Draft Brisbane City Centre Master Plan 2013 Summary of submissions, 17 September-25 October 2013 Introduction In April 2013, Council hosted the Ideas Fiesta to encourage the Brisbane community and the property industry to explore the future of the city centre through a three-week long program of events across the Central Business District (CBD), supported by social media. The fiesta featured 17 community events, 10 industry forums and showcased 17 transformative ideas from well-known Brisbane architects and designers. More than 16,400 people attended fiesta events, 1200 students participated and more than 1.2 million social media views were generated. The ideas and feedback received during the fiesta directly influenced the directions of the draft CCMP and helped Council to identify priorities for future delivery. In September 2013, Brisbane City Council launched the Draft Brisbane City Centre Master Plan 2013 (draft CCMP). This plan delivers a coordinated strategy supported by a number of implementation projects for the future of Brisbane’s city centre. The draft CCMP has been developed to guide future development and investment in our city centre over the next 20 years. The projects and initiatives of the draft CCMP were identified after significant community consultation as well as contributions from design teams and the property industry. Summary of consultation on draft CCMP Council sought a final round of feedback from the community on the draft CCMP between 17 September and 25 October 2013. Council received 27 submissions during this period. Consultation was supported by media releases, an email to subscribers, ‘pole-wrap’ posters around the CBD, industry events and talk-to-aplanner kiosks at the Big City BBQ and Brisbane Open House events. In addition, key stakeholders provided a high level of support and endorsement for the draft CCMP. The key themes of the feedback received during the consultation period are: strong support for the draft CCMP’s strategies and projects support for the Kangaroo Point Bridge and pedestrian and cyclist bridges support for the ‘city boulevards’ city-making move and the general revitalisation and enhancement of key streets to improve pedestrian amenity desire for more cyclist-oriented initiatives in the city centre desire for improved public transport and cheaper/free public transport services across Brisbane. Summary of feedback Item Feedback no. Comment Submissions General 1 Generally support the draft CCMP strategies and projects. Noted. 2, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 23, 27 2 Generally oppose the draft CCMP strategies and initiatives. Noted. 5 3 Generally do not support buildings/infrastructure/bridges encroaching in the river’s space. Noted. 1 4 Planning for the city centre should consider measures to reduce business and lifestyle costs. The draft CCMP’s five strategies (economic, public realm, built form, social and cultural and transport) are intended to balance the different factors influencing our lifestyle. The draft CCMP is a planning blueprint for the city centre whereby projects and initiatives seek to improve access to transport and services, enhance lifestyle factors and promote business growth and employment. Where it can, the draft CCMP endeavours to promote measures that might reduce costs for instance through the use of Environmental Upgrade Agreements to promote the modernisation of old building stock, improve energy efficiency and keep associated costs low. 10 5 Brisbane needs to emphasise its connections with sister cities. Brisbane’s relationship with sister cities is reflected in the Brisbane Vision 2031, Council’s long-term community plan for the city that details aspirations for the city’s future. Council’s International Relations and Multicultural Affairs unit regularly collaborates with Brisbane’s international sister cities. Council is committed to advancing Brisbane’s place in Asia and the world, building mutually beneficial relationships with other cities, and promoting Brisbane as Australia’s New World City. Networking with other leading global cities allows Brisbane to exchange best practice ideas and experiences, informing future thinking on delivering economic growth and providing effective and efficient local services for the community. 17 Item Feedback no. Comment Submissions 6 Cities should strive to be sustainable, for instance through waste management, bicycle facilities and green buildings. The draft CCMP strives for a balance between economic, social, built form, public realm and transport outcomes. Sustainable initiatives will be investigated in detail through the individual projects identified in the master plan. Council’s policies and initiatives on sustainability have a citywide relevance and are not only applicable to Brisbane’s city centre. Council has worked with the community to establish the Brisbane Vision 2031, which is a long-term community plan for the city that details aspirations for the city’s future. The vision is underpinned by sustainability principles guiding Council’s planning. Broadly, the main priorities outlined under the Brisbane Vision 2031 include maintaining our quality of life and ensuring Brisbane has the services and infrastructure to meet future liveability and sustainability challenges. For more information visit Council’s website and search for ‘Brisbane Vision’. As an organisation Council is also taking action to manage waste and reduce carbon emissions, for instance through the bushland acquisition program, the 2 million trees project and by setting a target of becoming a carbon neutral organisation by 2031. For more information on Council’s targets and achievements as an organisation as well as policies and initiatives for the broader community, visit Council’s website and search for ‘Our Clean, Green City’. Other aspects are being progressed through the draft new City Plan, including requirements for bicycle facilities in new developments and prescriptions around building design to ensure building efficiency is maximised in Brisbane’s subtropical climate (such as awnings, adjustable screens, pergolas, green walls and planting). For more information on this project visit Council’s website and search for ‘draft new City Plan’. 17 7 Insufficient consultation has taken place on the draft CCMP. Council undertook consultation to inform the draft CCMP during the Ideas Fiesta in April and May 2013. During this time, more than 16,400 people were directly engaged at the fiesta’s 27 events, the transformative projects received more than a million views on social media and thousands of items of feedback were received through the various channels available (i.e. via social media, email, post and in person at fiesta events). Refer to the Ideas Fiesta wrap-up report on Council’s website for more information. 25 Item Feedback no. Comment Submissions More recently, the draft CCMP was available for public comment for more than five weeks, between 17 September and 25 October 2013. Consultation was supported by media releases, ‘pole-wrap’ posters around the CBD, industry events and talk-to-a-planner kiosks. Refer to page two of this submission summary document. 8 The South Brisbane/West End area does not have a proportionate number of projects compared to the CBD. The focus of the draft CCMP is the CBD area. Parts of South Brisbane are identified as important to supporting the function of the CBD such as the Kurilpa Riverfront Renewal precinct. This precinct is currently undergoing a separate renewal process. For more information on this project visit Council’s website and search for ‘Kurilpa Riverfront Renewal’. 25 9 Extend the CBD non-smoking zone. The Queensland Government is responsible for legislation governing smoking in public places. The Queen Street Mall smoking ban was an initiative of Council and required legislative support from the Queensland Government. 14 10 Council should consider including property along Eagle Terrace in planning for the city centre. Council has determined this area is significant in planning for the city centre and will be considered in the development of the City Centre Neighbourhood Plan. 24 11 Do not support a casino. Casino licences are regulated by the Queensland Government. You can contact the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation for more information. 17 12 All transformative projects should be subject to costbenefit analysis and released for public comment prior to selection of final design. As projects identified in the CCMP progress, they will be subject to more detailed investigations including analysis into costs and benefits prior to delivery. Community feedback is important to Council and community and stakeholder consultation will be an integral part of the design and delivery process. Council is currently in the initial planning phases for the Albert Street and Kangaroo Point Bridge priority projects, both of which will be scoped appropriately and involve public consultation at a future stage. Engagement for the Albert Street project involves discussions with owners and traders and consultation with the broader public at the 2014 BrisAsia festival. 25 Item Feedback no. Comment Submissions A bridge at Kangaroo Point has been included in Council and Queensland Government plans for a number of years. Most recently, an indicative location for the bridge is identified in the Queensland Government’s Connecting SEQ 2010 plan and Council’s draft new City Plan. These documents also provide other indicative future bridge locations in Brisbane. Refer to these documents for more information on proposed bridges outside of the city centre. The function of the Kangaroo Point Bridge will be subject to future investigations and stakeholder consultation. A key component of the bridge will be to integrate with a future bus interchange at Kangaroo Point. Later design stages will also consider integration with public spaces and the pedestrian and cycle network at bridge landing points. 3, 4, 5, 23 Pedestrianisation of city streets is a key focus throughout the draft CCMP. Most CBD streets will need to fulfil a range of functions, simultaneously accommodating pedestrians, cyclists, service vehicles, public transport and private transport. Ensuring a cohesive balance between these sometimes competing uses is a key factor underpinning the draft CCMP. Further opportunities for streetscape improvements, such as kerbside allocation and rationalisation, will be explored through individual projects and when drafting the City Centre Neighbourhood Plan. 5, 7, 14, 17, 19 Bridges 13 Support the Kangaroo Point Bridge. 14 Do not support the Kangaroo Point Bridge. 15 The pedestrian and cyclist bridge should be located between Mowbray Park and New Farm. 16 Generally support more cross-river bridges. 17 The Kangaroo Point Bridge should investigate a bus function. Public transport should be invested in before a bridge. 18 Need to ensure a good bicycle/pedestrian connection from proposed Kangaroo Point Bridge onto the Story Bridge. 15, 26 11 14 7 23 Pedestrians and cyclists 19 Support more initiatives to improve pedestrian experience and navigation along the city centre’s streets and in key spaces, including: shade, greenery, awnings synchronised pedestrian crossings improved amenity along key routes, i.e. to/from major transit centres. 20 Support the ‘city boulevards’ initiative. 7, 16, 23 21 Traffic should be excluded from key streets in the CBD, including: 5 22 Albert Street Roma Street. Support more cyclist-oriented initiatives in the master plan, such as: The draft CCMP recognises that the city centre’s streets need to be planned to balance a range of functions and transport modes, including cyclists. The draft 5, 6, 19, 23 Item Feedback no. End-of-trip facilities (publicly/privately provided) bicycle ‘spines’ along key streets dedicated bicycle lanes. 23 Continue to improve signage, accessibility and legibility of information and services for all people, including seniors and people with disabilities. Comment Submissions CCMP’s transport strategy has identified initiatives to connect routes and improve navigation around the city for cyclists and pedestrians, for instance through the Kangaroo Point Bridge and the city centre to Fortitude Valley cycle connection. The draft CCMP is intended to be a high-level document and further opportunities for cycling will be explored through individual projects. These project specific opportunities will be investigated in conjunction with Council’s ongoing bikeways planning. Council’s draft new City Plan also includes requirements for bicycle parking and end-of-trip facilities in many new developments. For more information on this project visit Council’s website and search for ‘draft new City Plan’. Council is committed to improving accessibility of information and services and has a number of ongoing and future initiatives to support this commitment, including the Brisbane Access and Inclusion Plan 2012-2017 and the Seniors’ Strategy 2012-2017. These plans outline ways in which Council will improve accessibility of services and information for seniors and people with disabilities. More information on these plans and proposed projects can be found through a search on Council’s website. Council has also recently delivered foreign language way-finding signage in the CBD to make it easier for tourists and residents to navigate around the city. The CCMP will explore further opportunities to improve services and increase information and signage around the CBD when undertaking planning and implementing individual projects. 14, 17 Priority projects 24 Generally support the six priority projects. Noted. 4 25 Support the Edward Street project. Noted. 2 26 Support the Albert Street ‘green spine’ project. Noted. 7, 17 27 Include the Roma Street Station project as a five-year priority project. The priority projects were identified in consultation with residents, members of the business community and the property industry. It is acknowledged other projects identified in the draft CCMP could commence in the next five years, due to an initiative of the private sector or because a change of circumstances may 9 Item Feedback no. Comment Submissions allow Council or the Queensland Government to focus resources on alternative projects. The implementation priorities for the city centre are intended to be reviewed on a regular basis. 28 Support revitalisation of Queens Wharf and William Street precinct to improve the CBD interface with the river. Noted. 7, 16 29 Do not support major commercial development, such as a hotel, on the Howard Smith Wharves site (but could support other commercial uses). The Howard Smith Wharves amendment to the New Farm and Teneriffe Hill Local Plan underwent statutory consultation from February-April 2013. For more information on the amendment visit Council’s website and search for ‘Howard Smith Wharves amendment’. In summary, the draft plan amendment does not specify a hotel on the site but allows for a range of activities in this location including a range of commercial uses. The draft plan provisions require new development to respect heritage and maximise land for public purposes. 8 30 Planning in the Queens Wharf and William Street precinct should consider/incorporate: The Queens Wharf and William Street precinct is currently a Queensland Government-led project. Council will provide input into this project as required. Please contact the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning for more information at this stage. 16 the area north of George Street integration within the precinct and with the broader CBD allowing retail/entertainment uses only small-scale spaces not large open spaces. Public and private transport 31 Discourage private transport into the city, suggest through removing the requirement for car parks in developments and congestion charging. Pedestrian and public transport focused initiatives are fundamental to the draft 5 CCMP and are designed to accommodate expected increases in pedestrians and public transport patrons in Brisbane. The draft CCMP envisages public and active transport modes as attractive alternatives into the future. Many people will continue to need private transport to move to and from the city centre. The draft CCMP strives for integrated transport solutions that support Item Feedback no. Comment Submissions the various modes of transport requiring access within the CBD. Car parking rates are established on a city-wide basis through Brisbane’s planning scheme, Brisbane City Plan 2000, and will undergo review as part of the draft new City Plan process. 32 Desire for free/cheaper public transport, including: additional free ferry services free bus services for seniors. 33 Improve and promote public transport, including: The Queensland Government’s TransLink division is responsible for managing 7, 13, 14 fares for public transport services in Queensland. TransLink has some initiatives to reduce the cost of public transport travel, such as off-peak discounts and free travel entitlements. The CityHopper is a free ferry service provided by Council and was introduced to revitalise what was known as the Inner-City Ferry service, which had been underutilised. The aim of introducing this free service was to stimulate economic development and activity in the inner-city precinct. There are currently no plans to further remove or reduce fares on other highly utilised ferry and CityCat services. Council recognises the important contributions that seniors make to our city and is working to support seniors’ participation in Brisbane through the Seniors’ Strategy 2012-2017. This strategy includes affordable transport initiatives, such as the Council Cabs program. Through this strategy Council has also committed to advocating to the Queensland and Australian Governments for better public transport initiatives and services for seniors. For more information on the strategy please visit Council’s website and search for ‘Seniors’ Strategy 20122017’. The Queensland Government’s TransLink division is the lead entity for public 5, 7, 14, 17, 19 transport planning in Queensland. Council will continue to advocate on behalf of light rail/subway/improved heavy rail the Brisbane community and will work with TransLink to improve public transport the availability and legibility of information services and infrastructure in Brisbane. clearer signage at stations The Queensland Government is working with Council to deliver the Underground a dedicated bus bridge (i.e. Victoria Bridge) Bus and Train project, which is an integrated bus and train public transport a more efficient ticketing system (including for solution that will involve a 5.4 kilometre north-south tunnel from Dutton Park to Victoria Park. The Queensland Government anticipates work will begin in 2015. tourists) For more information contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads. Item Feedback no. 34 ‘Grand arrivals’ at transit centres should not be a priority. Focus on experience outside the station instead. Comment The draft CCMP identifies the need for improvements to and around Roma Street Station and Central Station. These proposed projects include improvements to the streetscape and surrounding public areas to increase legibility and amenity. The CCMP notes that when these proposed projects undergo planning and implementation, improvements to the streetscape and surrounding public areas to increase legibility and amenity will be investigated. As part of the proposed Roma Street Station project, Roma Street will be transformed into a subtropical city boulevard supplementing the fig trees with further landscaping and street activation. The Queensland Government’s Underground Bus and Train project is also proposed to connect in with Roma Street Station and opportunities to improve entry plazas and accessibility through the site will be investigated as part of this project. The proposed Central Station project will involve upgraded entrances and new entry plazas to improve space and legibility for pedestrians. Submissions 17 Built form/architecture 35 The ‘urban verandah zone’ concept is not explained well and should not result in increased tower and podium setbacks. The ‘urban verandah zone’ concept refers to the use of balconies, apertures, landscaping and awnings to achieve layered and permeable building facades. This concept will be investigated in further detail during the City Centre Neighbourhood Plan process. 16 36 Support removal of tangential rectangle if no negative impact on residual value of Transferrable Site Areas. Alternatives to the tangential rectangle will be explored in further detail through the City Centre Neighbourhood Plan process. 16 37 Building heights above 274 metres will encroach into prescribed airspace and cannot be supported. The CCMP should not assume building heights can be increased. Council will continue to advocate for increased building heights in the city centre to promote efficient use of land and a strong economy. Council acknowledges that this outcome is subject to discussions and agreement with Brisbane Airport Corporation and the Australian Government. 18, 21, 25 38 New architecture should be elegant and new development should showcase existing heritage and character buildings. Brisbane’s heritage should be promoted. Protection of heritage and character in Brisbane is regulated through Brisbane City Plan 2000 (currently undergoing revision through the draft new City Plan process) and the Queensland Government’s heritage register. The draft CCMP has a strong focus on built form and architecture through the built form strategy and the ‘distinctive architecture’ city-making move. 17 Item Feedback no. Comment Submissions Council has also recently developed a series of self-guided ‘heritage trails’, including a ‘Classic City Centre Heritage Trail’ intended to promote heritage sites and anecdotes from Brisbane’s past. For more information visit Council’s website and enter the search term ‘heritage trails’. 39 Support Environmental Upgrade Agreements outlined in the built form strategy. Noted. 22 ‘24/7 event city’ and ‘creative economy’ initiatives 40 Extend retail operating hours in the CBD. The draft CCMP envisions the future city centre as a 24/7 event city and notes the potential for increased trading hours. While trading hours are governed by the Queensland Government, Council will continue to work with the Queensland Government to ensure appropriate trading hour legislation for Brisbane CBD businesses. 7 41 Support a creative focus and more events and activation in the city, including: The draft CCMP recognises the potential for Brisbane to expand its focus on creative industries and accommodate a range of event spaces and activation programs. Initiatives are outlined in the social and cultural strategy and through the projects identified under the ‘24/7 event city’ and ‘creative economy’ citymaking moves. Council has also recently launched the Creative Brisbane Creative Economy 2013-22 strategy, which aims to strengthen Brisbane’s role as a vibrant creative hub. Council is also currently facilitating a range of activation outcomes across the city through the ‘Vibrant Laneways’ program, which was an initiative of the 2006 CCMP. The ‘Vibrant City’ program will continue this initiative under the new draft CCMP. 17, 20 a network of small-scale spaces temporary and permanent events pop-up activities community projects. 42 Brisbane needs a shared space to support emerging artist/companies from creative industries. 20 43 Brisbane lacks sufficient major performing arts spaces, including theatres and dedicated open space for largescale festivals. 44 Collaborate more with major universities around the world to achieve a ‘creative economy’. The draft CCMP identifies a range of proposed projects to be implemented by Council, government, industry, businesses, community groups and education institutions. It is intended that through partnerships with local, national and international education institutions a range of these projects can be realised. 7 45 Improve transport to and from Riverstage for event staff. The draft CCMP recognises the importance of this area and includes both the Riverstage and City Botanic Gardens as two proposed future projects. 20 20 Item Feedback no. Comment Submissions For the Riverstage to continue to evolve into a world-class event space, improved access and site integration will be important and these factors will be further considered during early planning phases for the project. City Centre Neighbourhood Plan 46 Do not support underground car parking as the cost is onerous for developers. Underground car parking is an essential design component in a dense inner-city area. Car parking rates are established on a citywide basis through Council’s planning scheme. 16 47 Reconsider alignment of laneways and cross-block links. Cross-block links will be investigated further when drafting the City Centre Neighbourhood Plan and the exact alignment will be determined on a case-bycase basis through the development assessment process. 16 48 Support removal of Major Office Building and Strategic Redevelopment Area designations. Alternatives to the existing Major Office Building and Strategic Redevelopment Area designations will be explored in further detail through the City Centre Neighbourhood Plan process. 16 49 Do not support widened footpaths through private land dedications. The draft new City Plan proposes that required footway widths be dealt with on a city-wide basis through a ‘streetscape hierarchy’ overlay. The City Centre Neighbourhood Plan process will also consider potential footway widths in the city centre. Streetscape improvements will continue to be delivered by both Council and the private sector. Private development will deliver improvements through the development assessment process. The city centre will experience a significant increase in pedestrians over the next 20 years, resulting in part from increased density through new developments. New developments will, where appropriate, be expected to contribute to improving the capacity of footpaths to ensure that increased pedestrian traffic can be accommodated. 16 Council has committed to commencing delivery of the six priority projects in the next five years. These projects were determined in consultation with key stakeholders, government and the community. The process for identifying projects for delivery will be flexible to accommodate changes in resources, 25 Funding 50 The draft CCMP should ensure proposed funding models and sources for all projects are outlined in the document. This model should include more clarity on short, medium and long-term delivery timeframes. Item Feedback no. Comment Submissions 51 community needs, government and market drivers. Priorities will undergo constant review to reflect these changing circumstances. It is anticipated that the projects included in the draft CCMP will be delivered or through partnerships between, Council, the Australian Government, the Queensland Government, the private sector, community groups, education institutions and others. These partnerships will influence funding for projects. Council-funded projects will be determined on a case-by-case basis through Council’s normal budget processes. 25 A number of the projects proposed in the draft CCMP have also been previously included in the 2006 CCMP. Funding should be focused on delivering the outstanding 2006 CCMP projects.