Council's design ideas for the state government's proposed Highett level crossing removals have been met with strong support from our community.
The draft Highett Level Crossing Removal: Urban Design Report was the subject of extensive community engagement in June and July, attracting 393 submissions.
The council has prioritised this work well ahead of the planning work for the level crossing works, given Highett and Wickham Road sit directly in the precinct the Suburban Rail Loop is actively planning.
Being so proactive puts us in the strongest position possible to represent our community and advocate for what they want.
Traffic, walking and cycling connectivity, safety, open space and greening, amenity and the design of the public realm and streetscape were among the most covered topics and were consistent with the design ideas put forward.
Some very valuable feedback surrounding managing the impacts of the crossing removals on local sports clubs, equitable access for all transport modes, maintaining vibrancy in the centre, car parking and the library site have also been reflected in the final report.
Council's ongoing advocacy surrounding the project will now centre on 10 key design moves:
- North-south cycling and walking link.
- Linear parkland.
- Cross corridor connectivity.
- Expanded Lyle Anderson Reserve.
- Intersection enhancements.
- Streetscape enhancements to shopping strips.
- New station forecourt plaza.
- Re-imagine the Highett Library precinct.
- Car parking consolidation.
- Improved public transport interchange.
Mayor Jenna Davey-Burns said we are supportive of the State Government's commitment to make the Frankston line level crossing free, but just as with similar projects across Kingston, it's essential it is done well. It simply must add value to the area.
"We will be doing everything we can to ensure the character of Highett is maintained while pursuing opportunities to make it an even better place to be," Cr Davey-Burns said.
"Many of our ideas for Highett are directly related to the planning currently occurring for the Cheltenham/Highett Suburban Rail Loop Precinct and it is vital we highlight these opportunities at this stage of the project's planning. A coordinated approach, involving local government, is critical to making this precinct a success for generations to come."
Council will now write to the Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Chief Executive Officer of the Level Crossing Removal Authority, Chief Executive Officer of the Suburban Rail Loop Authority and Secretary of the Department of Transport and Planning to advocate for our community's vision to be embedded within the Victorian Government's Level Crossing Removal and Suburban Rail Loop projects.
If you have further questions about the project visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project.
