.3. By advertisement in the local newspaper distributed in the Hobart Local Government Area

12. Community and Stakeholder Engagement

12.1. Actions as itemised in Section 11.0.

12.2. Review of initiative after the first twelve months.

13. Delegation

13.1. The Works on Public Highways – Hoardings and Fences Permit Procedure (the Procedure) defines City of Hobart Council’s ‘local regulatory requirements’ in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.2.5 of Australian Standard 4687 Temporary fencing and hoardings; and

13.2. As the land use and road authority responsible for the management and maintenance of Hobart highways, the Council will implement the procedure once formally adopted.

Louisa Carter

Manager City Mobility

Neil Noye

Director City Planning

Date: 21 June 2021

File Reference: F21/57874; F21/57022;16/116

Attachment a: COH Temporary Hoardings and Fencing Permit Procedure ⇩