EC_Riverstone-Town-Centre-Master-Plan_FINAL

FIGURE 4.33 RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – ILLUSTRATIVE CROSS SECTION – CONSTRUCTED OVERPASS 4.6 L andscape strategy DEVELOP THE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR RIVERSTONE The landscape of the Riverstone Town Centre includes the parks, streets, public spaces as well as landscape within the private domain. The landscape helps to define the overall impression and character of the Town Centre. The proposed landscape structure for Riverstone is designed to reinforce the key characteristics of the Town Centre and embellish them to address the changing urban form, density and population growth. The Landscape Strategy for the Town Centre Master Plan area is shown in Figures 4.35 and 4.36. SECTION THROUGH OVERPASS FIGURE 4.34  RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – INDICATIVE IMAGES – PUBLIC DOMAIN OUTCOMES6.5.6 OVERPASSINTERFACE FIG. 6.33: SECTION: OVERPASS INTERFACE LANDSCAPE BUFFER TRANSPARENT NOISE WALLS USE LIGHTING AS A FEATUREUFFER TRANSPARENT NOISE WALLS TRANSPARENT NOISE WALLS USE LIGHTING AS A FEATURE Elton Consulting LANDSCAPE BUFFER GREEN RETAINING WALLS 51 RETAINING WALLS WITH A FEATURE TREATMENT RETAINING WALLSRWivIeTrHstAonFeEAToTwURnECTeRnEtrAeT–MMEaNsTter Plan

FIGURE 4.35 RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – LANDSCAPE AND OPEN SPACE – LANDSCAPE STRATEGY (PRE- FIGURE 4.36 RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – LANDSCAPE AND OPEN SPACE – LANDSCAPE STRATEGY (POST- OVERPASS) OVERPASS) Council Depot Council Depot Elton ConsultingRiverstone Town Centre – Master Plan 52

COMMUNITY MARKET STRE RSMC SCHOOL HUB MARKETOWN UPGRADE RIVERSTONE PARADE B A GARFIELD ROAD EAST CHURCH CASTLEREAGH STREET OXFORD STREET (A) MARKET STREET SECTION (B) MARKET STREET PLAZA SECTION (B) M ELIZABETH STREET KING STREET(A)  STREET TREE PLANTING RAILWAY TERRACEPOLICE Implementation: –– Residential streets: The residential streets are proposed for groups of tree planting in an informalThe street tree planting in the Town Centre will reinforce the –– COUNCIL MaiCnHURCSH STtRErET eet: The widened footpaths along spacing and patterning. This is to contrast the urbandifference in Main Street, mixed use and residential areas. core of the Riverstone. The informal nature of theThe street trees provide scale to the built form and amenity DeDEfPiOnT e residential streets allows the existing street trees tofor pedestrians with shade, shelter and visual quality. Typical be retained and supplemented over time. The informalstreet cross sections showing street tree planting are Market Street provide opportunity for implementing spacing and tree selection creating a more casualprovided in Figure 4.37. PICCADILLY STREET character to the street. GEORGE STREET aFIRE significant upgrade to the streetCtree planting. The SCHOOL trees are planted betweenMILLSTREET parking bays to assist in reduOcVAiLng the visual scale of the street. The main street also contains planting areas and additional streetPITT STREET tthreeegsrweehnerceoprroidsosirb. lTehteoPoAeRKvSnTReEhETraanllcime pthaectsiwginllifbiceaancdeefoSiWCnfIEMNeMTRdINEG and structured main street. VILLAGE RSMC GREEN COMMUNITY MARKET STREET HUB MARKETOWN UPGRADE RIVERSTONE PARADE B A GARFIELD ROAD EAST CHURCH CASTLEREAGH STREET OXFORD STREET (A) MARKET STREET SECTION ELIZABETH STREETFIGURE 4.37  RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – LOCATION OF TYPICAL STREET CROPOLSICSE SECTIONS – TREE PLANTING RAILWAY TERRACE6.6.1 STREET (C) GEORGE STREET (PRIMARY LOCAL STREET) SECTIONTREE PLANTING FIG. 6.37: TYPICAL STREET SECTIONSARKET STRE(AET) SMEACRTIKOENT STREET SECTION 6.6.1 STREET(B) MARKET STRE(EBT) PMLAARZAKESTESCTRTIEOENT PLAZ5A3 SECTION (C) GEORGE STREET (PRIMARY LOCAL STREET) SECTION TREE PLANTING Elton Consulting Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan

LANDSCAPE STRATEGY KEY SITES: (B)  MILL STREET RESERVE (C) RIVERSTONE SWIMMING CENTRE (D) RESIDENTIAL FRONTAGES: HERITAGE(A)  VILLAGE GREEN RE-DEVELOPMENT THEMED CHARACTER AREA The Mill Street Reserve is an open green park in theThe Village Green in the heart of the Town Centre provides northern area of the Town Centre. It has primarily sports and The development of Lions Park with an improved swimming The residential frontages to Castlereagh, Elizabeth andan important open space that caters for residents, visitors recreation uses. centre and enhanced sports provisions creates a destination Oxford Street are important in enhancing the distinctivenessto the Centre and passers-by. The large community park recreation precinct in the eastern end of the Town Centre. of the residential area in this precinct. Increased setbacksspace is a mix of hard paved plaza areas under tree canopy, The character of the park will be enhanced with additional to the planned residential development in this area will allowalong with defined grassed areas for recreation use. The tree planting to provide definition, enhance the visual quality The development of the facilities builds upon the existing retention of trees and planting of new trees and gardensmix of spaces allows a variety of uses to occur and occupy and shade amenity. uses, and creates opportunity to link to the heritage building throughout the precinct. Given the heritage characterdifferent areas of the Green. on the site. The development of Lions Park will need to and values associated with the Church and School in this Implementation: ensure a publicly accessible ‘campus’ which is designed precinct, it is desirable that new housing is developed in anImplementation: »» Tree planting to define the Reserve: Tree planting with respect to the park setting. empathetic manner.»» Community Park: The Village Green will become a within the areas of open space in the Town Centre are Lions Park forms another important link in the Market Street Implementation: destination and meeting place for the local community. important for shade, visual quality and urban habitat. Tree civic spine character. It denotes the entry to the main street This Green is designed as a mosaic of green spaces that planting to the edges of the Reserve will create visual at Piccadilly Road, which will become one of the primary »» Generous setback from the front boundary for new form places to gather and relax whilst allowing movement separation from busy roads and adjacent land uses. vehicle entry points into Riverstone. housing. into and between the green spaces. Implementation: »» Create a framework of front gardens and tree planting»» Shaded Plaza: The gathering and event spaces are »» Respect the heritage curtilage of the buildings on site. distinctive to the precinct. design as shaded plazas to ensure that a tree canopy is »» Carefully design and develop the new built form to be continued throughout the Village Green and that amenity (E) ECOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK AND WATER is provided to the users of the space. sited amongst the park. SENSITIVE URBAN DESIGN »» Create opportunities for the new buildings to open to the »» The open spaces within the Town Centre create park. opportunities for Water Sensitive Urban Design to be »» Maintain the overall ‘green’ character of the site. integrated to the renewal of the spaces. These initiatives »» Develop the park as an important ‘bookend’ to can includes water capture, storage and reuse, or bioswales to filter water runoff. Market Street. Implementation: »» Public spaces to be integral to the WSUD framework: Utilise the on-grade park and open space areas to enhance water infiltration and potential harvesting and reuse. »» Utilise WSUD in streets and links: Integrate WSUD to new streets and through links being created in residential development precincts.Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan 54 Elton Consulting

Elton Consulting 4.7 C ultural + Recreation Strategies OPEN SPACE PRECEDENTS ENRICH THE TOWN CENTRE THROUGH COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION The Master Plan is designed to encourage community expression and participation in cultural and recreational activities. Placing these activities in the ‘heart’ of the Town Centre serves to activate Town Centre spaces in myriad ways. Promoting the visibility of these activities in the Town Centre increases local awareness of the cultural and recreational opportunities available to them. The activities are also easier to access, encouraging the community to participate. Heritage items and / or interpretation are integrated into the sites where cultural and recreational activities take place. This creates opportunities for heritage items to be utilised better, making them more relevant on a day-to-day basis to a broader cross-section of the community. The heritage- related measures of the Master Plan are but one form of local cultural expression. The overlaying of cultural events, recreational activities, and heritage references is intended to develop a rich and locally relevant sense of place that is defined strongly by the expressive activities of the community. The consolidation of these activities is designed to create as many reasons as possible for people to want to be in the Town Centre. 55 Riverstone Town Centre – Master PlanCEDENTS

(A)  HERITAGE STRATEGY Implementation: »» Re-develop the Riverstone station forecourt: Establish »» Integrate the Bicentennial Museum with the Riverstone a shared zone plaza to replace the existing driveway to Swimming Centre: Incorporate the Bicentennial MuseumREGENERATION THAT ACKNOWLEDGES »» Establish a curtilage around key heritage buildings: create a setting befitting of the listed Riverstone Memorial into the re-development of the pool complex. The MuseumRIVERSTONE’S HERITAGE The buildings subject to a heritage curtilage are identified and improve the sense of arrival at the station. benefits by becoming part of a regional recreationRespect for Riverstone’s heritage will be emphasised in the in Figures 4.38 and 4.39. The choice of sites is based on destination while helping to define a distinctive sense ofheritage overlay zone identified in Figures 4.38 and 4.39. their potential to become place making markers within »» Heritage-inspired streetscapes and public space: place for the re-developed swimming centre.The zone integrates the Market Street spine into the existing the Town Centre. Incorporate visual cues that communicate a sense ofareas in which Riverstone’s heritage is expressed most heritage in the design of streets and public space through »» Building setbacks to accommodate front gardens:strongly. The acknowledgment of Riverstone’s heritage in the –– Highlight heritage items by using landscape to the selection of: Apply 6m to 10m street setbacks to development onTown Centre ‘heart’, and its juxtaposition with contemporary frame views of the building and establish a heritage- Castlereagh Street and Elizabeth Street. The setbackdevelopment, will be a key part of Riverstone’s sense of sensitive setting. –– Tree species and vegetation that are consistent with is to be used as front gardens to echo the existingidentity and place. local heritage. characteristics of these streets and contribute to the –– Employ feature lighting to light up key façades in the definition of a heritage-inflected streetscape.Heritage will be celebrated in a number of ways. These are evenings. –– Materials that are consistent with local heritage fordetailed following, but will be expressed chiefly through the elements such as paving in key locations. »» Heritage interpretation walk: Promote an informal routetreatment of the public domain and the careful massing of –– Establish a high quality public domain around heritage sites. marked by signage around the Town Centre connectingbuildings. These measures are vital to evoke a country town –– Street furniture in key locations. key heritage items, punctuated by information displaysfeel in the Town Centre. –– Establish a buffer – for example, landscape – where and interpretative elements. heritage items adjoin incongruous uses. »» Heritage interpretation in the Town Centre: Integrate heritage signage and interpretation celebrating both Aboriginal »» Establish a plaza around Parrington Terrace: To improve and European heritage into the design of public spaces and the setting of this listed item, provide a space for rest, and streets, in particular Market Street and the Village Green. mark the Pitt Street gateway into the Town Centre ‘heart’.FIGURE 4.38 RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – CULTURE AND RECREATION – FIGURE 4.39 RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – CULTURE AND RECREATION – HERITAGE (PRE-OVERPASS) HERITAGE (POST-OVERPASS)Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan 56 Elton Consulting

FIGURE 4.40 RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – CULTURE AND RECREATION – CULTURAL STRATEGY – IMPLEMENTATION (POST-OVERPASS)(B)  CULTURAL STRATEGY »» Multi-functional public spaces: The two key public spaces along Market Street are the Village Green and theENABLE GRASSROOTS-DRIVEN CULTURAL GROWTH linear plaza / shared zone that forms the forecourt to theThe Master Plan proposes a variety of public spaces and Marketown upgrade. These have a different scale andfacilities, indoors and outdoors, to support and sustain character that together create opportunities for a range oflocal cultural expression. The spaces are to be flexible, activities.multi-functional and, where appropriate, intended for usethroughout the day and evening. Riverstone’s culture and –– Village Green: Large scale events such as theheritage can be celebrated through: Riverstone Festival, as well as outdoor cinemas, outdoor exercise, and market days. Given the history»» Facilities such as the existing Bicentennial Museum and of the site as a centre of food production in the days the proposed Community Hub. of the Meatworks, food / farmer’s markets would be particularly appropriate for Riverstone.»» Public spaces such as the Village Green. –– Market Street can be partially closed on special»» Public domain design. occasions to expand the Village Green into the street.»» Public art and heritage interpretation. –– Market Street Plaza: A more intimate, linear space suitable for outdoor dining, small scale performanceMarket Street, as well as being a retail street, forms the such as busking and temporary market stallsprimary cultural space. The street and its associated spaces (these could be an extension of the activities of thesuch as the Village Green and the Market Street Plaza supermarket or the speciality retail units).are established as civic spaces. The street’s function as avehicular corridor is de-emphasised to create a space that is –– Riverstone Train Station Plaza: An improved settingmore amenable to outdoor café seating and activities. for the ANZAC Day Dawn Service.Implementation: »» Establish Market Street as the ‘Event Spine’: Market Street forms the main route for ceremonial events such»» Locate the Community Hub in the centre of the town: as the Riverstone Festival parade. The proposed Hub will consolidate a range of community, arts, and learning spaces in one location. »» Create synergies between the Bicentennial Museum and the Riverstone Swimming Centre: –– Locate the Hub in the centre of the Town for ease The Museum can continue its current function so that of access and symbolically express the vision of a the new swimming centre becomes a cultural as well community-focused Town Centre. as a recreational destination. Alternatively, it may be adaptively re-used and integrated into the function of the –– Establish the hub as a forum and meeting space for swimming centre, for example as a café or entry office cultural, community and arts groups. into the complex. –– Provide facilities that appeal to all ages to establish a »» Integrate public art into the public domain: fully inclusive hub. Strategically locate public art throughout the Town Centre ‘heart’, with a mix of permanent, temporary and seasonal works. These should be developed by, or with the participation of, the local community, schools and arts groups. Opportunities could include: –– Public art in the laneways, Village Green and Market Street. –– Light projections on the Community Hub. »» Develop a Public Art Policy and Cultural Plan: Develop the policies and plans with community input specific to the Riverstone Town Centre.Elton Consulting 57 Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan

FIGURE 4.42 RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – CULTURE AND RECREATION – RECREATIONAL STRATEGY – IMPLEMENTATION (POST-OVERPASS)(c) Recreational Strategy –– Provide a playground in the Village Green.DIVERSITY OF RECREATIONAL –– Design the Market Street Plaza as a space for informalOPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL play for children and youths.The notion of a leisure-focused Town Centre is proposed to –– Upgrade playgrounds at the Mill Street Oval andenhance Riverstone’s liveability and attract new residential Riverstone Park.development into the area. The integration of recreationalopportunities into the Town Centre ‘heart’ provides a layer –– Provide a skate park and playground as part of theof activity in addition to the proposed retail, community and Riverstone Swimming Centre Re-development or incultural uses, forming another facet to the future identity of the space adjacent to the overpass in the long term.the Town Centre. –– Provide public toilets and amenities.A range of active and passive recreational opportunitiesare catered for in the Master Plan. This establishes a well- »» Integrate play into the public domain: Incorporatebalanced Town Centre and supports health lifestyles. elements of play into the public domain. Examples include:Implementation: –– Outdoor ping pong.»» Riverstone Swimming Centre re-development: The –– Outdoor chess. proposed re-structuring of the Town Centre enables this key development for Riverstone and beyond to be »» Post-Overpass: Provide at-grade pedestrian crossings integrated into the Town Centre ‘heart’. across the railway line to maintain easy pedestrian access to Riverstone Park.»» Utilise the Village Green for passive and active recreation: The flexibility of Village Green allows the Figure 4.41 provides images of indicative outcomes that space to be used as a place for repose, as well as a could be implemented in the Town Centre. venue for outdoor exercise such as fitness classes and informal kickabouts. FIGURE 4.41 RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – CULTURE AND RECREATION – INDICATIVE –– Provide shaded seating areas. IMAGES –– Provide unencumbered space to accommodate a variety of physical activities. –– Provide BBQ facilities.»» Mill Street Reserve: In the future, the sports use of Mill Street Reserve may be relocated to Riverstone Park, which would more informal and flexible park uses to occur in Mill Street Reserve.»» Cycle-friendly streets: The Cycling Strategy is designed to encourage more cycling both as a recreational activity and as a means of practical transport.»» Establish Riverstone Park as a regional open space: Implement the proposal to establish new playing fields at Riverstone Park so that it functions as a regional open space.»» Create family- and youth- friendly leisure infrastructure: Provide playgrounds in new public space and upgrade playgrounds located in existing open space.Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan 58 Elton Consulting BIKE / SKATE PARK SWIMMING CENTRE RE-DEVELOPMENT FAMILY AND Y

4.8 L AND USE PLANNING TABLE 4.4  LAND USE PLANNING STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY Planning Control Current Controls Proposed Change and ExplanationImplementation of the Master Plan will require a number of Zoning The Town Centre is currently zoned a mix of: Council should consider the following zones to facilitate the implementation of the Master Plan:changes to the current planning controls in the Town Centre »» B2 – Local Centreto deliver the nature and scale of feasible development that »» R2 – Low Density Residential »» B4 – Mixed Useis required to drive regeneration. »» RE1 – Public Recreation Council may need to consider expanding the range of uses that would be ‘permissible »» RE2 – Private Recreation with consent’ under the land use table. Council’s current B4 – Mixed Use zone prohibitsThe following amendments to development standards »» SP2 – Infrastructure (mainly roads, the railway and ‘Residential Accommodation’, the broad land use definition which includes residential flatcontained within the Blacktown LEP are recommended to buildings, attached dwellings, and multi-dwelling housing for example. Expanding the rangesupport implementation of the Plan. schools) of uses within the B4 zone to permit include residential accommodation (or specific types of residential uses within the group term) could provide the flexibility necessary to promoteThese land use implementation recommendations are These underlying zones reflect a ‘typical’ town centre and consolidation and redevelopment within the Town Centre. Council can include additional localbased on a built form strategy based on varied heights promote concentration of retail and commercial along main provisions relevant to the Riverstone Town Centre to further tighten the form of residentialup to 9 storeys and do not account for Council's approval roads. The low density residential zone does not generally accommodation achieved in its LEP and DCP.of development up to a maximum of 10 storeys along the allow residential development at the densities required toMarket Street spine with a potential of a maximum of 15 deliver the changes required to implement the Master Plan. »» R3 – Medium Density Residentialstoreys on key gateway sites. The Planning Proposal processwill enable further consideration of the 10 and 15 storey »» R4 – High Density Residentialheight of buildings. Changes to the underlying residential zoning are required to support the development of higher density forms required to provide the critical mass of population in the town centre to support improved retail, commercial and employment uses. Height of Buildings The Town Centre is currently subject to a maximum building Figure 4.43 identifies broad precincts within the Town Centre where changes to zoning are height of 9 metres in both the B2 and R2 zones. recommended. A 9 metre height limits development to 2-3 storeys in most To deliver the built form it is proposed to amend the Height of Building controls across the Town cases. The scale of development this allows does not provide Centre. The control will be result in a range of permitted maximum heights ranging from: the density required to support change in the Town Centre necessary to implement the Master Plan. »» 9 storeys (approximately 30 metres) on sites closest to the railway station; »» 6 storeys (approximately 18 metres) on remaining sites within about 40 metres walk of the train station; and 3 storeys (approximately 9 metres) on sites bordering the Town Centre and the surrounding areas of low density residential development. The gradation of building heights will assist in minimising the impacts of higher density residential and mixed use development on the surrounding Riverstone community. The extent of proposed amendments to the Height of Building controls is illustrated in Figure 4.44.Elton Consulting 59 Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan

Planning Control Current Controls Proposed Change and Explanation AMENDMENTS TO CURRENT DEVELOPMENTFloor Space Ratio Floor space ratio is considered in conjunction with the height CONTROL PLAN PROVISIONS(FSR) of a building and the site area to determine the maximum A range of FSR controls are recommended across the Town Centre. amount of floorspace that may be possible to achieve on a A number of options are available to Council for FSR controls. These options will need to be The current provisions applying to development in the TownMinimum lot size site. considered further during the process of amending the LEP through a Planning Proposal and Centre will require a comprehensive review and update to Currently the Town Centre has no controls relating to FSR on once agreement on the height and other built form elements has been reached. Options may ensure the Master Plan outcomes can be implemented.Heritage sites. include: Section 4.0 of Council’s existing DCP sets out generalLand Reservation »» Setting FSR controls for sites individually in the Town Centre; detailed design guidelines for all development. These include There is currently no minimum lot size identified in the B2 »» Setting FSR controls for precincts within the Town Centre where similar built form outcomes objectives and controls relating to: Local Centre Zone. There is a minimum lot size of 450 sqm currently applying to the R2 zoned areas of the Town Centre. are being sought; »» Amalgamation and Subdivision »» Setting FSR controls which vary based on the area of a development site to encourage lot The study area is not located within a Heritage Conservation »» Non-Residential Land Uses Area however there are a number of locally significant amalgamation; heritage items within the study area and within close »» A combination of the above. »» Ground Level Active Frontages proximity to the study area. There are a number of properties along Garfield Road Minimum lot size controls should be reviewed in line with the intended built form outcomes »» Façades and articulation affected by land acquisitions for road widening. Garfield across the Town Centre. Road is a classified Road. Pursuant to Clause 5.1 the relevant Minimum lot sizes in the proposed B4 zone would need to be tied appropriate FSR and building »» Private Open Space and Balconies acquisition authority is Roads and Maritime Services. height controls to ensure that the gross floor area (GFA) that can be achieved from the site provides a feasible outcome for a developer. »» Fencing and Walls Further work on establishing minimum lot sizes is recommended during the process of amending the LEP through a Planning Proposal. However, the flexibility that is provided by not introducing a »» Service Lanes and Accessways minimum lot size should also be considered further. »» Access and Adaptability No changes are proposed to the current extent of identified heritage items or to land to be acquired. »» Visual and Acoustic Privacy No changes are proposed to the current extent of identified heritage items or to land to be »» Solar Access and Overshadowing acquired. »» Natural Ventilation »» Waste Management »» Building Form and Height »» Building Separation and Boundary Setbacks »» Awnings and pedestrian amenity »» Upper Level Setbacks and Roof Design »» Landscaping and Communal Open Space »» Signage and Outdoor Advertising »» On-site parking »» Dwelling Mix »» Safety and Security »» Energy Efficiency and Sustainability »» Building services. The strategies included in this Section of the Master Plan identify the preferred outcomes for the Town Centre for the above matters. Current provisions will need to be reviewed to test their appropriateness for the Town Centre. Additional development controls may also be developed to apply specifically to the Town Centre.Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan 60 Elton Consulting

IMPLEMENTATION well designed development which responds to the site mixed-use purposes, then a different rate would be and its role in the town centre. Clauses of this nature applied again to the development. The intent of thisInvestigate appropriate statutory implementation generally require certain benchmark criteria to be approach is twofold in that it may make development ofapproach: Council to investigate options to amend zoning achieved in the design or alternatively may require that these sites more feasible and it may also promote publicdevelopment standards and planning controls required to a design competition be held for that site. While design transport use.implement Master Plan. Options may include: competitions can be costly, the principles underlying the outcomes sought by holding a design competition »» Commence review of existing s94 Development»» Council initiated LEP amendment: This approach (including review by an independent panel) could be Contributions Plan: A s94 Development Contribution involves Council delivering a comprehensive update incorporated into a specific LEP clause. This would Plan will be a key tool in delivering many of the public to all relevant controls in the Town Centre. This would apply to the Catalysts Sites for example and also to key domain, open space and streetscape improvements include rezoning of land, as well as changes to controls ‘gateway/entry’ entry sites to the Town Centre and to identified in the Plan and provide funding for any in the LEP related to building height, minimum lot size, areas of the public domain. upgrades to essential services and social/community and FSR. A concurrent amendment to the DCP would infrastructure. Council should commence a review be required to update controls relating to car parking, »» Undertake detailed parking study: The opportunity of the existing plans based on the Plan to inform the landscaping, streetscape outcomes and public domain to include differential car parking rates across the Town development of a s94 Plan for the Town Centre. This outcomes. This option could be implemented in stages Centre should be investigated. A detailed parking study review should occur now to ensure an integrated based on identified precincts, or as comprehensive single should be undertaken. The study should consider the delivery framework including LEP amendments, DCP amendment to the entire Town Centre. type and location of proposed uses where differential car amendments and s94 can be considered by Council. park rates may be appropriate. For example, a site within»» Landowner initiated LEP amendments: his approach 200 metres of the train station proposed for residential involves Council adopting a ‘policy’ position of development should be subject to lower minimum car supporting a planning proposal to amend zoning or park requirements. If the site is to be developed for a development standard within the Master Plan area provided it is generally consistent with the intent and identified outcomes of the Master Plan. Site specific DCP controls may also be required with this approach.»» Include a ‘Design Excellence’ clause in the LEP: Design excellence clauses are commonly applied to key sites within Town Centres to encourage high quality,Elton Consulting 61 Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan

FIGURE 4.43  LAND USE PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION INTENDED OUTCOMES – PROPOSED ZONE PRECINCTS Precincts Zoning CURRENT LAND USE ZONING 3 1  Core Amendments to zoning should 2 promote flexibility in terms of SITE BOUNDARY Commercial the range of uses permitted with 1 and retail retail/commercial at ground levelRiverstone Town Centre – Master Plan 2 precinct and residential on the upper levels. Potential zones options 3 2  Higher include: Density »» B4 Mixed Use Residential Precinct »» B2 Local Centre 3  Medium »» B3 Commercial Core. Density Amendments to zoning should Residential promote flexibility in delivering (transitional higher density forms of residential precinct) development consistent with the Master Plan Potential zones options include: »» B4 Mixed Use »» R4 High Density Residential Amendments to zoning should promote flexibility in delivering medium density forms of residential development consistent with the Master Plan A potential zone option includes R3 Medium Density Residential. NOTE The above zones are proposed zones and have not been considered or Elton Consulting endorsed by Blacktown City Council. They should not be relied upon in any way. The proposed zones do not represent Council Policy. 62

FIGURE 4.44  RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – LAND USE PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION – HEIGHT OF BUILDINGSCURRENT HEIGHT OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT STANDARD PROPOSED HEIGHT OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT STANDARD Precincts Building Heights 4 1  Core Heights within the precinct should reflect the objectives of the 3 Commercial Master Plan and more specifically and retail the core retail and commercial 2 precinct functions envisaged for this 12 precinct. 2  Higher 1 Potential height range up to 2 Density 32 metres, noting some additional Residential height potential on Key/Gateway 3 Precinct sites. 4 3  Medium Heights within the precinct should reflect the objectives of the Density Master Plan and more specifically Residential the higher density residential and (transitional mixed use outcomes proposed precinct) for this precinct. Heights could also be transitioned towards the 4  Lower edges of these precincts to ‘step down’ to the adjoining precincts to Density reduce potential impacts. Residential Precinct Potential height range up to 20 metres, noting additional NOTE The above building heights are proposed, noting up to 10 storeys along the height potential along the Market spine and up to 15 storeys for certain gateway/key sites can be considered through the Street spine. Planning Proposal process. All heights are proposed maximums and so may not be achievable dependent on assessment criteria. Heights within the precinct should reflect the objectives of the 63 Master Plan and more specifically to achieve a built form that steps down to and reflects the lower density outcomes of the adjoining precinct. Potential height range up to 16 metres. Heights within the precinct should reflect the objectives of the Master Plan and more specifically to achieve a built form that steps down to and reflects the lower density outcomes of the adjoining precinct. Potential height range up to 10 metres.Elton Consulting Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan

05 Catalyst Sites FIGURE 5.1  RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – CATALYST SITES – TOWN CENTRE5.1 IntroductionRe-vitalising the Town Centre through selected catalystprojects is a key pillar of the Master Plan strategy. A numberof catalyst projects have been identified for the Town Centre.The catalyst projects are critical to establishing the newTown Centre ‘heart’ along the Market Street spine. Thesecatalyst projects include:»» Marketown upgrade»» Community Hub»» Market Street public domain upgrade»» Riverstone Swimming Centre re-development (see Figure 5.1).These will be vital to realise the vision for Riverstone. Therestructuring of the Riverstone Town Centre to future-proof itagainst the proposed overpass is shaped to a large degreeby these projects.The projects selected – the Marketown Upgrade, VillageGreen / Community Hub, Market Street, and the RiverstoneSwimming Centre Re-development – are Council projects onmainly Council-owned or controlled land. This creates theopportunity to control development such that the outcomesare considered holistically within the Master Plan framework.The designs should be sustainable exemplars that set thetone and standard of design in the Town Centre, improvethe public domain, and demonstrate good urban designoutcomes. The outcomes should shape a Town Centreenvironment that encourages private sector investment onnearby sites and beyond.This chapter illustrates indicative concepts that explorethe development potential of these sites and sets out keyprinciples that should be considered in any future design.Key Catalyst sites identified in the Riverstone Town CentreMaster Plan area are identified in Figure 5.1.Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan 64 Elton Consulting

FIGURE 5.2 RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – CATALYST SITES – MARKETOWN SITE – INDICATIVE SITE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN5.2 Key Catalyst Sites: A concept plan illustrating how the site may be developed Summary has been prepared (Refer figure 5.2). The concept is contained within the proposed building envelope for the siteA)  MARKETOWN UPGRADE and includes the following components:The Marketown site is strategically located. Adjacent to the »» 4,000sqm supermarket and approximately 3,000sqm oftrain station, it anchors one end of the Market Street axis speciality retail on the ground floor.and is connected visually and physically to the existing retail/ commercial strip along Garfield Road East. »» Two storey podium and the potential for four storeys of residential above.The substantial site has the potential to provide the floorspace that will significantly expand the Town Centre’s retail »» Approximately 300+ semi-basement parking spacesoffer, as well as accommodate an expanded commuter car within the undercroft of the retail floor to meet the parkingpark for the adjoining Riverstone Train Station. There may requirements of the retail units and supermarket.also be the opportunity to develop apartments on top of theretail podium. »» Approximately 150 parking spaces, roughly at existing grade, for commuter parking.The former Bowling Club site to the north is a significantparcel of land under single ownership. Exploring some form »» Parking on top of the retail floor to meet the residentialof partnership to develop the two sites holistically could parking demand.potentially result in better utilisation of the land. The retail and supermarket floor space provided caters forThe key constraint affecting the site is the 1-in-100 year what is estimated to be required for a future populationflood level, which extends across more than half of the of 8,000-plus in the broader Riverstone and surroundingsite. Development on the site will therefore have to adopt areas. The extent of any potential residential developmentmitigation measures. on the retail podium is constrained by the parking demand generated by the residential component. However, given the sites’ location adjoining the railway station car park rates could be reduced to increase the feasibility of developing this site. More retail / commercial floor space could be provided if there was no residential component. Note – The Gateway/Key Sites concept described on page 27 the Marketown redevelopment and upgrade. The development outcomes shown in the Plans for these sites does not include any additional development potential that may be achieved.Elton Consulting 65 Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan

FIGURE 5.3  RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – CATALYST SITES – MARKET STREET PLAZA INDICATIVE REDEVELOPMENT PLANKEY PRINCIPLES OF SITE REDEVELOPMENT: 0011 TThheeplpazlaazias disesdigenseigdnweidth awith a erpepeaetaesdaesdieleseoatsonfrtidmfraimanocnovpoemrvpimeomrirmeoietnryerittcyntbioatteolbetuwmeestemepweshenp.aehsthniasesethisee»» Activate the Public Domain Strategically: Sleeve the retail and commercial uses. Pitt Street supermarket with retail units to activate the Market Street Riverstone Parade Plaza and Pitt Street, avoiding a ‘big box’ development 0022 TThheewidweidfoeotpfaothostpcarethaste create with blank walls (Refer Figure 5.3). rafoearreteorateataiplsaialasftacohtfrcsoivot,riivtuayiottsdyucwoactdoenarlolnssoapesrsialplpstoiielrnlouagotvt.uiitdnToteghttoe.hfoeTtrhhee infofoortmpaalthmse, eatisnwg epllaacsesp.rovide for –– The supermarket entry is located so as to be clearly legible on the Market Street Plaza. informal meeting places. –– Screen parking and loading areas from view. Design 0033 cApcArenerndeaaeatvesetatsenrvisauaeanenshuosshapfedaatrecdeodeeefaadpnllotaadrnenngstedihntehsgplheteelaprletlnaedtzrineadg. to Train 01 Marketown Upgrade to the Hub screening façades as feature walls. Tpheedsetrseteriat tnreesspparcoevideacloonngtinutihtye Station 02 03 Market Street frpolmazath.eTMhearksetrteSettreteret espsinper.ovide Plaza»» Variety of Retail Unit Sizes: Provide a variety of Dcifofenrteinnut ittryee pfrloamntingthsepaciMngairnket 05 retail unit sizes to accommodate a range of retail and afrSloltornewtesotfvtihsusepaMilnpaeer.krmeteoDawibffneilirMteyantihtnoEuntgrtehrye commercial tenancies. thpelapnltainzagtosptaheciMngariknetforownnt eonftrthy.e Marketown Main Entry allows –– Locate convenience retail and cafés near the train station or along walking routes to the station. –– Larger units could be used for facilities such as gyms. 04 04 Rvaisiuseadl gpaerrdmeneabbedilistycrtehaotuegh the sdppiflafaeczreeasnttfoozrtohcneaefsMéfsao.rrkseetaotwinng eanndtry. 04 Raised garden beds create 05 Sdimiffpelreenfutrnzoitunreesafnodr tsreeeatpinlagntainngd csrpeaatceepsefdoer sctariafens.amenity along the pedestrian street. and tree Simple furniture pedestrian 05 MpalainnEtinntgry create Parimnceipnaitlypeadloenstgriatnhleinkpedestrian Market Lane Ssetrceoentd. ary pedestrian link Main Entry Bambridge Lane Principal pedestrian link Secondary pedestrian link N FIG. 8.3: MARKET STREET PLAZA ILLUSTRATIVE PLANRiverstone Town Centre – Master Plan 66 Elton Consulting

FIGURE 5.4 RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – CATALYST SITES – INDICATIVE IMAGES – MARKETOWN AND MARKET STREET PLAZA»» Flood Mitigation: Design the development to minimise –– Access to potential residential development on the flood impacts on the development and changes to flood podium to be via dedicated lobbies off Pitt Street and behaviour. from within the parking area. –– All retail floors and residential entries to be at a –– The primary route for commuters from the parking minimum RL17.8m (1-in-100 year flood level + 0.5m area to the train station is via Pitt Street and the freeboard). Market Street Plaza to encourage commuters to walk past the retail units on the way to the train station. –– Undercroft parking under the supermarket / retail floor to minimise obstruction of the overland flow. Access –– Parking and service access from the north of the site RETAIL DEVELOPMENT AS A LEGIBLE LANDMARK COVERED PEDESTRIAN WAY to the undercroft areas from the public domain to be Lanodad/oinr gRidvoecrsktoanreeaPtaoRrabEdeTeAa,bIwLoivtDheEtthVheeEf1Lo-OrinmP-e1M0r 0pErNyeefTearArrfeSlodoA. dLEGIBLE LANDMARK COVERED PEDESTRIAN WAY prevented by fencing. Establish vegetation to screen the fence from view. level.»» Access: Rationalise access points to maximise foot »» Provide Public Open Space: Consider establishing the RETAIL DEVELOPMENT AS A LEGIBLE LANDMARK COVERED PEDESTRIAN WAY traffic along activated frontages. roof of the retail and parking floors as publicly accessible COVERED PEDESTRIAN WAY COVERED PEDESTRIAN WAY –– Supermarket entry off the Market Street Plaza. open space. –– Retail units accessed off the Market Street Plaza and B)  MMarAkRetKSEtreTetSpTuRblEicEdToRmEaTiAn IuLpDgrEaVdEeLisOaPnM‘oEuNtsTidAe-S A LEGRIBELTEAILLADNEDVMELAORPKMENT AS A LEGIBLE LANDMARK Pitt Street. The in’ approach to the regeneration of the Town Centre, as opposed to the ‘inside-out’ approach embodied by the development of individual catalyst sites. The linearity of the street creates a simple, legible route between the train station and key town centre uses, supported by a streetscape designed to enhance pedestrian amenity.AIL DEVELOPMENT AS A LEGIBLE LANDMARK Re-designing Market Street to improve the streetscape STREET PLAZA CHARACTER RETAIL DEVELOPMENT AS A LEGIBLE LANDMARK will establish a more attractive environment for businesses STREET PLAZA CHARACTER to establish themCsOelVveEsR. EInDrePtuErDn,EtShTeReIAxpNecWtatAioYn is that LANEWAY CHARACTER private development will contribute to the public domain by activating their street edgesSaTnRdEEmTaPinLtaAinZiAngCfrHonAtaRgAeCs tToEaR high standard. Design guidelines are suggested to regulate the implementation of colours, materials, signage and street furniture. Private development should be designed holistically, keeping in mind their effect on the character of Market Street. KEY PRINCIPLES LANEWAY CHARACTER »» Changing Character: CSlTeRaErlyETdePmLAarZcAateCcHhAanRgAesCiTnEtRhe STREET PLAZA CHARACTER character of the street, which is defined by the cross- LANEWAY CHARACTER streets of Pitt and George. This breaks up the length of Market Street to create a sense of journey along the street. –– Shared zone plaza space between Riverstone Parade and Pitt Street that relates to the Marketown Upgrade. LANEWAY CHARACTER LANEWAY CHARACTEREET PLAZA CHARACTER 67PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE PODIUM OPEN SPACESTREET ACTIVATION Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE PODIUM OPEN SPACE Elton Consulting

FIGURE 5.5  RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – INDICATIVE IMAGES – COMMUNITY HUB REDEVELOPMENT –– Main Street character integrated with the Village COMMUNITY HUB Green between Pitt and George Streets. According to Council, the Community Hub is currently –– Main Street character with a defined street edge proposed to be a 5,290sqm facility comprising the following between George and Piccadilly Streets. core functions:»» High Amenity Public Domain: »» Neighbourhood Centre and Community Development –– Activated streetscape closely integrated with built »» Youth Centre HUB: INDOOR / OUTDOOR SPACES AND WIFI ACCESS LIBRARY form. »» Arts Centre HUB: INDOOR / OUTDOOR SPACES AND WIFI ACCESS LIBRARY –– Generous footpaths for pedestrian amenity and spill- out space for businesses. »» Informal Indoor Recreational Centre –– Footpaths shaded by continuous awnings and »» Library tree plantings to provide a comfortable walking environment and echo the main street character of »» Children and Family Services and Facilities LIBRARY country towns. HUB: INDOOR / OUTDOOR SPACEHSUABN: IDNDWOIFOI ARC/ COEUSTSDOOR SPACES AND WIFI ACCELSISBRARY –– Create a slow speed traffic environment. The building should have a sense of openness and»» Connectivity to Pedestrian Paths: Integrate the inclusiveness that encourages people to use the building, laneways south of the Marketown Upgrade and the new participate in activities, and encourage learning. The ground north-south pedestrian connections by the Village Green into the Market Street design. This can be achieved floor in particular should be activated, permeable and LIBRARY for example by extending the Market Street paving treatments to these north-south paths. transparent, with a strong vHisUuBal:cINonDnOecOtioRn /toOthUeTVDilOlagOeR SPACHEUSB:AINDOWOIFRI A/ COCUETDSSOOR SPACES AND WIFI ACCESSLIBRARY»» Staged Implementation: Upgrade Market Street in Green and Market Street. Flexible spaces suitable for use conjunction with the development of the catalyst sites to establish a coherent streetscape outcome. by a range of community groups for a variety of activities –– Expedite the development of the Marketown should be provided. Upgrade and Market Street Plaza to effect visible improvements to Riverstone and start the creation of It is proposed that the Community Hub is consolidated into a new focus for the Town Centre. a four storey building. This leaves the remainder of the Hub»» Connectivity across the Street: The shared zone of the Market Street Plaza, the pedestrian crossings site available for the development of a four storey parking elsewhere (including a raised pedestrian crossing by the Village Green), and the designation of the street as a structure, maximising the utilisation of the site. It is estimated High Pedestrian Activity Area ensures that it is easy for pedestrians to cross the street. that 180 to 240 parking spaces could be accommodatedC)  VILLAGE GREEN / COMMUNITY HUB in such a facility, catering to the parking needs of the CHILDREN’S PLAYThe Village Green is the key public space of Riverstone and Community Hub and the re-developed Riverstone Swimming LIBRARY / COMMUNITY SPACE CHILDREN’S PLAYstrongly associated with the proposed Community Hub. Centre. LIBRARY / COMMUNITY SPACEThe interplay of indoor community, cultural, and educationaluses with a multi-functional outdoor public space underpins Building up the Community Hub to four storeys allows the LIBRARY / COMMUNITY SPACE CHILDREN’S PLAY CHILDREN’S PLAYRiverstone’s positioning as a community centre for theNWGC (Refer Figure 5.6). upper floors to benefit from views westwards to the rural landscape and the Blue MLIoBuRnAtaRinYs /beCyoOnMd.MUNITY SPACE Indicative images for the Community Hub Concept are CHILDREN’S PLAY CHILDREN’S PLAY provided in Figure 5.5. VILLAGE GREEN The landscape design of thLeIBVRillAagReYG/reCenOaMs MilluUsNtraITteYdSPACE LIBRARY / COMMUNITY SPACE in Figure 5.6 breaks down the space into several zones of varying character through the use of different materials, vegetation, public furniture and pedestrian paths. This breaks down the scale of the space and allows a variety of activities from active uses to passive activities to occur during daily use. The Village Green is a destination space for locals, residents and visitors to the area. Although theRiverstone Town Centre – Master Plan HUB: READING LOUNGES HUB AS LOCAL LANDMARK HUB AS LOCAL LANDMARK HUB: READING LOUNGES 68 Elton Consulting

design of the Green is broken down into different zones, the FIGURE 5.6  RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – CATALYST SITES – VILLAGE GREEN/ COMMUNITY HUB – INDICATIVE SITE REDEVELOPMENT PLANspace itself contiguous. This allows flexibility in the use ofthe Green, allowing the entire space to be used for events 01 The Green forms a plaza in frontwhen necessary. of the Hub, for potential outdoor gatherings, exhibitions andThe Village Green is slightly larger than the existing Lions Park. performances associated with the Hub. The plaza is the forecourt toKEY PRINCIPLES the Hub.»» Enclose the Village Green: Ensure a consistent built 02 OHrauuisbted0dfoo1odrresTfarechorakeentaoitnfagGfoesrarsfsenoetdachniaperetreaofHdodteuirwnmcbgtiet,s.hdTftohahere plaza in edge to define a strong sense of enclosure to the Village potential Green through the application of Build-to lines. and quieot usptdaoceorovgearlothoekrininggtsh,eexhibitions»» Establish a Landmark: Design the Community Hub plaza. and performances associated to establish a local landmark through its massing and design to contribute to the legibility of the Town Centre. 03 TvehneupelafozawfrooitrteuehrtcrdatoohcuoeerrsteHtpovureobtnvh.tiesdTewHhauiethbipn. laza is the the plaza. The terrace steps»» Upper Level Setbacks: Setback the upper levels of the 6 prov0id2e iOnfuortmdoaol sreatinagrefoar dailay ssociated storey mixed use development to reduce overshadowing use as wwelilthas tshpeecHtautobr sfoear tisnegating and of the Village Green in winter. during evreenatds.ing. The raised deck offers»» Activate the Village Green Edges: Activate the a protected and quiet space Mixed Use Development ground floor of the Community Hub and the mixed use 04 gTrheee‘nboacpokeyvnaesrrdplo’aoockfeinRwgivitehthrsientofponrleamziasala. development enclosing the Green to create a sense of 05 activity and provide passive surveillance. Trehlaex0oa3ptieonnThsaepnadcpreelaciszraedaetftiioennreradarcbeeyass. provide a a series ovef cnruoessfopratohusttdooaollrowevents within 03 04»» Extend the Public Domain into the Community Hub: pedestriathnemopvleamzaen. t Tahned terrace steps 06 Establish spatial continuity between the ground floor of connectipvirtoyvtihdreouingfhotrhmeaGl rseeeant.ing for daily the Community Hub and the Village Green so that Hub activities can spill out into the Green and vice versa. 05 Integrateuddsuperlinaaygssewpveaecllneatss. spectator seating 02 01»» Screen the Parking Structure: Activate the ground level 06 Park0k4iosTkhe ‘backyard’ of Riverstone is a Community Hub of the parking structure where possible. Alternatively, green open space with informal design the walls that screen the parking structure as feature walls, incorporating for example artwork, ConnectiroenlatxoatthioenHaunbd recreation areas. interpretative heritage elements, or green walls. The PrincipalTpheedeosptreiann lsinpkace is defined by screening should extend to all the parking floors. Secondaary speerdieesstorifancrlionsks paths to allow»» Flexibility in Development Controls: Design the ground floor of the mixed use blocks to allow conversion from pedestrian movement and retail to residential uses (or vice versa) to suit the viability of the development. connectivity through the Green.»» Public Amenities: Integrate public toilet facilities 05 Integrated play space accessible from the Village Green into the Community Hub. 06 Park kiosk Market Street»» Flood Mitigation: Approximately half of the Hub site is Connection to the Hub Riverstone Schofields affected by the 1-in-100 year flood. Design the habitable Principal pedestrian link Memorial Club spaces at a minimum RL of 17.8m AHD and ensure that Secondary pedestrian link the driveway into the parking level is above the flood level. 8.4 VILLAGE GREEN FIG. 8.7: VILLAGE GREEN ILLUSTRATIVE PLAN N / COMMUNITY HUBElton Consulting 69 Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan

The Village Green is defined through containment by buildings on three FIG. 5.7  VILLAGE GREEN MILL STREET ADILLY STRsides. It has been located to address Market Street and the Riverstone FIRE RESIDENTIAL GEORGE STREETSchofields Memorial Club. The location of the Village Green enables theCommunity Hub to be located on the corner of Pitt and Market Street. OVALThis allows the Hub to relate to both the Marketown Upgrade and theVillage Green, as well as being visible from Garfield Road East. PITT STREET PARK STREET MIXED USEThe Village Green should: RESIDENTIAL VILLAGE SWIMMING GREEN CENTRE»» Create opportunities activation on three sides. MARKETOWN UPGRADE COMMUNITY MARKET STREET RIVERSTONE»» Relate to the existing Riverstone Schofields Memorial Club. HUB SCHOFIELDS»» Create a node between the Marketown Upgrade and the Riverstone MEMORIAL CLUB Swimming Centre Re-development. RIVERSTONE PARADE MIXED USE ROAD EAST»» Create a strong definition at the Pitt and Market Street intersection RICHARDS AVE in conjunction with the Marketown Upgrade. This helps to establish GARFIELD CHURCH Market Street as the new Town Centre heart at an early stage in the development of Riverstone, maximising early opportunities for MIXED USE regeneration. TRAIN OXFORD STREET»» Enable the Community Hub to relate strongly to the Marketown STATION Upgrade. This consolidation of catalyst developments addresses the existing fragmentation of uses in the Riverstone Town Centre.Planning for the Village Green and investigations to amend the LEPwill need to take into account the following constraints:»» The northern part of the Community Hub site is flood-affected, requiring mitigation measures for development on the affected part of the site.»» Although the Village Green satisfies at least the minimum solar access requirements in mid-winter, the space is overshadowed at various times in the day by the buildings proposed around it.»» The enclosure of the Green on three sides is not best practice in terms of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles and can potentially result in the Village Green being perceived as a privatised space. POTENTIAL FOR CASTLEREAGH STREET STREET LEVEL ACTIVATIONRiverstone Town Centre – Master Plan 70 Elton Consulting

As part of the master planning process, two alternative configurations for FIG. 5.8  VILLAGE GREEN ALTERNATIVE 1 MILL STREET ADILLY STRthe Village Green were considered. FIRE RESIDENTIAL GEORGE STREETVILLAGE GREEN ALTERNATIVE 1: DUAL STREET FRONTAGE OVALThe Village Green is re-configured so that it has an address to MarketStreet and Park Street. PITT STREET PARK STREET MIXED USEPros RESIDENTIAL VILLAGE SWIMMINGAdditional benefits of this configuration are: GREEN CENTRE»» Potential for better solar access. The majority of the space would be in MARKETOWN UPGRADE COMMUNITY STREET RIVERSTONE the sun between approximately 11am and just after 2pm in mid-winter. HUB SCHOFIELDS»» The Village Green is bound by roads on two sides, improving safety MARKET MEMORIAL CLUB and establishing the space as a public space.»» Creates a visual connection to the Market Street spine from Park Street, integrating future residential development north of Park Street into the future Town Centre ‘heart’.Cons»» Opportunities to activate the Village Green edge are limited to two sides only. These activated edges are located on opposite sides of the Village Green, making it difficult to achieve the potential for a continuously activated edge as allowed for in the Current Master Plan configuration. RIVERSTONE PARADE MIXED USE ROAD EAST RICHARDS AVE GARFIELD CHURCH MIXED USE TRAIN OXFORD STREET STATION POTENTIAL FOR CASTLEREAGH STREET STREET LEVEL ACTIVATIONElton Consulting 71 Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan

VILLAGE GREEN ALTERNATIVE 2: CORNER LOCATION FIG. 5.9  VILLAGE GREEN ALTERNATIVE 2 MILL STREET ADILLY STRIn this alternative the Village Green is proposed in the same FIRE RESIDENTIAL GEORGE STREETlocation as the existing cleared open space bounded byMarket Street, Pitt Street and Park Street. The existing open OVALspace would be upgraded into the Village Green. PITT STREET PARK STREET MIXED USEPros»» Open space is an appropriate use for the flood-affected RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY SWIMMING HUB CENTRE northern parts of the land. MARKETOWN»» The majority of the space would be in the sun between UPGRADE VILLAGE STREET RIVERSTONE GREEN SCHOFIELDS approximately 11am and 2pm in mid-winter.»» The Village Green is bound by roads on three sides, MARKET MEMORIAL CLUB improving safety and establishing the space as a public RIVERSTONE PARADE MIXED USE ROAD EAST space. RICHARDS AVE»» The Village Green relates to both the Marketown Upgrade GARFIELD CHURCH and the Community Hub. The Green would also be visible from Garfield Road East. This creates the opportunity MIXED USE to establish the Village Green as the key focal space in the new Town Centre heart at an early stage in the future TRAIN OXFORD STREET development of Riverstone. STATION»» If required, the existing RSL building could be retained.»» The Community Hub relates to the existing Riverstone POTENTIAL FOR CASTLEREAGH STREET Schofields Memorial Club, creating a cluster of buildings STREET LEVEL that provide amenity to the community. ACTIVATIONCons 72»» In the long term when the entire length of Market Street Elton Consulting is re-developed, the location of the Village Green places it somewhat far from the block defined by George Street and Piccadilly Street, which includes the Riverstone Swimming Centre Re-development. This may potentially inhibit the connection of uses along the length of the Market Street spine.»» Opportunities to activate the Village Green edge are limited to one side only.»» The location of the Village Green causes the Community Hub to be located away from the Marketown Upgrade. This does not address the fragmentation of Town Centre uses in the short term. It potentially inhibits the establishment of a recognisable Town Centre identity and a new Town Centre ‘heart’ in the early stages of Riverstone’s future development.Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan

FIGURE 5.10  RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – INDICATIVE IMAGES – SWIMMING CENTRE SITE REDEVELOPMENT D) SWIMMING CENTRE SITE REDEVELOPMENT facilities that are complementary with the swimming The Riverstone Swimming Centre is located on a substantial centre, such as a café. If the building is adapted, the urban block approximately 2ha in size. The scope of the museum component could be integrated into the new proposed facility is presently not fully known. An indicative swimming centre or the Community Hub.PACE INTO THsEkeDtcEhVcEoLnOcePpMt EhaNsTbeen prepared to illustPraLtAeYpoPtOenOtiaLlS, CAFEIN, ATENGDRVAITEEWOINPGENASRPEAACE INTO THE DEVELOPMENTFITNESS ROOMS PLAY POOLS, CAFE, AND VIEWING AREA»» Skate Park: Provide a skateFpITaNrkESaSs pRaOrtOoMf thSe INDOOR CLIMdBeIvNeGlopment. opportunities and design principles for consideration in such a facility (Refer Figure 5.11). »» Parking: Surface parking could be provided that partially Importantly, the Swimming Centre Redevelopment should PLAY POOLS, CAFE, AND VIEWING AREA meets the expected parking demand of the facility. When not ‘turn its back’ on development along adjoining streets. PLAY POOLS, CAFE, AND VIEWING AREA the on-site parking area is full, visitors to the facility can Multiple entry/Exit points and areas of open space / cafés park in the parking structure attached to the Community sthhiosukledybeeaisntcelrundaendcihnotrhseitreedweitvheltohpemreesnttopflathnetIoTNoiTnwEtneGgCRraeAtneTtrEe.OPEINNTESGPARCAETEINOTPOENTHSEPDAECVEEILNOTOPMTEHNETDEVELOPMENT Hreufebr,eenncceo,FutIhrTaeNgpEinaSgrSkmiRnogOreaOrweMaalFSskIhiTnoNgwEinnSSitnhRethOTeoOiwnMdnicCSaetnivteres. kFeotrch could accommodate 50 to 60 spaces. The new swimming centre could be a campus style Indicative images for the future Swimming Centre are development with multiple buildings – including the existing provided as Figure 5.10. Bicentennial museum – located within a parklandINsTeEtGtinRgA. TE OPIENNTESGPRAACTEE IONTPOENTHSEPADCEVEEINLOTOPMTHEENTDEVELOPMENT PLAY POOLS, CPLAAFYE,PAONODLSV,IECWAIFNEG, AANRDEAVIEWING AREA FITNESS ROOMFSITNESS ROOMS PRINCIPLES FOR CONSIDERATION OTHER COUNCIL SITES »» Built Form: The built form and scale of the development In addition to the sites and projects identified above, should relate positively to the public domain, and be Council also owns other properties in the Town Centre. designed as a landmark on Garfield Road East. When opportunities are presented for these sites to be redeveloped (eg the Council Depot site), Council should »» Indoor-Outdoor Connection: The interior spaces consider how to best use the site to ensure it supports and should be light and airy, with a strong visual connection delivers the structural land use changes, built form, urban to the outside. This will showcase the activities of the OUTDOOR AMENITY MULTI-PURPOSE SPORTS HALL CAFE design and public domain outcomes necessary to achieve recreational development upon the pubMlicUdLoTmI-PaiUnR. POSE SPORTS HALL the Vision for the TowOnUCTeDntOreO. R AMENITY »» Multiple Buildings: Splitting the development up into multiple buildings could facilitate staged development AIRY POOL HALL WITH A SENSE OF CONNECTION TO THE OUTDOORSWITH A SENSE OF CofOthNeNsiEteCaTsIOwNellTaOs oTpHeEration of the various facilities by entities other than Council (if desired). »» Access and Permeability: The re-developed swimming centre should be accessible from a number of directions MULTI-PURPOSE SPORTS HALL OUTDOOR AMENITY to ensure ease of access from all directions and provide MULTI-PURPOSE SPORTS HALL OUTDOOR AMENITY permeability through the block. OUTDOOR AMOEUNTITDYOOR AMENITY »» IlHeneatedrigstartagotetehCtehueerntBitlraiacgneecne:tTeohnfinsthicaeolruMelcdurescaeotuniosmnisattlhofrafocauOAilpgitIUlRyha.TYzaTDahPOteOhOaOt RLSHAAOLLIURWTYDITPOHOOAORLSSEHNASLELOWFITCHOANSNEENCSETIOONF TO THE TO THE CONNECTION curtilage could also consist of a landscaped open space MULTI-PURPOSME USPLTOI-RPTUSRHPAOLSLE SPORTS HALL that could be used as a spill-out space for one of the sports buildings, where people could participAaItReYinPOOL HAALILRWY PITOH OALSHENASLEL WOFITHCOANSNENECSETIOOFNCTONTHNECTION TO THE activities such as outdoor fitness classes. ThOe cUuTrDtilOagOe RS OUTDOORS should be designed to establish a sympathetic setting for the museum and, at the same time, integrate it into the rest of the development. »» Potential Adaptive Re-use of the Bicentennial INDOOR SPORTS/ CRECHE Museum Building: The building could IcNoDntOinuOeRtoSPORTS CHILDREN’S PLAY / CRECHE G73YM GYM function as a museum, or be adaptively re-used for Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan Elton ConsultingOPMENT COMPONENTS POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT COMPONENTS

01 Pool Hall expressed FaIGsUREa5.11  RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – CATALYST SITES – SWIMMING CENTRE SITE – INDICATIVE SITE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN landmark structure 01 aPnodol Hall expressed as a featuring transparent edges. landmark structure and featuring transparent edges.02 Recreational centre that could and02/ Rinoeccrorrepaotrioatnealacgeynmtreatnhdat/ could incorporate a gym or multi- multi-purpose sports hall. purpose sports hall.03 Plaza forecourt to 03 tPhlaeza forecourt to the recreational 03 recreational centre. 02 centre. 0404 Heritage building retaine04d cHfooenrrittiangueedbuuisldeinags retained for 05 07 a museum or 01 continued use as a museumaodarpted for other uses such as a adapted for other uses suchcaafse or admin space. a cafe or admin space. 05 Heritage curtilage comprising a comprisingamnaixd of landscaped green space05 Heritage curtilage plaza space with seating mix of landscaped green spaacreeas. 06 and plaza space with seating Elton Consulting 06 Parkland that functions as an areas. extension of the Pool Hall, with06 Parkland that functions as staounnabcactohminmgoddeactkesaentco.uPtdooteonrtpiaol ol extension of the Pool Hall, waitnhd skate park. sunbathing decks etc. Potential to accommodate an ou07tdoPoarrking and drop-off area. pool and skate park. Main entry07 Parking and drop-off area. Pedestrian permeability Main entry Pedestrian permeability 8.5 SWIMMING N POOL SITE REDEVELOPMENT FIG. 8.9: RIVERSTONE SWIMMING CENTRE RE-DEVELOPMENT: INDICATIVE PLANRiverstone Town Centre – Master Plan 74

06 Conclusion and Way Forward6.1 The Master Plan – »» A strategy that integrates new development with existing 6.2 The Way Forward Summary key social and community infrastructure to ensure future development ‘respects’ the existing social fabric of the A number of Actions are recommended for Council toThis Plan provides the framework for the regeneration and centre; consider as part of its future planning for the Riverstonefuture growth of the Riverstone Town Centre. It provides Town Centre. These Actions are necessary to support anda recommended land use planning and development »» A strategy which demonstrates that higher density inform the ongoing development and implementation of thestrategy to ensure that the Riverstone Town Centre is development is feasible in the Town Centre and that it is Master Plan and will provide a more detailed implementationpositioned to take advantage of future growth in the NWGC needed to drive the provision of improved retail, social, framework for the Plan. The immediate Actions forand in Council’s planned investment to make Riverstone a and community services for residents; and consideration are detailed in Table 6.1.destination – a community services hub for residents in thenorth of the City. »» A strategy that provides a framework for good urban design and public space outcomes to ensure the Town CentreIn summary, the Plan provides: is provided with an integrated network of high quality, accessible, and usable open spaces and public areas.»» A recommended land use and zoning strategy that will provide opportunities to develop higher density The strategies included in the Plan provide the base to residential and mixed use development in close proximity accommodate some of the approximately 8,000 – 9,000 to the Riverstone Railway Station; residents who will ultimately live in the Riverstone area. The mix of residential densities and built form outcomes»» A strategy that provides a framework to accommodate envisaged in the Plan will provide opportunities for a range future residential growth in the Riverstone area in a of housing types to be provided and existing areas of lower coordinated and managed way; density residential development will continue to provide the ‘suburban’ character that existing residents value.»» A strategy that reflects the character of the existing Riverstone Town Centre by providing a re-focused ‘main street’ taking advantage of a regenerated and reinvigorated Market Street;»» A plan that demonstrates the Town Centre can continue to thrive and be a vibrant, lively and activated urban centre by taking advantage of the Garfield Road Overpass as the ‘trigger’ to re-invent the Town Centre with a new focus;Elton Consulting 75 Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan

TABLE 6.1  RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN: IMPLEMENTATION – ACTIONSAction Objective Who/Timing Action Objective Who/TimingRezoning process (Planning Continue review of current Who: CouncilProposal) Investigate amendments to development Who: Council; planning, urban Council Works Program to Council’s existing Works Program for the Timing: Commence early 2016 standards contained within the Blacktown LEP design, traffic and feasibility identify opportunities to deliver Riverstone Town Centre area should beConsultation for planned to implement the Master Plan. This action will consultants Master Plan outcomes reviewed with a view to identifying opportunities Who: Councilredevelopment and rezoning for including works and programs that will Timing: Ongoing include further investigations into the concept of Council Asset Management deliver the Master Plan outcomes. This includesContinue detailed site planning 10 storey maximum heights and 15 storeys on Timing: Commence early 2018 Strategy reviewing proposed infrastructure works;for redevelopment of the streetscape improvement programs; roadworksSwimming Centre gateway/key sites as approved by Council. and other relevant matters and programs.Continue detailed site planning Undertake community consultation as required Who: Council; consultation and As noted in the Plan Council is a significant landfor new Community Hub/Village by the EP&A Act to ensure that stakeholders and engagement consultant; State owner in the Town Centre. Most of Council’sGreen members of the public can provide feedback on government agencies; community sites including Marketown, the Swimming Centre and existing community facilities areContinue infrastructure capacity proposed LEP amendment. This may include Timing: 2018 identified as ‘catalyst’ sites. The developmentanalysis for Town Centre pre-Gateway consultation to identify any issues or redevelopment of these sites is considered that are likely to be generated by the proposal key to the successful implementation of the Plan. In addition, Council can play a leading with the stakeholders. role in establishing the benchmark for desired built form outcomes and quality across the The Swimming Centre is a key anchor for Who: Council Town Centre when redeveloping these key sites. the Town Centre. Its future redevelopment Timing: Ongoing Council should consider developing a detailed should ensure it is integrated with surrounding Asset Management Strategy for its landholdings development, easily accessible and that it in the Town Centre which considers options for provides the range of features to support each of its sites as well as potential timeframes for redevelopment in line with the outcomes the future residents of Riverstone. Ongoing of the Master Plan. This is not suggest that development of the site plan for the proposed Council should divest of or redevelop its redevelopment of this key site should continue landholdings in the Town Centre immediately. taking into consideration the outcomes of the The Asset Management Strategy will provide the Plan. framework for Council to consider its long term strategy for Riverstone holistically so that it can This site will become the focus for the Who: Council assist in delivering the Vision for the Riverstone Town Centre. regenerated Town Centre. Future planning Timing: Ongoing should take into consideration the outcomes identified in the Plan. A review of the proposal should be undertaken to consider consistency with the Master Plan from a design perspective and also to ensure the range of proposed facilities is commensurate with the expected population growth envisaged under the Plan. Future growth in the centre will need to be Who: Council; infrastructure supported by appropriate infrastructure. A suppliers including water, sewer, more detailed infrastructure analysis should be roads; telecommunications. undertaken to identify current supply issues, existing capacity and potential solutions which Timing: Ongoing can be considered in finalising the Town Centre Master Plan.Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan 76 Elton Consulting

APPENDIXElton Consulting 77 Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan

Options ConsideredThis section provides an overview of the options that were A.1.2 FORMULATING DESIGN PRINCIPLES Retain the connection to the rural landscape A.2 Developing the Optionsconsidered in the process of preparing the Master Plan. Retain the sense of connection to the rural landscapeThree options were initiallyv considered, with a fourth option Design Principles were developed to support the formulation to integrate the sense of place that is derived from this Initially, three options were developed to test differentadded prior to consultation following a presentation of of the options. The principles further articulate how the connection into the future identity of Riverstone. This can be approaches to the regeneration of the Riverstone Townthe draft plan to Council. Options were assessed against Vision for the Riverstone Town Centre may be delivered. The achieved by retaining key view lines to the mountains and Centre. Following a presentation of the draft plan, Councila number of criteria related to urban design, planning, principles were also used to assess the options. surrounding area. proposed an additional option for consideration, as well astransport planning and feasibility of delivery. The outcomes the identification of key sites which may be suitable for tallerof that assessment are provided in this Appendix. The Design Principles are: A healthy, walkable Town Centre buildings. The fourth option and potential for key sites were Improve walkability and access to public and active included in the draft for consultation and feedback. TakingA.1 The framework for Define a new Town Centre ‘heart’ transport to broaden transport choice and the inclusivity of the Design Principles as the starting point, the four options developing the options Define a recognisable, inclusive ‘heart’ that establishes a the Town Centre. explored how the Town Centre could be re-organised to: strong identity for Riverstone and forms a focal point aroundA.1.1 A VISION FOR THE RIVERSTONE TOWN which future development can focus. Connected open space and recreational opportunities »» Create a new Town Centre focus as part of a strategy CENTRE Enhance liveability through better access to leisure to address the fragmentation of existing Town Centre Consolidate and diversify land uses opportunities by way of a connected network of open space functions.Having a strong, clear vision for a centre is the key to its Create opportunities for new land uses to develop in the and recreational uses.future success. Proposals for future development should be Town Centre and consolidate these around the ‘heart’ »» Integrate the future overpass which will enable the retailassessed against the vision for that centre. to generate a critical mass of activity and people in the A safe and attractive public domain and commercial focus of the existing Town Centre to shift Town Centre. Establish a safe, secure and attractive public domain that away from Garfield Road East.Following a review of existing information, an assessment of people can feel comfortable in as well as stimulating privatethe characteristics of the Town Centre, and after considering Become the community focus for the North West investment in the Town Centre. »» Consolidate and concentrate the various land uses tofeedback and comments from initial consultation and Growth Centre generate a critical mass of activities and population. Thisengagement, a Vision for the Riverstone Town Centre Emphasise the Town Centre as a community focus for A resilient Riverstone is essential to create a vibrant Town Centre and improvewas formulated. the NWGC by integrating community and recreational Re-structure the Town Centre to spark regeneration in the its economic viability. development into the ‘heart’. Leverage the opportunity short term while allowing for the overpass to be integrated inThe Vision is: to provide facilities that attract people from beyond the the long term. Council is a significant land owner within the Town Centre Riverstone area. This will differentiate Riverstone from and has plans to upgrade or redevelop its assets over the“A vibrant, other NWGC centres and broaden the catchment of the Integrate with the existing and future context. lifetime of the Plan. The options that were developed, utilisedsustainable centre Town Centre. Connect the Town Centre to surrounding residential and these sites and the intended upgrades as potential catalystswith opportunities industrial areas, as well as the potential employment lands of to trigger and invigorate development.for the community” Enable the place for socialising, festivities Riverstone West. The Town Centre should serve these areas and celebration to benefit from the patronage of people living and working in The projects and sites considered in this context are the Increase opportunities that bring the community together by these areas. Marketown shopping centre site and potential upgrade, a establishing a place where people can meet and socialise, new Council Community Hub, and re-development of the with the capacity to host festivities, events and celebrations. Riverstone Swimming Centre. In addition, the options build off the existing strengths of the Town Centre. Value the old and the new Enable contemporary development that respects the country Critically, the options provide a framework for the town character and retains links to Riverstone’s heritage. regeneration of the Town Centre that is applicable to both a “No Overpass” Scenario and a “Post-Overpass” Scenario.Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan 78 Elton Consulting

The Four options considered were: Following construction of the overpass, the ‘Hub’ concept TABLE A.1  SUMMARY OF ESTIMATED YIELD DATA – OPTION 1 establishes a clear framework to guide the re-location ofOPTION 1: “THE HUB” businesses affected by the overpass on the southern side Option 1 ‘The Hub’ Summary of Estimated Yield Data (No Overpass scenario) of Garfield Road East. These businesses can re-locate into“The Hub” is based on the concept of consolidating future retail / commercial space around the Town Square and along Total GFA 220,000sqmgrowth around a new Town Square that becomes the clearly the Pitt Street axis. The resulting increase in developmentdefined ‘heart’ of Riverstone. intensity around the Town Square generates additional Residential GFA 175,000sqm critical mass and reinforces the identity of the ‘Hub’ as theThe space is defined by arranging catalyst developments heart of Riverstone. Estimated No. of Residential Units 1,600 unitsin the form of the Marketown upgrade and the CommunityHub around the Town Square. The Town Square is activated Affected businesses north of the overpass between Retail GFA 15,500sqmby a mix of retail and community uses on all four sides to Riverstone Parade and Pitt Street can be re-developed toestablish it as a community-oriented public space. face away from the overpass and address the proposed Supermarket GFA 3,500sqm Marketown upgrade.The Town Square is located at the corner of Market and Pitt Commercial GFA 21,000sqmStreet. The proposed site is mostly vacant at the momentand largely owned by Council. Community Hub 5,000sqm Please note all values are and based on research undertaken in 2015FIGURE A.1  RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – OPTION 1 – “THE HUB” (PRE-OVERPASS) FIGURE A.2  RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – OPTION 1 – “THE HUB” (POST-OVERPASS) MILL STREET PICCADILLY STREET MILL STREET PICCADILLY STREET GEORGE STREET GEORGE STREET OVAL OVAL NEW TOWN STREET NEW TOWN STREET HEART PARK HEART PARK PITT STREET POOL PITT STREET POOL BOWLING COMMUNITY BOWLING COMMUNITY CLUB SITE CLUB SITE HUB HUB MARKET STREET LIONS MARKET STREET LIONS PARK PARK R.S. R.S. TOWN MEMORIAL TOWN MEMORIAL SQUARE SQUARE CLUB CLUB RIVERSTONE PARADEMARKETOWN GARFIELD ROAD EAST RIVERSTONE PARADEMARKETOWN GARFIELD ROAD EAST UPGRADE UPGRADE OXFORD STREET OXFORD STREET STATION STATION OVERPASS CASTLEREAGH STREET GATEWAY / KEY SITES CASTLEREAGH STREET GATEWAY / KEY SITES 79 Riverstone Town Centre – Master PlanElton Consulting

OPTION 2: “THE MAIN STREET” The displacement of the retail / commercial heart away from Affected businesses north of the overpass between Riverstone Parade and Pitt Street can be re-developed to face away the heavy traffic along Garfield Road East creates conditions from the overpass and address the proposed Marketown upgrade.The “Main Street” option is based on the concept of that are more conducive to establishing an activated streetestablishing a street as the ‘heart’ of Riverstone. Future environment. The “Main Street” option is illustrated pre overpass construction in A.3 while Figure A.4 illustrates how the scenario willgrowth is consolidated along Market Street, which becomes develop following construction of the overpass.the new mixed use Main Street of Riverstone. Market Street will replace Garfield Road East as the retail / commercial focus in this scenario. A broad range of retail, TABLE A.2  SUMMARY OF ESTIMATED YIELD DATA – OPTION 2The “Main Street” model replicates the historical function commercial, community and recreational uses will beof Garfield Road East, ensuring that the future ‘heart’ of consolidated along the street to create a vibrant, linear Option 2 ‘The Main Street’ Summary of Estimated Yield Data (No Overpass scenario)Riverstone links back to the heritage of the town. The “Main ‘heart’ for Riverstone.Street” evokes and perpetuates Riverstone’s country town Total GFA 270,000sqmcharacter by reflecting the typical urban structure of country Businesses affected by the overpass on the southern side oftowns, which are characterised by town centres organised Garfield Road East have the opportunity to re-locate along the Residential GFA 202,000sqmalong a central retail / commercial strip. Market Street spine. Given the length of the street, a significant amount of street-level retail / commercial floor space will Estimated No. of Residential Units 1,700 unitsMarket Street will become a pedestrian-focused potentially be available to absorb these re-located uses.environment. A clearly legible pedestrian connection is Retail GFA 28,000sqmcreated between the train station and the RiverstoneSwimming Centre, punctuated by a varied mix of community, Supermarket GFA 3,500sqmretail, commercial and recreational uses. Commercial GFA 31,000sqm Community Hub 5,000sqm Please note all values are approximate and based on research undertaken in 2015FIGURE A.3  RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – OPTION 2 – “MAIN STREET” (PRE-OVERPASS) FIGURE A.4  RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – OPTION 2 – “MAIN STREET” (POST-OVERPASS) MILL STREET PICCADILLY STREET MILL STREET PICCADILLY STREET GEORGE STREET GEORGE STREETOVAL OVAL NEW MAIN STREET NEW MAIN STREET PITT STREET PARK STREET POOL PITT STREET PARK STREET POOLBOWLING VILLAGE BOWLING VILLAGE STREETCLUB SITE CLUB SITE COMMUNITY GREEN STREET LIONS COMMUNITY GREEN R.S. LIONS MARKETOWN HUB PARK MARKETOWN HUB MEMORIAL PARK UPGRADE MARKET R.S. UPGRADE MARKET NEW MAIN STREET MEMORIAL CLUB CLUB RIVERSTONE PARADE GARFIELD ROAD EAST RIVERSTONE PARADE GARFIELD ROAD EAST OXFORD STREET OXFORD STREET STATION CASTLEREAGH STREET STATION CASTLEREAGH STREET GATEWAY / KEY SITESRiverstone Town Centre – Master Plan OVERPASS GATEWAY / KEY SITES 80 Elton Consulting

OPTION 3: “PRECINCTS” Riverstone that shifts the Town Centre’s centre of gravity Businesses affected by the overpass on the southern side of Garfield Road East have the opportunity to re-locate into the away from Garfield Road East. Figure 3.5 illustrates the Retail Precinct. They may also re-locate into the Community Precinct which is intended to be a mixed use area.This option provides a precinct-based approach to “Precincts” option prior to the construction of the overpass.managing future growth in Riverstone, with development Affected businesses north of the overpass between Riverstone Parade and Pitt Street can be re-developed to face awayorganised into retail and community Precincts. The Retail Precinct builds off the existing concentration from the overpass and address a network of pedestrianised laneways activated by new speciality retail spaces. Figure A.6 of retail / commercial uses near the train station. The illustrates the “Precincts” option following construction of the overpass.Future development is organised into two precincts, each Marketown upgrade will be the significant anchoringwith its own recognisable character, to establish a legible development for the Precinct, defining its sense of place as TABLE A.  SUMMARY OF ESTIMATED YIELD DATA – OPTION 3Town Centre. the retail ‘heart’ of Riverstone. Option 3 ‘Precincts’ Summary of Estimated Yield Data (No Overpass scenario)The overpass will come down to grade roughly near Pitt George Street becomes the main entry point into the TownStreet, according to current understanding. This option Centre, providing convenient access into the community Total GFA 209,120sqmacknowledges that, in this event, George Street becomes ‘heart’ of Riverstone. It is envisioned that the Communitythe first opportunity to establish an intersection to enter the and Retails Precincts will be well-established by the time the Residential GFA 152,370sqmTown Centre when approaching from the west along Garfield overpass is in place.Road East. The proposed Community Precinct is therefore Estimated No. of Residential Units 1,380 unitsorganised around the intersection of George Street andMarket Street. This establishes a new community ‘heart’ for Retail GFA 22,000sqm Supermarket GFA 3,500sqm Commercial GFA 26,250sqm Community Hub 5,000sqm Please note all values are approximate and based on research undertaken in 2015FIGURE A.5  RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – OPTION 3 – “PRECINCTS” (PRE-OVERPASS) FIGURE A.6  RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – OPTION 3 – “PRECINCTS” (POST-OVERPASS) MILL STREET GEORGE STREET PICCADILLY STREET MILL STREET GEORGE STREET PICCADILLY STREETOVAL OVAL PARK STREET COMMUNITY STREET COMMUNITY PRECINCT PRECINCT PITT STREET VILLAGE POOL PARK PITT STREET POOLBOWLING GREEN VILLAGECLUB SITE MAIN TOWN ENTRY COMMUNITY BOWLING GREEN MAIN TOWN ENTRY HUB CLUB SITE STREET LIONS COMMUNITY STREET MARKET PARK HUB MARKET LIONS R.S. R.S. PARK MEMORIAL MEMORIAL CLUB CLUB RIVERSTONE PARADEMARKETOWN GARFIELD ROAD EAST RIVERSTONE PARADEMARKETOWN GARFIELD ROAD EAST UPGRADE UPGRADE RETAIL RETAIL PRECINCT PRECINCT OXFORD STREET OXFORD STREET STATION CASTLEREAGH STREET GATEWAY / KEY SITES STATION CASTLEREAGH STREETElton Consulting OVERPASS GATEWAY / KEY SITES 81 Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan

OPTION 4: “CENTRAL COMMUNITY delivering Option 4. In addition, the following urban design proposed to be designated for mixed use and high density residential development. Part of this block is owned by thePRECINCT” aspects need to be addressed: Department of Lands which may limit the potential to deliver this option and/or reduce the financial return Council may achieve for its portion of the site.Following a presentation of the draft plan prior to exhibition, »» Underground facilities will require ventilation shafts above »» The feasibility of Council providing an integrated community/recreation centre would need to be considered.Council proposed an additional Option for inclusion, ground. The design and locations of these shafts need »» The potential impacts on traffic flows within the core Town Centre area would need to be considered. While the Optionconsideration and feedback. Option 4 co-locates the to minimise the amenity and visual impacts on the public does potentially increase the opportunity for single, multi-purpose trips for residents and visitors to the Town Centre,proposed Riverstone Swimming Centre redevelopment domain. this benefit would need to be considered further and considered against the potential impacts concentrating trafficwith the Community Hub and Village Green. In addition movements in this part of the Town Centre may have, especially at peak travel times.to providing complementary community uses, the option »» Parts of this area of the Town Centre may be subject tocreates an opportunity to consolidate car parking and the flooding, which adds additional technical complexity and Market Street will retain the pedestrian focus in this option with businesses affected by the overpass on the southern side ofpotential for administrative efficiencies in operating the two cost to providing underground facilities, including car Garfield Road East having the opportunity to re-locate.facilities from one office. It also positions the swimming parking.centre more centrally within the Town Centre core. Affected businesses north of the overpass between Riverstone Parade and Pitt Street can be redeveloped to face away from »» Natural light and preferably natural ventilation should the overpass and address the proposed Marketown Upgrade.Co-locating the two facilities as above ground facilities be provided to underground spaces, particularly ifwill leave limited space to accommodate a Village Green. used for recreational or community purposes. This may The “Central Community Precinct” option is illustrated pre-overpass construction in Figure A.7 and post-overpassEstablishing a Village Green is fundamental to the Master be challenging, especially if the option of allowing a in Figure A.8.Plan concept and is a key element of creating a vibrant 10 storey height limit in the Core Town Centre area istown centre environment along the length of Market Street. adopted. TABLE A.4 SUMMARY OF ESTIMATED YIELD DATA – OPTION 4Therefore, if this Option is to be considered further, therecommendation is to locate the swimming centre facilities »» Planning and designing the above ground components Option 4 ‘Central Community Precinct’ Summary of Estimated Yield Data (No Overpass scenario)in whole or in part underground. Locating the pool fully of the development of the block would need to maximiseor partially underground, potentially combined with the activation and passive surveillance opportunities of the Total GFA 277,500sqmprovision of underground parking as well, will create space surrounding public domain.for a Village Green. Precedents include the Cook + Phillip Residential GFA 219,000sqmPark Aquatic and Fitness Centre in the Sydney CBD and the »» Planning and designing this block would also haveproposed Green Square Library and Plaza. to consider how integrated, activated through-site Estimated No. of Residential Units 1,900 units link connecting Market Street to Park Street could beUndergrounding the facilities will have significant cost provided. Retail GFA 23,000sqmimplications, which may impact upon the feasibility of Additional considerations for this Option include: Supermarket GFA 3,500sqm »» The block of land allocated for the Riverstone Swimming Commercial GFA 27,000sqm Centre Re-development in the Preferred Option is Community Hub 5,000sqm Please note all values are approximate and based on research undertaken in 2015Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan 82 Elton Consulting

FIGURE A.7  RIVERSTONE TCOHUWRCHNSTRCEETENTRE MASTER PLAN – OPTION 4 – \"CENTRAL COMMUNITY PRECINCT\" (PRE-OVERPASS) FIGURE A.8  RIVERSTONE TCOHUWRCHNSTRCEETENTRE MASTER PLAN – OPTION 4 – \"CENTRAL COMMUNITY PRECINCT (POST-OVERPASS) MILL STREET PICCADILLY STREET MILL STREET PICCADILLY STREET GEORGE STREET GEORGE STREET OVAL NEW MAIN OVAL NEW MAIN STREET STREET PITT STREET PARK STREET POOL PITT STREET PARK STREET POOL BOWLING VILLAGE STREET BOWLING VILLAGE STREET CLUB SITE GREEN CLUB SITE GREEN COMMUNITY R.S. COMMUNITY R.S. HUB MARKET MARKETOWN HUB MARKET UPGRADE MEMORIAL MEMORIAL MARKETOWN NEW MAIN STREET CLUB CLUB UPGRADE RIVERSTONE PARADE GARFIELD ROAD EAST RIVERSTONE PARADE GARFIELD ROAD EAST OXFORD STREET OXFORD STREET STATION STATION CASTLEREAGH STREET GATEWAY / KEY SITES OVERPASS CASTLEREAGH STREET GATEWAY / KEY SITESElton Consulting 83 Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan

A.3 Assessment of the OptionsThe four options were assessed:»» against the Master Plan Design Principles (see A.1.2);»» in terms of their capacity to deliver improved retail and employment growth and feasible housing opportunities; and»» in terms of their traffic and transport network implications.Table A.5 illustrates how well each option satisfies given Design Principles. Good Fair PoorTABLE A.5  RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – ASSESSMENT OF OPTIONS)Design Principle Option 1 “The Hub” Option 2 “The Main Street’ Option 3 “Precincts” Option 4 “Central Community Precinct”Define a new The new Town Square, activated by a The Main Street typology is a readily The delineation of the Town Centre into Retail Similar to the Main Street typology, the CentralTown Centre diverse mix of uses including the recognisable ‘heart’ that reflects the and Community Precincts dilutes the ‘heart’ Community Precinct option reflects the‘heart’ Marketown Upgrade and the traditional ‘heart’ of the Town Centre (the across two discrete areas of the Town Centre. traditional ‘heart’ of the Garfield Road East Community Hub, is a clearly legible ‘heart’ for the Town Garfield Road East retail / commercial strip). strip. The potential of the Village Green to provide a Centre. The concept of a Village Green in the Community meeting place within the ‘heart’ will depend on the Precinct however creates a strong core around which complexity and cost of undergrounding the swimming the Precinct can be organised. pool.Consolidate and The major Town Centre uses are consolidated All the major Town Centre functions, The retail and community / recreational uses are Street level retail activation would be contained todiversify land around a Town Square. existing and proposed, are located on consolidated in different areas of the Town areas west and south of the Village Green block asuses Market Street, consolidated along this Centre. The option therefore forgoes the full benefits the Village Green itself would not have any shops (with However, there is relatively limited space for uses linear public space. arising from consolidating diverse uses in one place the possible exception of cafes). In this option, the generating critical mass to be located as these would which reduces the chances of generating critical mass. block between George Street and Piccadilly Street ideally need to be located around the Town Square. The length of Market Street ensures that there is where the existing pool is located will be developed significant potential floor space for businesses to locate for residential. In effect, the future footprint of the town In addition, the re-development of the Riverstone along the street over time and increase the diversity of centre is contained to between Riverstone Parade and Swimming Centre, a key component of the future land uses. George Street. This may impose constraints on town Riverstone, is located at the periphery of the ‘heart’ centre expansion in the long term. and somewhat isolated. All the major Town Centre functions, existing and proposed, are located on Market Street, consolidated along this linear public space. The relocation of the swimming pool, means that community and recreational uses dominate the main street and retail and commercial opportunities in the block containing the community hub and swimming pool are constrainedRiverstone Town Centre – Master Plan 84 Elton Consulting

Design Principle Option 1 “The Hub” Option 2 “The Main Street’ Option 3 “Precincts” Option 4 “Central Community Precinct”Become thecommunity In all four options the Community Hub and Riverstone Swimming Centre Re-development are integral to the regeneration of Town Centre. The options therefore have similar potential to become established as thefocus for the NWGC Community focus.North WestGrowth Centre The mix of uses around the Town Given its length, the Main Street The option features a Village Green of The Main Street can provide opportunities forEnable the place Square draws in a variety of people that provides numerous opportunities significant size that lends itself to cafes and other street-level entertainment uses.for socialising, are visiting the Town Centre for a range for cafés and other street-level accommodating a variety of events.festivities and of reasons to activate the Square. It forms an obvious entertainment uses that can become The swimming pool development will need to becelebration meeting place and setting for people to socialise. the setting for social interaction. The Village Green addresses the Riverstone Schofields designed in a way that allows for the establishment of Memorial Club. As such it is the extension of an existing the Village Green so that a space for social gatheringsValue the old The Square is a significant size and intended to be a The street can be used for events such as parades, and is focus of social interaction and community. This will be and festivities can be delivered. This may requireand the new flexible public space that can be used for a variety of augmented by the Village Green, which establishes the Town reinforced through the new uses proposed to contain undergrounding of certain parts of the swimming pool, events, large and small. Centre’s main public open space along this axis. The Green the space, which includes the Community Hub. resulting in a high development cost to achieve a spaceRetain the also creates opportunities to host a wide variety of events in that is enabled for social interaction.connection The Town Square as the focal public space of the Town Centre. The Green is a clearly identifiable meeting place for theto the rural Riverstone does not have a local precedent Town. The Central Community Precinct replicates thelandscape and potentially represents a significant The Main Street typology is a legacy of main street typology that is a legacy of departure from the traditional Riverstone character. the historical development of Riverstone. The option’s Precincts urban structure does Riverstone and, like Option 2, providesA healthy, It creates opportunities for contemporary not have an evident connection to Riverstone’s opportunities for interesting juxtapositions. However,walkable Town Westward vistas down east-west streets to the development to plug into a heritage-focused spine, heritage. with the swimming pool relocated to the busiest part ofCentre rural landscape, near and far, are one of the key creating the potential for interesting juxtapositions in the Main Street and occupying a significant street ways in which the existing Town Centre establishes a the Town Centre. The Village Green however evokes a rural, country town frontage, there will be fewer opportunities on the north sense of connection to the surrounding landscape. character with opportunities to celebrate local heritage. side of the street for diversity and juxtapositions. The linearity of Market Street, and the The ‘Hub’ option terminates these vistas at Park and consistent street wall that is envisioned as part This option maintains vistas down all The linearity of Market Street, and the Market Streets. The plan is inward-looking, focused of the concept reinforces the vista westwards. east-west streets. consistent street wall that is envisioned as part around the Town Square. of the concept reinforces the vista westwards. Improved pedestrian permeability in the form However, the option will likely block vistas down Park However, the option will likely block vistas down Park of north-south mid-block pedestrian links. Street. Street. The various Town Centre uses are Improved pedestrian permeability in the form This option concentrates the Town located along the Main Street, of north-south mid-block pedestrian links and Centre around the main street, creating a encouraging people to negotiate the through formalised pedestrian routes where highly walkable and mixed use centre. Town Centre ‘heart’ on foot. previously there was none, such as at Park Street. Relocation of the swimming pool provides an opportunity Improved pedestrian permeability in the form of north- Separation of uses into the Retail and Community to create high quality facilities and to encourage visitation south mid-block pedestrian links. Precincts encourages people to walk between the two. to the swimming pool and healthy lifestyles. The connection between Market Street and the train If the swimming pool is not located underground, the station is improved by way of a pedestrianised zone to interface between the swimming pool and community encourage walking. hub will need to accommodate a north-south pedestrian link.Elton Consulting 85 Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan

Design Principle Option 1 “The Hub” Option 2 “The Main Street’ Option 3 “Precincts” Option 4 “Central Community Precinct”Connected The Town Square is centrally located Market Street integrates the Riverstone The Village Green is located Recreation opportunities are central to thisopen space and and easily accessible from other areas of Swimming Centre into the Town Centre. It approximately midway between the option with the swimming pool taking priorityrecreational the Town Centre. establishes a pedestrian-friendly route that Riverstone Swimming Centre and the on Market Street.opportunities connects this recreational facility to the Mill Street Oval Mill Street Oval, providing an even distribution of open The Square is situated on the route between the and Riverstone Park. space and recreational opportunities across the Town However, if this is implemented without the Village Riverstone Swimming Centre and the Mill Street Oval, Centre. Green, the relocation of the swimming pool will deprive while the route to Riverstone Park across the railway The Village Green is a focal open space along this Market Street of access to open space. line is legible. principal route connecting open space and recreational The route to Riverstone Park is clearly legible. areas. All options are structured so that key streets and public spaces benefit from passive surveillance through activated frontages. Each option places a distinctive public domain typology at the core of the scheme, creating the potential for high quality public domain to be realised. It is assumed that only the Marketown Upgrade The option allows for the underlying In the short term, the location of the The catalysts in this option will be the and the Community Hub has any relative structure of the Town Centre to be Community Hub will be relatively isolated from Marketown Upgrade, Community Hub, certainty of being developed in the short term. If established in the short term through the the Marketown Upgrade, assuming private infill relocation of the pool next to the hub and Main this is the case, the full realisation of the Town Square Marketown Upgrade, Community Hub and Main Street development occurs later. This perpetuates the existing Street public domain upgrade. will only occur once private development completes the public domain upgrade. This creates a framework for fragmented character of the Town Centre. missing edge to the Square. Until then the Community other development to occur. These four key moves will create a framework and Hub will be somewhat of an island within the Town In the post-overpass scenario the George Street entry provide a strong incentive for other development to Centre. In the post-overpass scenario, the option integrates is integral to the Town Centre, making this option more occur and relocate to Market Street. well with George Street as the new entry into the Town suited to a post-overpass development scenario. In a post-overpass scenario the main point of entry into Centre. It should be noted that the swimming pool re- the Town Centre core will be George Street. Compared location implies a significant investment to realise, to the other options, this street does not relate as well There is potentially more floor space available to and the creation and definition of the Village Green is to the ‘heart’. absorb businesses displaced by the overpass. dependent upon the delivery of this facility. Relative to the other options, less floor space is Existing permeability is maintained. Improves upon existing permeability and In the post-overpass scenario, the option integrates available for businesses displaced by the overpass to is well-connected to surrounding areas well with George Street as the new entry into the Town re-locate into the new Town Centre. Since the ‘heart’ is based around a by having the Community Precinct along Centre. street, it is intrinsically well integrated with surrounding George Street. The permeable road network of the existing areas via the existing street network. Existing permeability is maintained. Town Centre ensures that it is well-connected to the rest of Riverstone and surrounding Since the ‘heart’ is based around a street, it is areas. The ‘Hub’ option maintains this permeability and intrinsically well integrated with surrounding areas via allows for a pedestrian connection to future the existing street network. North-south permeability development in Riverstone West. between the community hub and swimming pool will be important to ensure connectivity with Park Street. Relative to the other options, the ‘heart’ is slightly less integrated with its context.Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan 86 Elton Consulting

ECONOMIC AND FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENT OPTION 1 – DEVELOPMENT SCENARIO OVERVIEW Development typologies envisaged are mainly 4 storey retail/commercial buildings along Garfield Road East and a mixture of 6 storey mixed use and residential buildings along Market Street and Park Street, as well as on the southern side of Garfield Road East. Lower density residential, i.e. 3 storey townhouses are envisaged along the fringe of the Town Centre along George Street and Mill Street. OPTION 2 – DEVELOPMENT SCENARIO OVERVIEW Development typologies envisaged are mainly 4 storey retail/commercial buildings along Garfield Road East and a mixture of 6 storey mixed use and residential buildings along Market Street and Park Street, as well as on the southern side of Garfield Road East. Lower density residential, i.e. 3 storey townhouses are envisaged along the fringe of the Study Area along George Street and Mill Street on the northern side of Garfield Road East and along Castlereagh Street to the south of Garfield Road East. OPTION 3 – DEVELOPMENT SCENARIO OVERVIEW Development typologies envisaged are mainly 4 storey retail/commercial buildings along Garfield Road East and one storey specialty retail along Market Street in close proximity to Market Town. A mixture of 6 storey mixed use and residential buildings are along Market Street on the eastern side of the Study Area around George Street, as well as on the southern side of Garfield Road East. Lower density residential, i.e. 3 storey townhouses are envisaged along the fringe of the Town Centre along George Street and Mill Street. Includes a number of identified ‘anchors’ at each end – being the redeveloped swimming centre complex (eastern) and the redeveloped Marketown (western) providing for a series of ‘stepping stone’ civic/cultural uses and mixed use development with active ground floor uses between the two anchors as a way of creating a spine of pedestrian activity. It also provides opportunities for ‘anchor’ uses along both the re-activated Main Street as well as in a north-south orientation from the train station/ Marketown north to the oval and Council depot site which presents significant future redevelopment potential. OPTION 4 - DEVELOPMENT SCENARIO OVERVIEW Development typologies envisaged are mainly 4 storey retail/commercial buildings along Garfield Road East and 1 storey specialty retail along Market Street in close proximity to Marketown.Residential flat buildings (6 storeys) are proposed along Market Street and Park Street, as well as on the southern side of Garfield Road East. Lower density residential, i.e. 3 storey townhouses are envisaged along the northern fringes of the Study Area on Mill Street.Note: The potential to go to 10 storeys and up to 15 storeys on identified Key/Gateway sites will need further assessment and consideration through any subsequent Planning Proposal.Elton Consulting 87 Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4Layout of uses Layout of uses Layout of uses Layout of usesThe option provides for concentration of retail activity For many retail and commercial type uses to be viable it The option provides for concentration of retail activityaround Market/Pitt Street. A redevelopment/upgrade of The option provides for elongation of retail activity along is important that these uses benefit from being able to around Market/Pitt Street. A redevelopment/upgrade ofMarket Town that interacts with Pitt Street is required to Market Street as well as along the southern side of Garfield leverage high levels of visibility/exposure and have the ability Marketown that interacts with Pitt Street is required tofacilitate through pedestrian flows between the train station Road East. Retail uses operate most successfully when they to accommodate cluster of occupiers. facilitate through pedestrian flows between the train stationand community hub. have the ability to cluster and co-locate. By ‘stretching’ the and community hub. location of retail uses to Piccadilly Street in the east, retail In this option, the retail and commercial offer is dispersedDevelopment feasibility and pedestrian activity could be diluted. Unless there is a throughout the centre. A dispersed retail/commercial Development feasibilityDevelopment of 4 storey retail/commercial buildings and 3 significant catchment/density of population, this poses a within the centre would dilute retail spend and consequentstorey townhouses are not feasible, considering existing-use challenge for vibrant and sustainable retail activity in the economic activity and should be avoided. A design that Development of 4 storey retail/commercial buildings and 3values in the Study Area. 6 storey mixed use and residential Study Area. is conducive to ‘drawing in’ of visitors and retail trade will storey townhouses are not feasible, considering existing-buildings could be feasible in certain parts of the Study Area contribute to the successful activation of the area. use values in the Study Area. Residential flat buildings (6depending on existing-use values. Development feasibility storeys) could be feasible in certain parts of the Study Area Development feasibility depending on existing-use values.Delivery timeframe Development of 4 storey retail/commercial buildings and 3 The feasibility of 4 storey retail/commercial buildings andThe quantum of retail, particularly commercial floor space storey townhouses are not feasible, considering existing-use 3 storey townhouses are likely to be negative, considering Delivery timeframewill likely be difficult to sustain even if 4 storey retail/ values in the Study Area. In addition, 1 storey retail buildings existing-use values in the Study Area. In addition, 1 storeycommercial buildings are feasible to develop. It is likely would effectively represent existing built form, not offering retail buildings would effectively represent existing built Whilst the quantum of retail and commercial floorspacethat this theoretical amount of commercial floor space any incentive for redevelopment. 6 storey mixed use and form, not offering any incentive for redevelopment. 6 storey proposed is substantially lower than the other options,(21,382sqm) will remain unrealised. residential buildings could be feasible in certain parts of the mixed use and residential buildings are likely to be feasible. development would be difficult to sustain even if 4 storey Study Area depending on existing-use values. retail/commercial buildings are feasible to develop. It isMajority of the retail floor space is provided for in Market Delivery timeframe likely that the theoretical amount of commercial floorspaceTown with some space in mixed uses adjacent on Pitt Street. Delivery timeframe The quantum of retail, particularly commercial floorspace will (18,000sqm) will remain unrealised.From a delivery standpoint, this is positive as a smaller likely be difficult to sustain even if 4 storey retail/commercialnumber of lots are required. The quantum of retail, particularly commercial floor space buildings are feasible to develop. Like Options 1 and 2, it is The majority of the retail floorspace is provided for in will likely be difficult to sustain even if 4 storey retail/ likely that this theoretical amount of commercial floorspace Marketown which from a delivery standpoint is positive as aResidential yield within 3 storey townhouse developments commercial buildings are feasible to develop. Like Option 1, (26,253sqm) will remain unrealised. smaller number of lots are required to facilitate development.are unlikely to be realised. it is likely this theoretical amount of commercial floor space Residential yield within 3 storey townhouse developments (31,948sqm) will be unrealised. Residential yield within 3 storey townhouse developments are unlikely to be realised owing to existing use values. are unlikely to be realised. Residential yield within 3 storey townhouse developments are unlikely to be realised. A large proportion of retail floorspace is envisaged within 1 storey retail buildings along Market Street in close proximity A large proportion of retail floor space is envisaged at to Market Town, this yield unlikely to be realised. ground level of mixed use buildings along Market Street and Garfield Road East. Comment on the sustainability of retail space in all mixed use buildings is made following.Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan 88 Elton Consulting

TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ASSESSMENT Option 2 Option 3 Option 4Option 1 Pedestrianisation of the western end of Market Street, Pedestrian priority should be focused around the Market Closing the western end of Market Street to support between Pitt Street and Riverstone Parade, providing a Street / Riverstone Parade intersection to provide good improved pedestrian connectivity to Riverstone StationShould Market Street be the focus of activity it is direct connection to Riverstone train station will improve access for people travelling between the train station and is feasible and supported. This will however require allrecommend this remain open to vehicular traffic. connectivity to the centre. town centre. This option indicates the pedestrian crossing vehicular access (private vehicles and service vehicles) to to be located just south of this intersection which does not Marketown to be via Pitt Street.Closing Market Street as indicated would place a high Some traffic and transport upgrades and improvements will meet the pedestrian desire line.reliance on George Street for access and on-street be required. These include additional pedestrian crossings, The proposal for a pedestrian pathway between Garfieldparking serving the town centre – particularly following the intersection upgrades, traffic lights, and other traffic calming Closing Pitt Street to vehicular traffic between Market Street Road East and Market Street will improve pedestrianintroduction of the overpass which will restrict access into measures. and Park Street reduces the overall level of permeability connectivity and permeability, providing a valuable linkPitt Street. through the town centre – directing more traffic towards between the Village Green and Garfield Road East. It will A new pedestrian through link between Park Street and George Street which is already expected to accommodate however require the provision of a new pedestrian crossingSome form of pedestrian crossing facility (potentially zebra Garfield Road East is a positive outcome to promote significant increase in traffic volumes. This measure would facility on Garfield Road East to accommodate the newcrossing) should be provided at the Market Street / Pitt permeability in the Town Centre. also limit opportunities for vehicle access into an upgraded pedestrian desire line.Street intersection to emphasise the priority pedestrian Marketown.route between the town centre and the train station A calmed traffic environment on Market Street would create a more ‘hospitable’ pedestrian and cyclist environment. A better outcome in terms of the functionality of the town centre would be to provide a north-south pedestrian link New pedestrian crossing opportunities across Garfield Road between Pitt Street and George Street adjacent to the East would improve connectivity. Village Green Volumes of traffic generated by option would need monitoring for further potential impacts.Elton Consulting 89 Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan

A.4 Assessment Summary A.5 Refining the Master Plan RETAIL FOR LOCALS; A COMMUNITY HUB FOR THE NWGCThe Options Assessment revealed that Option 2, \"The Main The Master Plan refines the Main Street option to incorporateStreet\", was the preferred option and the best framework to the strengths of the other options – namely the integration The Town Centre’s attractiveness as a centre will be basedrealise the Vision and Design Principles for the Riverstone of into the Main Street structure. This will expand the ability on an expanded retail offer that serves a local catchment,Town Centre. Option 1, “The Hub,” was likely to be the least of the Town Centre to accommodate a broad range of co-located with significant new community and recreationalsuccessful in delivering the Vision for Riverstone. activities. This focal public space takes the form of a Village facilities designed to attract regional populations to Green that will strengthen the feeling of a sense of place Riverstone.At the Community Information session residents stated that that is evocative of a country town. Its location relates to thethe retail / commercial strip of Garfield Road East is the ‘heart’ Community Hub and the Riverstone Schofields Memorial »» Co-location will be Riverstone’s significant point ofof Riverstone. In a situation where this may be compromised Club, joining the existing with the new. difference from existing, developing and proposed townwith the overpass being constructed, establishing a new centres in the North West Growth Centre (NWGC). The‘Main Street’ – a block to the north along Market Street – is a Option 2 was also further refined due to the outcomes of the community-focus of the Town Centre will be central to itssignificant opportunity to re-imagine an urban framework that feasibility analysis that revealed that the proposed planning sense of place and identity. The objective is two-fold:is familiar and relevant to the existing community. controls would be insufficiently attractive to displace existing, valuable uses. The Master Plan refines the number »» Encourage new population to settle in Riverstone,The ‘Main Street’ concept was also clearly preferred at the of stories to envisage mainly 6 and 9 storey mixed use attracted by the liveability and convenience of access toworkshop with Council staff and in discussion with other buildings along Market Street and Garfield Road East. a mix of retail, community and recreational uses.stakeholders. Traditionally, country towns are organisedaround a main street. Replicating this in Riverstone was A number of key principles and challenges that were »» Improve foot traffic through the Town Centre by drawingidentified to be a key benefit, since this would help to identified in the initial information gathering and analysis in greater numbers of visitors to Riverstone.maintain Riverstone’s identity as a ‘country town’. stage and tested in consultation with the community and other key stakeholders were applied to further »» The combined effect is to increase both the permanentIn addition to the advantages identified above, the key refine the preferred option. These principles address the and visitor population in the Town Centre to createstrengths of this preferred option can be summarised fundamental challenges facing the Town Centre and its more conducive conditions for businesses to establishas follows: future redevelopment and growth. The principles establish themselves in Riverstone. It will also generate a critical a ‘framework’ to assist in delivering the vision for Riverstone mass of people whose movements and activities create1. The catalytic impact of the Marketown upgrade and the and are described below. greater vitality in the Town Centre. Community Hub is maximised under this framework, improving the likelihood that meaningful change and regeneration can occur in the short term.2. A flexible framework with sufficient capacity along the length of Market Street to accommodate future floor space demand.Market Street becomes the ‘spine’ along which the restof Riverstone plugs into. This integrates the Town Centrewith the rest of Riverstone, both in the pre and post-overpass scenario.Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan 90 Elton Consulting

INCREASE THE LOCAL POPULATION EVOLVE THE RIVERSTONE ‘SENSE OF PLACE’ REGENERATION CATALYSTSAs the demand for retail will continue to be largely derived To attract the resident population needed to sustain The first steps in the regeneration of the Town Centrelocally, the local resident population needs to increase to Riverstone’s envisioned growth, the Town Centre needs to will be Council-driven. This creates the opportunity forsupport an improved retail offer in the Town Centre and be enticing and vibrant with a unique identity to compete a development outcome that is community-focused andattract new businesses. Under NWGC planning, precincts with other centres. achieves a broader set of development goals than might bein the vicinity of Riverstone are intended to accommodate expected of development driven by the private sector.larger populations, which will contribute to the Town Centre’s Compared to newly developing or future centres in theretail catchment over time. Similarly, the number of residents NWGC, Riverstone has the advantage of an existing The development projects, described in section 5, anchorin the Town Centre will need to increase, and at a higher community with established social bonds, and a history the proposed precincts that comprise the Town Centredensity to capitalise upon proximity to the train station and dating to the 19th century. The proposed intensification is ‘heart’ – the Retail, Community and Recreation Precincts.Town Centre amenities. Town Centre development controls another layer in the historical development of Riverstone. The precincts are tied together by the public domainmust be amended to enable and accommodate the required The Town Centre identity and its sense of place are to be an upgrade of Market Street, which becomes the Town Centredensities. evolution of the existing. It builds off the underlying social spine (see Figure A.10). Defining clear precincts in this way and historical capital of the Town Centre to maintain its improves the legibility of the Town Centre, breaks up theCONSOLIDATE AND SHIFT THE TOWN CENTRE relevance to the existing community while offering something linearity of the street and encourages pedestrian movement unique to future residents. along the spine.The existing fragmentation of key Town Centre uses isaddressed through consolidation into a single place. This A place where these qualities are combined with activated, The first three projects are particularly important towill create a strong Town Centre identity and improve the and vibrant Town Centre spaces welcoming to all, and where establish the underlying character and amenity of the Townviability of businesses by enabling them to benefit from residents enjoy high standards of community, recreational, Centre in the short to medium term. They are the physicalproximity and co-location with complementary uses. entertainment and retail amenity is created. manifestation of the commitment and investment in the evolution of the Riverstone Town Centre. The projects areThe retail / commercial strip of Garfield Road East has critical to attracting new residents to Riverstone.traditionally been the ‘heart’ of Riverstone. The Master Planshifts this ‘heart’ to Market Street by transforming it into aMain Street through the consolidation of a diverse mix ofTown Centre uses along its length.Establishing Market Street as the spine of the Town Centreremoves the uncertainty currently limiting development overconstruction of the Garfield Road Overpass. By shifting thefocus of the Town Centre away from Garfield Road East,the impact of any future overpass on the Town Centre isminimised.Elton Consulting 91 Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FIGURE A.9  RIVERSTONE TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN – MAIN STREET OPTION – KEY NODES(ESD) principles, specifically aiming to:»» Encourage people to use active and public modes of transport by establishing a safe.»» Well-connected and attractive public domain; Orientate new development to capture passive solar opportunities and prevailing breezes»» Create a pleasant micro-climate by minimising overshadowing in winter.»» Landscaping the Town Centre.»» Integrating Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) infrastructure. SOURiverstone Town Centre – Master Plan 92 Elton Consulting

Elton Consulting 93 Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan

Riverstone Town Centre – Master Plan 94 Elton Consulting