142508ca att 36 1.1 - Shire of Mornington Peninsula

Somerville Community Planning and Development Project Opportunities and Options Report

Somerville Community Planning and Development Project

Draft Report

(Opportunities and Options)

May 2014

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Somerville Community Planning and Development Project Part Two - Opportunities and Options Paper

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Project Team

Jenny Macaffer Social Planning & Community Development Unit, Mornington Peninsula Shire

Allan Cowley Strategic Planning Unit, Mornington Peninsula Shire

Fiona Colquhoun Recreation & Leisure Unit, Mornington Peninsula Shire

Bonnie Rosen Symplan

James Larmour-Reid Planisphere

Chantal Lenthall Planisphere

Kate Pleban Planisphere

Isobel Maginn Planisphere

Erwin Taal ASPECT Studios

Sophie Barnsley ASPECT Studios

Mornington Peninsula Shire acknowledges the Boonwurrung/Bunurong, members of the Kulin Nation, who have traditional connections to the land on which Council meets.

Attachment 1

Somerville Community Planning and Development Project Part Two - Opportunities and Options Report

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Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................................................ i

Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................... ii

Table of Figures ......................................................................................................................................iii

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................... iv

PROCESS .............................................................................................................................................. iv

KEY FINDINGS ....................................................................................................................................... v

COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND OPEN SPACE FRAMEWORK ...........................................................vii

OPTIONS ...............................................................................................................................................vii

RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................................................................................... viii

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Background .................................................................................................................. 1

1.2 Process ......................................................................................................................... 2

1.3 Structure of Report...................................................................................................... 2

1.4 Understanding the Somerville Community .............................................................. 2

1.5 Township Plan ............................................................................................................. 5

Recommendation – Somerville Township Plan ............................................................................... 5

1.6 Community Issues ....................................................................................................... 6

1.7 Community Aspirations and Expectations ............................................................... 6

1.8 Community Vision for Somerville .............................................................................. 9

2. Community Facilities and Open Space Cluster Framework ...................................................... 9

2.1 Principles ..................................................................................................................... 10

2.2 Community Services and Facilities ............................................................................. 12

2.2.1 Opportunities ............................................................................................................... 12

2.2.2 Constraints and Issues ................................................................................................ 12

Recommendation - Establish Four (4) Community Services & Facilities Community Clusters ..... 13

2.3 Open Space, Sports and Recreation........................................................................... 19

2.3.1 Opportunities ............................................................................................................... 19


2.3.3 Objectives .................................................................................................................... 20

Recommendation - Establish Four (4) Active Open Space Clusters and Enhance General Bushland and Open Space ............................................................................................................ 20

2.3.4 Passive and Informal Recreation Options ................................................................... 27

2.4 Precinct Plans .............................................................................................................. 29

2.5 Access and Transport Connections ............................................................................ 29

2.5.1 Opportunities ............................................................................................................... 29


2.5.3 Objectives .................................................................................................................... 30

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2.5.4 Options ........................................................................................................................ 30

2.6 Feasibility Studies/Options Papers/Assessments ................................................. 35

2.7 Town Promotion and Marketing ............................................................................... 35

2.8 Funding and Resource Options ............................................................................... 36

2.8.1 Funding Options .......................................................................................................... 36

2.8.2 Community Grants....................................................................................................... 37

2.9 Partnership and Collaboration ................................................................................. 37

2.10 Community Engagement and Consultation ........................................................... 38

2.11 Monitoring and Review ............................................................................................. 38

Table of Figures

Figure 1 – Community Facilities and Open Space Model ..................................................................... 11 Figure 2 - Community services and facilities clusters, options and opportunities ................................ 18

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Executive Summary

INTRODUCTION

The Somerville Township is a major service centre for the north eastern section of the Mornington Peninsula. As with many townships, Somerville faces the challenge of further change while maintaining its character and ensuring an improved level of service for its community. The preparation of a Township Plan aims to provide an effective response to this challenge. To inform the Somerville Township Plan the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has commissioned the Somerville Community Planning and Development Project (the Project) to identify the community’s needs, aspirations and visions for the town based on a range of consultations, workshops and surveys. This report helps to outline the characteristics of the Somerville Township and community that will influence the need for social infrastructure in the future and presents a number of options in relation to community services and facilities, open space and recreation; connections and connectivity. The study is focused on the Somerville township area and its immediate catchment as defined by the Wellington Road, Crofters Hill Way (in a line extending west to Coolart Road); Lower Somerville Road to Watson’s Creek. However, the whole of Somerville Township and parts of Tyabb have been considered in relation to services, facilities and open space where relevant. The Somerville Community Planning and Development Project is presented in two parts: Part One - Background Paper provides the background information to the Somerville

Community Development Plan, describing the community profile, the physical and strategic planning context of Somerville, existing social infrastructure and the feedback gathered from the community.

Part Two - Opportunities and Options Report (This Report) develops a range of actions that build on existing opportunities and respond to the issues, needs and aspirations identified by the community. These options capitalise on existing opportunities and strengths in the town and consider urban design and best practice principles. It presents recommendations that will guide the location, integration and use of community services and facilities, open spaces and connections in Somerville.

PROCESS

The preparation of this Report commenced with a detailed community needs assessment based on the findings of the Background Paper. This involved an audit of existing community services and facilities, open spaces and connections in Somerville, a process of stakeholder engagement and community consultation and an assessment based on a community facilities and services planning model. The purpose of the community needs assessment was to identify existing and emerging needs, aspirations and expectations relating to access to community facilities and open spaces, and other issues which need to be addressed in the Somerville Township Plan.

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KEY FINDINGS

The key findings from the community needs assessment, Council policies and other considerations have informed the development of the recommendations presented in this Report. Community Issues and Aspirations The following issues and aspirations were identified by the community and stakeholders through a range of consultation methods and can be grouped under the five themes.

THIS IS WHAT THE COMMUNITY SAID:

Theme Issues Aspirations

1 Our Town History, identity and culture Growth and development Connectivity and integration Image Signage and legibility Town Centre Environment

Town integrated and barriers overcome

Low density residential development

Retain rural and country feel Integrated services and facilities Stronger sporting identity More beautification and absence of

graffiti 2 Getting Around Eramosa Road Frankston

Flinders Road intersection Impact of heavy vehicle

movements thorugh the town on Frankston Flinders Road

Road network Traffic movement and

parking Pedestrian movement Public transport Shared paths

Better public transport linkages to other centres

Establish Coolart Road as a preferred alternative route for heavy vehicles

Safer pedestrian linkages within and through the town

Linked cycle networks within Somerville and between other towns

3 Safety Police presence Perceived safety Lighting Traffic circulation

A safer place in which to live and work

Less anti-social behaviour Greater police presence/police

station 4 Community

Services and Facilities

Lack of youth centre Library Community and Recreation

Centre Children’s Services & Early

years services Events and activities Older people and access

A place such as a youth centre where young people feel welcome and have different things to do

Improved services for families and young children

A well located, easily accessible Library that is big enough and integrated with other services

A fit for purpose facility for the Community House that integrates with other services and can respond to the needs of the growing and changing community

An improved skate park facility for Somerville’s young people

An improved multi-purpose indoor sports and recreation facility

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5 Parks, Open Space and Recreation

Facilities Services Funding Some sporting facilities are

at capacity – making difficult for young people to join clubs.

Enhance & strengthen Somerville’s sporting identity

Well maintained open spaces, parks and playgrounds

A better balance between the demand for sporting facilities and availability

More opportunities for dog walkers Community Considerations

The following considerations coupled with the results of the community needs assessment have led to the development of the recommendations presented in this Report:

Somerville’s community is expected to change, with increases in the proportions of older people, smaller households and families. The population forecast for Somerville in 2014 is 11,596, and is forecast to grow to 12,312 by 2031 (6.17%).The development of the Port of Hastings is likely to have significant effects on both population growth and employment opportunities in the region, however, it is uncertain how much of this growth will be focussed on Somerville. Transport initiatives, such as Peninsula Link are expected to enhance accessibility to and from Somerville, further stimulating the demand for residential development. Somerville is a significant service centre located in close proximity to towns such as Baxter, Hastings and Tyabb, providing opportunities to share resources/ support service delivery through a network approach across these towns. The physical structure of the town presents a number of barriers to pedestrian movement between the east and west of the town. The railway line, Frankston-Flinders Road and the Eramosa Road roundabout, are key transportation routes which divide the town and shape its character. The community has expressed a desire to strengthen the existing identity of Somerville as an important town in the region, and a town that provides its local community with a range of services and facilities. The community needs assessment found that Somerville currently has a broad range of community services and facilities, open spaces, parks and recreation. However, it was also found that these services are spread across a number of locations in Somerville. Some facilities such as the Library and the community house are experiencing a shortage of space and have outgrown their premises and facing increased demand and usage. It was also found that there are particular gaps in services (for young people). Furthermore, the community identified that there is both physical and social separation, and the need for greater interaction between different user and community groups (older people and young people).

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND OPEN SPACE FRAMEWORK

The findings of the community needs assessment and review of literature on the planning and design of community facilities has led to the development of a framework which aims to guide decisions on the location and development of community facilities, open spaces and connections within the town. Where possible it is proposed to “cluster” compatible facilities to share infrastructure, facilitate closer connections and promote social interaction between different user groups. It also focuses on addressing key issues identified by the community, particularly connectivity in the town, integration of different user groups and expansion of some sporting codes. The framework proposes a network of linked multi-purpose community clusters, active open space clusters, bushland reserves and pedestrian and cycle networks. The proposed clusters would consolidate and enhance the use of existing infrastructure and improve access to services and facilities throughout the town. OPTIONS

The primary rationale underpinning the options and recommendations discussed in this report is enhancing access to social infrastructure in order to support healthy, engaged and connected communities. The recommendations also reflect the key aspirations expressed by the community, namely: Better integration of the two sections of the town; Safer movement for pedestrians and cyclists within Somerville and between Somerville and

other centres; Greater diversity of sporting, leisure and recreational opportunities for all users including

young people and dog owners; Strengthening existing assets such as an established sporting culture; and Maintaining a compact town. Establishing Coolart Road as a By Pass for heavy vehicle movements.

The opportunities and options discussed acknowledge the fact that Somerville is a relatively small, compact, district level township that is not expected to experience high levels of ongoing population growth in the medium to long term. They also take account of the need to ensure that the provision of additional community and recreation facilities needs to be sustainable in the long term and to avoid duplication of existing facilities that are available in towns such as Baxter, Hastings and Tyabb that are within reasonable travel distance from Somerville. In this context, a number of the options and recommendations seek to consolidate the existing facilities in the central part of Somerville and enhance access to them through the creation of formal and connected pathways that are located within the linear open space system. However, additional strategies will be required to enhance public transport, address the impact of physical barriers such as the Eramosa Road roundabout and address the existing amenity of the public realm, particularly in the shopping precincts. These issues can be addressed in detail through strategies included in the Somerville Township Plan and master plans for the main public spaces, reserves and community precincts. This report has been developed from an understanding of the community’s aspirations and expectations expressed in the five (5) themes:

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Our Town; Getting Around; Safety; Community Services and Facilities; and Open Space and Recreation.

RECOMMENDATIONS The following recommendations stem from the opportunities and options assessed and discussed in this report: 1. Finalise the Township Plan

Finalise the township plan to address the range of issues identified and integrate the principles of the community facilities and open space cluster1 models within the Plan. Include an Urban Design Framework for the Somerville Township, with particular attention to the visual character of the township and increasing the profile and accessibility of community facilities. This should be complemented by the future development of more specific precinct design plans. The Township Plan (and any subsequent precinct design plans) should include strategies to address issues raised by the community and include further community consultation.

Key areas for inclusion in the Somerville Township Plan are as follows:

Enhancing connections between the east and the west of the town.

Establish Coolart Road as a by pass to reduce heavy vehicle movements through

Somerville on Frankston Flinders Road.

Enhancing the image and presentation of Somerville (landscaping, signage).

Enhancing the perceptions of safety (increased police presence, lighting.

Enhancing commercial opportunities and enterprises i.e. cinema complex.

Linking existing pedestrian and cycle networks.

Additional and improved activities for young people (youth centre, informal cinema in

a multi-purpose hall, indoor sporting and recreation facilities).

Activities and services for young families and children (childcare, toddler groups).

Additional sporting facilities, particularly for football, basketball and soccer.

Multi-purpose rooms that can be used for meetings, education and training, social and

leisure groups), and can include multi use spaces within pavilion redevelopments.

Improving facilities such as toilets and lighting at some of the sporting venues.

1 Cluster model: a geographical/spatial area that incorporates compatible facilities and spaces which have the potential to facilitate closer connections and promote social interaction between different user groups. Clusters would consolidate and enhance the use of existing infrastructure and improve access to services and facilities throughout the town. For example multi-purpose community clusters, active open space clusters, bushland reserves and pedestrian and cycle networks the cluster model also focuses on connectivity in the town, integration of different user groups and expansion of some sporting codes.

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Identifying suitable facilities for the Community House and Library. The following

space requirements have been identified for each of these community facilities:

Library: minimum 600m2. Multi-purpose rooms (30m small – 60m large multi-purpose room). Community House: minimum 200m2. Youth access to a range of services and programs.

Cultural Heritage Management Assessment regarding impact of proposed activities. 2. Establish the Community Services and Facilities and Open Space Cluster Model Apply a cluster and connect framework in development of the Somerville Township Plan

which identifies four community services and facilities clusters and four active open space clusters.

The findings of the community needs assessment and review of literature on the planning and

design of community facilities has led to the development of a framework which aims to guide decisions on the location and development of community facilities, open spaces and connections within the town.

Where possible it is proposed to “cluster” compatible facilities to share infrastructure, facilitate

closer connections and promote social interaction between different user groups. It also focuses on addressing key issues identified by the community, particularly connectivity in the town, integration of different user groups and expansion of some sporting codes

The framework proposes a network of linked multi-purpose community clusters, active open

space clusters, bushland reserves and pedestrian and cycle networks. The proposed clusters would consolidate and enhance the use of existing infrastructure and improve access to services and facilities throughout the town.

2.1 Community Services and Facilities Clusters

Somerville Recreation Centre Community Services & Facilities - Cluster 1 Establish a community Cluster including Somerville Recreation Centre and

Community House on Edward Street, adjacent to Fruitgrowers Reserve. This location may involve a combination of the following: Short Term

Investigate possible future expansion of the existing Somerville Recreation Centre and Community House facility into a larger multi-purpose built community hub. Ideally this could incorporate a larger Community House, a Library and information centre, a youth centre and some multi-purpose rooms used for meetings and the delivery of specialised health and wellbeing services.

Utilise the master planning process to improve amenity and functionality of

the sport, recreation and cultural facilities within the Cluster.

This may include some or all of the following: Further indoor multi-purpose courts as warranted by demand. New indoor/outdoor rock climbing wall.

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Pavllion redevelopment is currently underway for the Fruitgrowers Reserve

Sports pavilion. Consider the enhancement of cultural facilities on Fruitgrowers Reserve, including the feasibility of a Fruitgrowers Heritage Museum including consideration of a new machinery shed to house old machines adjacent to the recently relocated Memorial.

Long Term If site and space constraints can be overcome, expansion of the existing

Somerville Recreation Centre and Community House building. The expanded facility could incorporate a larger Community House, relocated Library and information centre, a youth centre and some multi-purpose rooms.

Blacks Camp Road Community Services and Facilities - Cluster 2 Establish a community cluster located at the Blacks Camp Road location that may involve a combination of the following: Short Term Relocate the Somerville Community House and Maternal & Child Health Centre

to the building previously used by the Annie Sage child care centre, while the longer term assessment of the Somerville Recreation Centre Maternal & Child Health site is completed. This would enable the integration of the activities provided by the Community House through a Community Governance model with the activities provided by the other facilities such as the Senior Citizens Centre and Blacks Camp Pre-School.

Explore linkages and opportunities for enhanced community access to

Somerville Rise Primary School, Somerville Secondary College.and St Brendans

Facilitate the integrated use of the Senior Citizens Centre in conjunction with

the Community House. This would involve providing activities and services that currently cannot be accommodated in the existing facility on Edwards Road due to lack of space. The precise scope of these activities would need to be determined in consultation with the Community House and other users of the Somerville Recreation Centre and Community House.

Medium to Long Term This option could involve using the Senior Citizens Club after hours when

utilisation rates are low. Potentially other adult social and leisure activities such as Probus and University of the Third Age might also be located in this cluster. This is likely to require the construction of a purpose built facility in this cluster to specific space requirements of these activities. It is possible that this facility may be also be used to deliver some activities and services for young people, or school-based activities that cannot be accommodated within the grounds of the primary or secondary schools.

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Somerville Village Community Services and Facilities - Cluster 3 Recognise a community cluster centred on the Somerville Primary

School/Somerville Kindergarten/ALDI/Eramosa Road East/Somerville Village cluster as a key location for social interaction. This function should be reinforced through urban design and improved connectivity and support for further commercial and professional services.

Investigate options for collaboration in sharing facilities with Somerville Primary

School, noting access to school facilities in the past has involved joint user agreements, and that not all school facilities and maintenance standards conform to current standards required by clubs.

Schools and pre schools are encouraged to provide a broader range of

activities for families and young children, holiday programs, playgroups, toy Library and toddler activities due to their co-location on the same site.

Railway Reserve - Cluster 4 Identify a community cluster located at the Railway Reserve, Somerville

Railway Station.

Continue to liaise with Vic Track to improve the amenity of the railway station precinct.

Create a multi-purpose informal open space within Cluster 4 that provides for a

range of temporary and informal uses such as a market, amphitheatre and exhibitions.

Incorporate a resting place, and destination for people travelling through

Somerville (bike trail, railway line, community information kiosk).

2.2 Establish/Enhance Active and Passive Open Space Clusters To establish/enhance active and passive open space in four distinct clusters that satisfy

the growing community needs and integrate different user groups:

Utilise the master planning process to improve the amenity and functionality of the sport and recreation and open space areas of the Reserves within the four clusters.

Identify options for possible future expansion of sport and recreation facilities.

Community input regarding development of major sporting facilities on the edge of town should be further investigated

Active Open Space Fruitgrowers Reserve - Cluster 1 Heritage Site

Establish an Open Space cluster that integrates community cluster 1, and

incorporates Fruitgrowers Reserve, Somerville Recreation Centre and Community House, (to Annie Sage space) Somerville Skate Park and adjoining links including new pavilion, machinery shed, War Memorial

Recognise the Reserve as an active sporting area.

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Other actions that could support the enhanced and expanded sports and recreation centre include: Enhance existing skate facility as per Skate and BMX Strategy 2008, based

on good urban design principles. Pavilion redevelopment includes multi-use sports pavilion.

Upgrade play space via Playground Strategy (2008). I

Improve reserve facilities through the master planning process including possible increase to size of oval.

Consideration should be given to the following areas: Further promotion of the multi-purpose sports pavilion.

Reviewing landscaping along Edward Road to open up views into reserve

and across to Community House.

Continue working with property owners of shops fronting Station Street to consolidate car parking and share with reserve.

Providing trail connection through the Reserve linking to the railway station

and crossing to the residential area to the east, schools to the south and shopping centre to the west.

Redesign of car parking area to provide additional space the Somerville Recreation Centre, via the master plan process or precinct planning.

Investigating the use of the drainage reserve that runs alongside the skate

park and through the shopping centres for enhanced landscape treatment and, ideally, a shared path. This could include Eramosa Road West Reserve on the opposite side of the road.

Active Open Space Somerville Recreation Reserve - Cluster 2 Identify an Open Space cluster located at the Somerville Recreation Reserve,

Jones Road and investigate a range of improvements via core program areas. (Pavilion Strategy, Playground Strategy, Tennis Strategy, etc.).

Active and Passive Open Space (Barber Reserve, Barakee Drive Reserve) Clusters 3 and 4 Enhance Open Space areas located at Barber Reserve (3) and Barakee

Reserve (4) and investigate a range of improvements via core program areas. (Pavilion Strategy, Playground Strategy, etc.).

Passive Open Space and Bushland

Enhance the passive and informal recreation options as identified in this report

utilising the abundant open spaces and bushland areas within and surrounding Somerville, to support the healthy lifestyle and wellbeing of the residents, to maintain local habitat and to help retain the town identity.

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3. Precinct Plans

The development of each of the community clusters will require a more detailed level of

planning and design to ensure proper integration and to guide future capital works. Precinct plans need to address physical layout, in terms of both functional requirements, including access, parking etc appropriate to the needs of all users and the creation of a “sense of place” and identity.

To develop precinct plans for each of the community clusters and open space clusters. These

precinct plans will also include recommendations relating to appropriate phasing and potential sources of funding, and may be prepared following completion of the Somerville Township Plan.

4. Access and Transport Connections That projects recommended in the Somerville Township Pedestrian Strategy 2010 and

Mornington Peninsula Bicycle Strategy Peninsula Ride safe 2009 – 2013 and the Motorised Mobility Devices (Scooter) Background Paper, Policy, Statement and Action Plan 2012 be used to consider the Guiding Principles to:

Increase inclusive mobility; Improve integration of networks; Provide well designed, located and managed facilities; Reduce road danger; Reduce the fear of personal crime; and Encourage walking as a healthy and social activity

Undertake a scoping study to develop a case for increase public transport serving Somerville

and surrounding towns. Establish Coolart Road as a preferred by pass road for heavy vehicle movements. 5. Feasibility Studies/Options Papers To prepare studies or papers as required to assist in decision making about the following

issues and sites:

Relocation of the Library into community Cluster 1; Suitable space for a youth hub within Cluster 1; and Suitable additional space or refurbishment for the Somerville Community House. maximising space around the Somerville Recreation Centre via precinct or master

planning 6. Town Promotion and Marketing

Develop and implement a Town Promotion/Marketing Plan that establishes a unique

branding for Somerville, that enhances opportunities for community awareness and that may be incorporated into the urban design framework.

Collaborate with the business sector to install suitable signage that will assist with way finding within and to Somerville.

Establish a unique branding of Somerville’s commercial infrastructure to identify a

suitable icon and collaborating with the business sector and service providers to include this branding in their marketing materials. This branding may also be incorporated into any future urban design frameworks.

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Investigate the potential for social and online media to increase community

engagement. 7. Funding & Resource Options

(a) Where appropriate investigate possible funding options including:

The viability of utilising public open space contributions and consolidated

revenue to purchase and improve open space assets to address the identified gaps in community services and open space.

The opportunity to consider funding from the sale of surplus Council owned land.

(b) Encourage and support community organisations to raise funds and develop submissions for a range of community grants, including their efforts to secure funding from State Government to be used for the refurbishment of facilities.

8. Partnerships/Collaboration Continue to collaborate with existing agencies and service providers to identify opportunities

to satisfy the community’s existing and emerging needs and aspirations and including non-Council facilities.

9. Community Engagement and Consultation Continue to work with Somerville’s community, including local schools, community agencies

and local business to determine the most appropriate way to meet their needs for social, leisure, and sport and recreation activities.

10. Monitoring and Review Maintain a Shire integrated planning team (E-team) to monitor the implementation of this

strategy through the Somerville Township planning process.

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1. Introduction

1.1 Background

The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has identified the need to prepare a Township Plan for Somerville. The Somerville Community Planning and Development Project (the Project), is the first step in this process and has been undertaken in two parts: Part One - Background Paper provides the background information to the Somerville Community Development Plan, including a detailed community needs assessment which outlines current and emerging characteristics of the Somerville Township and community that will influence the need for social infrastructure, as well as the visions and aspirations of the community that were expressed during an extensive consultation process.

Part Two - Opportunities and Options Report (This Report) uses the findings from the Background Paper (Part One) and presents a number of options relating to community services and facilities; parks, open space and recreation; and connections and connectivity. It develops a range of actions that build on existing opportunities and respond to the issues, needs and aspirations identified by the community. This report comprises Part Two. The conclusions from this report are presented in the form of a spatial plan that focuses on three of the five themes identified by the community, namely getting around; community services and facilities; and parks, open space and recreation. The findings and recommendations of this report will feed into the Somerville Township Plan, which will address a broader range of issues, including the two issues not addressed directly in this Project, namely township identity (‘our town’) and safety. This is illustrated below.

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1.2 Process

The process informing the development of the Somerville Community Planning and Development Project has involved three key phases, the third of which is presented in this Report. This is illustrated below:

1.3 Structure of Report

This Report introduces the spatial plan and open space strategy with a summary of the following findings presented in detail in the Background Paper: Key drivers of change determining the need for community services and facilities,

and parks, open space and recreation. Key issues identified by the community. Key aspirations and needs. Findings from the services and facilities audit and needs assessment.

The Report includes a discussion of the concepts and framework that underpin the spatial plan, and how these respond to the drivers of change, issues, aspirations and needs identified in the Background Paper. This Report then presents a range of options relating to community services and facilities, and parks, open space and recreation, and connections and provides recommendations as part of a prioritising and implementation plan. Key Findings This section summarises the key findings from the Background Paper.

1.4 Understanding the Somerville Community The existing and emerging characteristics of the Somerville community and township identified through the environmental scan have the following implications for community service planning and provision. (For more details, please refer to Section 3.7 of Part One Background paper).

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Population Growth It is projected that population growth is likely to continue for the next 10 to 15 years, but will slow due to the fact that Somerville has limited “green field” land for development, few large re-development sites and relatively new housing stock, and therefore has limited capacity support sustained new housing and population growth.

The Population forecast for Somerville in 2014 is 11,596, and is forecast to grow to 12,312 by 2031 (6.17% or approximately 700 people).The development of the Port of Hastings is likely to have significant effects on both population growth and employment opportunities in the region, however, it is uncertain how much of this growth will be focussed on the Somerville township Transport initiatives, such as Peninsula Link has enhanced accessibility to and from Somerville, further stimulating the demand for residential development. The development of the Port of Hastings may have a significant effect on both population growth and employment in the region, however there is no current plan to substantially expand the boundaries of the Somerville township or to significantly increase the density of development ( promote urban consolidation) within the existing township residential areas Changing and Ageing Community Over the next twenty years it is expected that there will be a reduction in the proportion of families and young children in Somerville, and a relatively large growth in the proportion of people aged over 75. However, it should be recognised that although the proportions change. Somerville is still expected to retain a relatively young population in terms of actual numbers in each age group, and there is a projected growth in the number of families in the short term that will drive and support the provision of facilities and services. The ageing of the population is likely to see an increase in the numbers of people relying on health, support and welfare services, particularly for self-funded retirees who may not qualify for concessions and who may experience financial hardship. A projected decline in household size, indicates that there is likely to be a demand for a greater diversity in community services and facilities, and support services. The ageing community indicates that there is likely to be an increase in demand for social and leisure activities catering for older people, for programs that provide older people with computer skills, and additional computer facilities and infrastructure to support the use of mobility scooters (Draft Scooter Policy Statement and Action Plan 2011). Transport An increase of the frequency of the Public Transport services both bus and train is a significant community aspiration. While outside the authority of Council the community would like Council to pursue an advocacy role. . Road Transport initiatives such as the Peninsula Link are likely to enhance regional accessibility to and from Somerville. The development of the Port of Hastings may have a significant impact on freight and other transport movements, reinforcing the need to establish Coolart Road as a by pass route for heavy vehicle movements. Both Pedestrian and bicycle facilities, especially safe road and rail crossing, to provide connectivity within Somerville and especially between east and west is desired. The bicycle path to Baxter has been identified as an important link

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Physical Structure The physical context and proximity of Somerville to Frankston and to towns such as Baxter, Tyabb and Hastings increases the catchments available to existing and proposed community facilities, and provides opportunities to establish close relationships between communities in these towns. However, the Somerville community has its own unique identity, and aspires to enhance the self-sufficiency of the town, ideally with access to services typically provided in larger towns. The physical structure of the town presents a number of opportunities, however there are also major barriers to pedestrian movement which separate the east and west of the town. These barriers, which consist of the railway line, Frankston-Flinders Road and the Eramosa Road roundabout, are key transportation routes and therefore cannot be removed. Despite the establishment of ALDI the main commercial/shopping centre, and the major community recreation facilities are located in the western section of the town, and are therefore less accessible to the community to the east. The community considers there needs to be a focus on addressing these barriers by enhancing safe connectivity and providing places for the different parts of the community to come together. Township Identity The community has expressed a desire to strengthen the existing identity of Somerville as an important town in the region, and a town that provides its local community with a range of services and facilities. However, Somerville is located in close proximity to small towns such as Baxter and Tyabb, and larger regional urban centres such as Frankston, Hastings and Mornington, all of which provide a broad range of supporting and higher order social infrastructure and community facilities. It will therefore be necessary to find a balance between supporting the social and economic sustainability of existing services and facilities and providing an appropriate range of new services and facilities that strengthen and support the local community. One of the most effective ways to enhance the use of social infrastructure is to increase awareness of services and facilities that are currently available in the community. Many facilities such as the Somerville Recreation Centre, the Barber Reserve, Skate Park, Library and school sporting facilities lack exposure from main roads, restricting awareness within the broader community of their presence in Somerville. Visibility and accessibility should be reflected in good urban design so there is an ease and confidence in moving from place to place or facility to facility. Beautification, landscaping, public art and street furniture can also enhance amenity and encourage sense of pride in the township Community Services and Facilities, Open Space, Parks and Gardens The community needs assessment has found that Somerville currently has a broad range of community services and facilities, open spaces, parks and recreation facilities. However, it was also found that these services are spread across a number of locations in Somerville, are sometimes located in unsuitable facilities (Library) and experiencing a shortage of space (Community House). It was also found that there are particular gaps in services (e.g for young people) and that other services used by local residents are looking to relocate in Somerville . Furthermore, the community has identified that there is both physical and social separation , and the need for greater interaction between different user and community groups (older people and young people).

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1.5 Township Plan Township planning is intended to provide an opportunity for the community to consider the things which are valued about particular places, streets, and neighbourhoods, the pressures and opportunities associated with change and the land use and development issues which must be resolved. These issues include the amount and form of new housing, whether there is a need for new community facilities and open spaces, whether there is a need for new industrial land, commercial development or other land uses which provide employment. Township planning is tailored to suit the specific needs of each individual place. The Somerville Township Plan may need to include further consultation on the following issues raised by the community: Housing diversity. Improved urban design, with particular attention to the visual character of the

township and increasing the profile and accessibility of community facilities. Economic sustainability and revitalisation of the town centre. Safety and security, including the need for a police presence and lighting. Public and community transport. Traffic flow at the Eramosa Road roundabout. Traffic flow along other roads such as Graf Road. Parking. Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Key areas for inclusion in the Somerville Township Plan are as follows:

Enhancing connections between the east and the west of the town. Establishing Coolart Road as a bypass road for heavy vehicle movements Enhancing the image and identity of Somerville (landscaping, signage. Enhancing the perceptions of safety (increased police presence, lighting. Enhancing commercial opportunities and enterprises i.e. cinema complex. Linking existing pedestrian and cycle networks. Additional and improved facilities for young people (youth centre, informal cinema in a

multi-purpose hall, indoor sporting and recreation facilities) Facilities to support activities and services for young families and children (childcare,

toddler groups). Additional sporting facilities.. Multi-purpose rooms that can be used for meetings, education and training, social and

leisure groups), and can include multi-use spaces within pavilion redevelopments. Improving facilities such as toilets and lighting at some of the sporting venues. Identifying suitable facilities for the Community House and Library. The following

space requirements have been identified for each of these community facilities:

Library: minimum 600m2. Multi-purpose rooms (30m small – 60m large multipurpose room). Community House: – minimum 200m2. Youth Centre access to a range of services and programs.

Recommendation – Somerville Township Plan Finalise the Township Plan, including an urban design framework to address the range of issues identified and integrate the principles of the community facilities and open space framework within the Plan.

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1.6 Community Issues The stakeholder engagement and community consultation process identified the following issues and themes that need to be taken into account in the preparation of the Township Plan and any subsequent precinct design plans. (For greater details, please refer to Section 5 of Part Two Background Paper.)

THEME 1 OUR TOWN

THEME 2 GETTING AROUND

THEME3 SAFETY

THEME 4 COMMUNITY

SERVICES AND FACILITIES

THEME 5 PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND

RECREATION

History, identity and culture

Growth and

development

Connectivity and integration

Image

Signage and

legibility

Town Centre Environment

Frankston Flinders and

Eramosa Road intersection

Road network

Traffic

movement and parking

Pedestrian movement

Public transport

Shared paths

Police presence

Perceived safety

Lighting

Traffic circulation

Public

surveillance

Youth Centre

Library Community and

Recreation Centre

Childcare

Early years

services

Library

Events and activities

Facilities

Services

Playgrounds Connectivity

This project deals specifically with Theme 2, Getting Around; Theme 4, Community Services and Facilities, and Theme 5, Parks, Open Space and Recreation. Themes 1 Our Town and 3 Safety will be addressed more fully in the Township Plan

1.7 Community Aspirations and Expectations

The following aspirations and expectations expressed by the community and stakeholders have informed the development and evaluation of the options included in the Spatial Plan and Open Space Strategy.

Theme 1 : Our town

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Theme 1 : Our town

Town integrated and overcome barriers such as railway line and

Frankston-Flinders Road

Retain low density residential development

Retain rural and country feel

Integrate the services and facilities within the town centre

Enhance the town’s sporting identity

More beautification and free from graffiti in good urban design framework

Theme 2 : Getting around

Better public transport linkages to other centres

Safer pedestrian linkages within and through the town

Linked walking, cycle and mobility scooter networks within

Somerville and between other towns

Theme 3 : Safety

A safer place in which to live and work

Less antisocial behaviour

Greater police presence

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Theme 4 : Community services and facilities

A place such as a youth centre where young people feel

welcome and have different things to do

Improved services for families and young

children

A well located, easily accessible Library that is big enough and integrated with

other services

A fit for purpose facility Community House that

integrates with other services & responds to the needs of the

growing & changing community

Safe and well utilised skate park

An improved multi-purpose indoor sports and recreation

facility

Theme 5 : Parks, open space and recreation

Sporting identity strengthened

Well connected open spaces, parks and sports facilities

Good opportunities for dog walkers

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Community Vision for Somerville

Vision statements are intended to express key directions that are generally shared by all the stakeholders that make up a community. They reflect existing values, future aspirations and, in some cases, the choices that have been made. The vision for the as outlined in the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s strategic plan, Shaping Our Future, is set out as follows:

“The Mornington Peninsula’s unique characteristics and community lifestyles will be maintained and enhanced through our shared Commitment to a Sustainable Peninsula, to achieving outcomes that are environmentally, economically and socially sustainable.

The following Community Vision for Somerville builds on the Shire’s vision and has been derived from the aspirations and expectations expressed by the stakeholders and community during an extensive consultation process. This vision aims to capture the key concerns relating to the five themes raised by the community and stakeholders, and may be used to inform the vision for the Somerville Township Plan. Somerville Community Vision

“Somerville is retained as a rural town with its own unique identity that capitalises on its strong sporting culture, its proud agricultural heritage, and its ability to provide its existing and future community with high quality living, socialising, working and learning environments. Somerville’s community will have good access to a range of commercial and community services and facilities, including parks, sports and recreation and be a a place that the residents are proud of. Somerville will be a safe, attractive town connected through a series of linked pathways integrating both sides of the town for pedestrians of all abilities and cyclists and where motorists feel safe moving around.”

2. Community Facilities and Open Space Cluster Framework

The findings of the community needs assessment and review of literature on the planning and design of community facilities has led to the development of a framework which aims to guide decisions on the location and development of community facilities, open spaces and connections within the town. Where possible it is proposed to “cluster” and “connect” compatible facilities to share infrastructure, facilitate closer connections and promote social interaction between different user groups. The framework proposes a network of linked multi-purpose community clusters, active open space clusters, bushland reserves and pedestrian and cycle networks. The proposed clusters would consolidate and enhance the use of existing infrastructure and improve access to services and facilities throughout the town. The framework focuses on addressing key issues identified by the community, particularly connectivity in the town, the integration (bringing together) of different user groups and providing for the expansion of some sporting codes.

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2.1 Principles

The following principles have informed the development of this framework: A need to respond to a combination of factors including achieving a balance

between accessibility (by distribution of facilities) and the benefits of clustering/ consolidation of facilities.

Where relevant, provide for greater integration of services and facilities, in preference to additional stand alone facilities to provide opportunities for collaboration between services providers and to add diversity the range of activities available to the community.

Matching the level of accessibility to scale of community services and facilities throughout the town by consolidating existing community clusters and striving for all residents to be within 400m – 600m of at least one community cluster.

Maximising flexibility within the community clusters by providing opportunities for multi-use of facilities, phased growth and development

Provide for inclusion of different user groups and age groups (where appropriate) in multi-use community clusters.

Capitalise on and strengthen the existing open space system, with different categories of open space providing opportunities for both active and passive recreation and supporting healthy lifestyles.

Establish a network of well designed multi-purpose community clusters consisting of open spaces, facilities, services and the connections between them.

Consolidate existing destinations and introducing new destinations, enhancing the ‘interest value’ within the town for both the local community and visitors.

Strengthening of linkages between the community clusters and open spaces through a series of linked pedestrian and shared paths. These linkages should enhance pedestrian safety, respond to existing desire lines, and be focussed on key destinations such as community facilities, schools, and shops, sporting precincts, playgrounds and parks.

Where possible, provide linkages that improve access and safe movement for users of all abilities, overcoming existing access barriers such as unsafe pedestrian crossings, and connecting existing paths that currently do not align.

Enhancing the identity of the town by increasing exposure to Somerville’s iconic and historic value as a town rich in heritage and opportunity for sporting, recreation, leisure and social endeavours.

The proposed community facilities and open space framework has also been informed by a number of further urban design principles which are outlined in Appendix 1. The proposed community facilities and open space framework is illustrated in Figure 1 below.

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Community Services and Facilities

This section of the Somerville Community Planning and Development Project responds to Theme 4, Community Services and Facilities and focuses on early year’s services, Community Houses, libraries and social and leisure activities for young people and older people. 2.2.1 Opportunities

There are a number of existing concentrations of community services and facilities, and open space precincts throughout Somerville. These include: The Somerville Recreation Centre and Community House (Edward Street), which

includes a two court sports stadium as well as a maternal and child health centre; The Fruitgrowers Reserve; The community facilities located on Blacks Camp Road (former Annie Sage Childcare

Centre2, Senior Citizens and Blacks Camp Pre-School Centre); The Somerville Recreation Reserve; and Barber Reserve.

There are also a number of stand-alone facilities such as the primary schools and Somerville secondary college that have the potential to be integrated with other services. Some precincts, such as the Somerville Recreation Reserve, Fruitgrowers Reserve and Somerville Recreation Centre are centrally located, and are located in close proximity to sites of historic and cultural value such as the Mechanics Institute, and schools (Somerville Rise Primary School, St Brendan’s Primary School and Somerville Secondary College). This group of facilities has been recognized as a central hub and should be the focus for development of a precinct master plan. The community precinct on Blacks Camp Road is located in close proximity to St John’s Retirement Village and schools, and is well connected to Jones Road and Frankston-Flinders Road. The local schools such as Somerville Primary School and Somerville Secondary College provide an opportunity to provide the local and broader community with greater access to existing sporting facilities. 2.2.2 Constraints and Issues

At present the majority of community services are operating from facilities located in the western part of the town and are separated from the broader community by physical barriers such as the railway line, Frankston-Flinders Road and the Eramosa Road Roundabout. Some facilities currently used by the broader community such as the synthetic junior size soccer field and school play spaces are located on school properties. This creates a number of constraints such as limited access to amenities (toilets and change rooms), ovals and pitches that are not built to standard specifications, complexity of joint user agreements, lack of funds to cover additional maintenance required, and ability of schools to provide access at their discretion to ovals and other facilities.

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Objectives

The objectives underpinning the recommendations for community services and facilities are: To consolidate and capitalise on existing community facilities; To enhance access to a wide range of community services and facilities; To support the integration of the local and broader community; and To satisfy diverse needs.

The four cluster options are explored below with consideration for matching facilities to changing demands for services which are likely to vary over time. Recommendation - Establish Four (4) Community Services & Facilities Community Clusters To consolidate and strengthen the concentration of community services and facilities into four clearly defined community clusters. The community clusters would operate as a network of sites, providing a mix of uses that satisfy the needs of different user groups, and provide opportunities for social interaction.

SOMERVILLE RECREATION CENTRE COMMUNITY SERVICES AND FACILITIES - CLUSTER 1 Establish Community Cluster 1 centred on the Somerville Recreation Centre and Community House, Edward Street that is adjacent to Fruitgrowers Reserve. Issues and Drivers Need for one stop shop access to integrated Council services and programs. Isolation of Library from other community infrastructure. Insufficient space available for some users e.g. Somerville Community House, Maternal and

Child Health). Youth require a central place where they can gather and engage in activities that they like

(shopping, sports, recreation, Skate Park). Poor exposure and visibility from main roads limits access. Perception of fear and crime as the precinct has been subject to vandalism, anti-social

behaviour, poor visual amenity, and poor natural surveillance. Poor pedestrian linkages to and from some community facilities and open spaces. Close proximity to liquor and gambling outlets. Opportunities Relatively central location in Somerville. Proximity to main shopping precinct. Proximity to railway station. Potential to integrate Library/discovery centre and other community infrastructure with the

existing Recreation Centre facility. Close proximity to concentrations of youth activities (Somerville Recreation Centre, Somerville

Secondary College, skate park, shopping centre) Generally good mix of social, leisure, recreation and shopping activities. Community service facilities supported by open space, sports and recreation facilities.

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Potential to provide additional space and sustainable future for Community House and

sporting facilities Potential to co-locate services that support the broader community and thereby facilitate

social interaction/community connections. Existing car park is not fully utilised during some periods, possible opportunity to expand

adjoining facilities

This location may involve a combination of the following: Short Term Investigate possible future redesign, expansion of the existing Somerville Recreation Centre

into a larger multi- purpose built community hub. Ideally this may incorporate a larger Community House, a Library and information centre, a youth centre and some multi-purpose rooms used for meetings and the delivery of specialised health and wellbeing services.

Utilise the master planning process to improve amenity and functionality of the sport

recreation and culture facilities within the Cluster.

Consider the enhancement of existing and proposed new cultural facilities on Fruitgrowers Reserve, including the feasibility of a Fruitgrowers Heritage Museum adjacent to the recently relocated Memorial.

These may include some or all of the following: Further indoor multi-purpose courts as warranted by demand. New indoor/outdoor rock climbing wall.

Long Term

If site and space constraints can be overcome, expansion of the existing Somerville

Recreation Centre and Community House building. The expanded facility could incorporate additional courts, , relocated Library, a larger Community House and information centre, a youth centre and some multi-purpose rooms.

BLACKS CAMP ROAD COMMUNITY SERVICES & FACILITIES - CLUSTER 2: Establish community cluster 2 located at the Blacks Camp Road. Issues and Drivers

Need to limit traffic volumes and speeds along Blacks Camp Road. (However speed humps mitigate against this in the area around the Primary school and Pre-School)·

Pedestrian linkages with the schools and open spaces to the north of Blacks Camp Road and to the centre of Somerville require improvements.

Opportunities

Annie Sage Childcare closure provides opportunities for reuse of the Council facility in the short term as a multi use facility incorporating Maternal & Child Health

Well designed precinct with good amenity, connections with open space. Close proximity to secondary and primary schools. Close proximity to St John’s Retirement Village, despite the fact that existing connections are

not well established. Senior Citizens Centre currently underutilised at present. Maternal and child health

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The location may involve a combination of the following: Establish a community cluster using a Community Governance model located at the Blacks Camp Road location that may involve a combination of the following:

Short Term

Relocate the Somerville Community House and Maternal & Child Health Centre to the

building previously used by the Annie Sage Childcare centre, while the longer term assessment of the Somerville Recreation Centre site is completed. This would enable the integration of the activities through a Community Governance model with local services.

Explore linkages and opportunities for enhanced community access to Somerville Rise

Primary School and Somerville Secondary College. Facilitate the integrated use of the Senior Citizens Centre in conjunction with the Community

House. This would involve providing activities and services that currently cannot be accommodated in the existing facility on Edwards Road due to lack of space. The precise scope of these activities would need to be determined in consultation with the Community House and other users of the facility...

Medium to Long Term

This option could involve using the Senior Citizens Club after hours when utilisation rates are

low. Other adult social and leisure activities such as Probus and University of the Third Age might also be located in this cluster. This is likely to require the construction of a purpose built facility in this cluster to specific space requirements of these activities. It is possible that this facility may be also be used to deliver some activities and services for young people, or school-based activities that cannot be accommodated within the grounds of the primary or secondary schools.

SOMERVILLE VILLAGE COMMUNITY SERVICES AND FACILITIES – CLUSTER 3: Establish Community Cluster 3 located at Somerville Primary School /Eramosa Road East/ Somerville Village including the hall and oval Issues and Drivers

Poor pedestrian linkages and integration within the village, and between Somerville Primary School and Library.

Pedestrian, train, bicycle and car conflict at Eramosa/Frankston Flinders Road roundabout. Eastern section of town separated from western section. Need to strengthen Eastern section of town identity in relation to professional/commercial

service hub and community focus. Opportunities Encourage the consolidation of commercial/professional services activity at the village and

enhance links to the surrounding area. Somerville Primary School currently provides childcare and holiday programs. Playground equipment on Somerville Primary School currently available to and used by the

broader community. Pedestrian linkage to the south of the Somerville Primary School partially provides for a

connection between the eastern and western sections of the town.

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Scale and design of the built environment supports active frontages in the village and has potential to enhance perceptions of safety and amenity.

Potential to collaborate with businesses to enhance environmental amenity.

The location may involve the following: Recognise a community cluster centred on the Somerville Primary School/Eramosa Road

East/Somerville Village cluster as a key location for social interaction. This function should be reinforced through urban design and improved connectivity and support for further commercial and professional services.

Investigate options for collaboration in sharing facilities with Somerville Primary School, noting

access to school facilities in the past has involved joint user agreements, and that not all school facilities and maintenance standards conform to current standards required by clubs.

Schools and kindergartens are encouraged to provide a broader range of activities for families

and young children, holiday programs, playgroups, toy Library and toddler activities.

RAILWAY RESERVE - COMMUNITY CLUSTER 4:

Establish community cluster 4 located at the Railway Reserve, Somerville Railway Station.

Issues and Drivers

Railway line and railway reserve separate the eastern and western parts of the town.

The land is currently vacant and unused, and has poor aesthetic amenity.

Opportunities

Close proximity to public transport (Somerville Station and bus stops on Frankston-Flinders)

Road.

Close proximity to three shopping precincts.

Develop closer relationship with VicTrack.

Close proximity to historic heart of town (Mechanics Institute, Fruitgrowers Reserve).

Good visibility from railway line, Frankston-Flinders Road, Station Road and Jones Road.

Potential to create a place that integrates both sides of the town.

Potential to enhance visual amenity and historic identity of Somerville.

Potential to extend the Western Port Bike Trail through the Railway Reserve3.

3 Railway Reserve master plan to be completed subject to agreement with railway authorities

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The location may involve the following: Station.

Continue to liaise with Vic Track to improve the amenity of the railway station precinct.

Create a multi-purpose informal open space within Cluster 4 that provides for a range of

temporary and informal uses such as a market, amphitheatre and exhibitions

Incorporate a resting place, and destination for people travelling through Somerville (bike trail,

railway line, community information kiosk).

Recognise the Reserve as an active sporting area.

Other actions that could support the enhanced and expanded sports and recreation centre include:

Enhance existing skate facility as per Skate and BMX Strategy 2008, based on good urban

design principles

Pavilion redevelopment to include multi-use sports pavilion as part of Pavilions Strategy program.

Upgrade play space via Playground Strategy (2008).

Consideration should be given to the following areas:

Further promotion of the multi-purpose sports pavilion.

Reviewing landscaping along Edward Road to open up views into reserve and across to Community House.

Continue working with property owners of shops fronting Station Street to consolidate car

parking and share with reserve. Providing trail connection through the Reserve linking to the railway station and crossing to

the residential area to the east, schools to the south and shopping centre to the west. Redesign of car parking area to provide additional space the Somerville Recreation Centre,

via the master plan process, or a precinct study Investigating the use of the drainage reserve that runs alongside the skate park and through

the shopping centres for enhanced landscape treatment and, ideally, a shared path. This could include Eramosa Road West Reserve on the opposite side of the road.

The options and opportunities relating to community services and facilities are illustrated in Figure 2 over the page (Page 18). .

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2.2 Open Space, Sports and Recreation

This element of the Somerville Community Planning and Development Project responds to Theme 5, parks, open space and recreation and focuses on spaces and places within Somerville used for different active and passive sports and recreation activities. 2.2.1 Opportunities

There are three well established sports and recreation areas in Somerville, Fruitgrowers Reserve, Somerville Recreation Reserve and Barber Reserve. The high utilisation of these areas reflects the strong sporting culture in Somerville, and provides a range of opportunities for young people and adults to engage in sports and active lifestyles. The reserves would benefit from development of master plans to guide facility development and open space improvements. There are a number of secondary or “satellite” reserves, including Barakee Drainage Reserve and Deanswood Drive Reserve. Sports clubs have identified that Barakee Reserve is sometimes used for training. These reserves provide possible future opportunities for sports use, subject to feasibility studies or further investigations. However consolidation and concentration rather than further fragmentation or sporting facilities is preferred. At present informal community use, such as dog walking and informal play, takes place using facilities and spaces owned by the schools and other public agencies, such as Melbourne Water, Department of Environment and Primary Industry, VicTrack etc. This enhances natural surveillance and community ownership of publicly owned assets, and reduces the level of duplication of facilities in a small town such as Somerville. There are a number of well-established bushland areas and undeveloped open spaces throughout Somerville which provide opportunities for passive recreation, walking, dog walking and linkages. These include Unthanks Bushland Reserve with opportunities for five to fifteen minutes of quiet walking or time spent watching nature and Blacks Camp Road Reserve Wetland which provides opportunities for experiencing a wetland environment and provides habitat for the rare Dwarf Galaxias, as well as being an area of aboriginal cultural significance. 2.2.2 Constraints and Issues

At present, there is poor connectivity between the recreation reserves on the west side of Somerville and the residential areas to the east, due to a lack of good pedestrian/shared trail and cycle linkages between them and physical barriers such as Frankston-Flinders Road and the railway line. Some of the sporting facilities such as pavilions, halls and meeting places within Somerville are in need of upgrading guided through various council funding programs such as pavilions hall refurbishment, and Toilet Strategy or the master plan development and implementation program. These improvements will take place as funding permits and determined by Council priorities. The present growth in sports such as Australian Rules Football and soccer is not easily accommodated in Somerville. The present ovals are at or near capacity. The sports ground oval at Barber Reserve oval is not full sized and therefore unsuitable for senior team competition, but it is used for training and junior competition. Soccer activities currently take place in nearby Baxter and Frankston. Options to better accommodate growth should be investigated. Three additional soccer pitches are planned at Emil Madsen Reserve, Mt Eliza with one in development stage in 2014/15.

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2.2.3 Objectives

To enhance open space and formal recreation opportunities within Somerville to meet current and future needs through the master plan process and ensure good trail connections to open space through the shared trails.

To improve access to open spaces, parks and sporting facilities to all members of the community.

To ensure effective use of Council resources and provide suitable facilities to cater for ageing population

To undertake a range of other open space enhancements through programs such as sports lighting, oval rehabilitation, Soccer, tennis and Play Space Strategy Implementation

To promote environmental sustainability. The four open space areas and the passive recreation options are explored below:

Recommendation - Establish Four (4) Active Open Space Clusters and Enhance General Bushland and Open Space To strengthen the connection of open space into four distinct open space areas that satisfy the growing community needs and integrate different user groups and enhance the passive and informal recreation options in and around the township.

ACTIVE OPEN SPACE CLUSTER 1 – FRUITGROWERS RESERVE AND SOMERVILLE RECREATION AND COMMUNITY CENTRE Establish Active Open Space Cluster 1 incorporating Fruitgrowers Reserve, Somerville Recreation and Community Centre, Somerville Skate Park and adjoining links. Issues and Drivers Absence of a “town park” which can be used for a range of informal activities and community

gatherings. Some pavilions used for football and cricket require upgrading (subject to priorities of the

Pavilion Strategy). War memorial has been relocated and has improved visibility. Space for heritage museum required. In relation to the existing Skate Park, specific feedback gathered from young people has

indicated that: The existing skate park is considered to be too small. At present it is associated with anti-social behaviour and has poor natural surveillance.

However, the skate park is also considered to be located in a central and safe location, and

has the advantage of close proximity to shopping centre, Somerville Secondary College, and Somerville Recreation. Accordingly, it is considered that the current location is preferable to other alternatives,

Opportunities Central location can assist in developing sense of place and linking east and west. Co-location of war memorial with redeveloped Fruitgrowers Machinery Shed through Master

Plan to provide community meeting rooms and strengthen heritage element of precinct.

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Establish an Open Space cluster that integrates community cluster 1, and incorporates

Fruitgrowers Reserve, Somerville Recreation Centre and Community House, Somerville Skate Park and adjoining links.

Opportunity to improve amenity of the reserves and public open space areas through landscape master planning.

Recognise the Reserve as an active sporting area. Other actions that could support the enhanced and expanded sports and recreation centre include: Enhance existing skate facility as per Skate and BMX Strategy 2008 and improve amenity

through good urban design. Pavilion redevelopment to include multi-use sports pavilion (underway in 2014/15). Upgrade play space via Playground Strategy (2008).

Consideration should be given to the following areas: Further promotion of the multi-purpose sports pavilion. Reviewing landscaping along Edward Road to open up views into reserve and across to

Community House. Continue working with property owners of shops fronting Station Street to consolidate car

parking and share with reserve. Providing trail connection through the Reserve linking to the railway station and crossing to

the residential area to the east, schools to the south and shopping centre to the west. Redesign of car parking area to provide additional space the Somerville Recreation Centre,

via the master plan process. Investigating the use of the drainage reserve that runs alongside the skate park and through

the shopping centres for enhanced landscape treatment and, ideally, a shared path. This could include Eramosa Road West Reserve on the opposite side of the road.

ACTIVE OPEN SPACE CLUSTER 2 – SOMERVILLE RECREATION RESERVE Identify an Open Space cluster located at the Somerville Recreation Reserve, Jones Road and investigate a range of improvements via core program areas. (Pavilion Strategy, Playground Strategy, Tennis Strategy, etc.). Location Somerville Recreation Reserve, Jones Road. Issues and Drivers Sporting bodies competing for limited space. Demand for additional football and tennis facility improvements. Cyclone fence creates barriers and unwelcoming appearance. Lack of general community access to central reserve within town. Opportunities The following opportunities may be explored via a range of programs for the long-term redevelopment of the reserve to determine appropriate changes: Improvements of infrastructure as per Pavilions Strategy. Upgrading of existing tennis facilities according to Tennis Strategy and Pavilions Strategy

priorities and club funding availability. Enhanced security through the provision of lighting for night bowls, netball, football and tennis

through lighting policy implementation priorities.

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Enhancing public access through the park by constructing a shared path and investigating the

removal of cyclone fencing and redesign of access to mimimise the need to fencing while being mindful of issues for sporting clubs in collection of “gate money”.4.

Enhancement of visual amenity through the upgrading of existing buildings and provision of landscaping along Jones Road.

Potential for upgraded Scout Hall to be used for a range of different purposes. Replacement of parameter trees with Australian natives. Improve car parking areas ACTIVE OPEN SPACE CLUSTER 3 (BARBER RESERVE) AND CLUSTER 4 (BARAKEE DRAINAGE RESERVE) The requirement for formal recreation is supported through the Active Sports Strategy (2012) and the Soccer Strategy (2012) which identifies the need for an increase in facilities to support growing numbers of participants. This could potentially be accommodated through the establishment of two additional active open space clusters, namely Barber Reserve and Barakee Drainage Reserve. However expansion and improvement of existing reserves is preferred as outlined in the section on Options for Active Sports shown below. In any case, it is appropriate to enhance the quality of existing open space via the Master plan process and utilising other Shire programs (e.g. Pavilion Strategy, Sports lighting, Playground strategy etc). OPTIONS FOR ACTIVE SPORTS AFL / Cricket/Soccer Australian Rules Football and cricket are currently played on the main facility at the Somerville Recreation Reserve. There are secondary facilities at Barber Reserve (focussed on junior soccer), the oval at Fruitgrowers Reserve and training at Barakee Drive Reserve. These facilities are at or near capacity and there is little recovery time for grounds to rest unused. At least one further oval is considered to be required to better accommodate current demand. Option Constraints Opportunities 1 Consider increasing size of Barber

Reserve to accommodate senior football and soccer along with improved lighting and amenities and other facilities.

Requires purchase of adjacent residential zoned land. However there is good access to the existing reserve.

Opportunity for consolidation of facilities to two locations i.e. Somerville Recreation Reserve and Barber Reserve. However this option is not likely to proceed given the high cost of residential zoned land acquisition

4 Fence currently supports opportunity to maintain football gate fee

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Option Constraints Opportunities 2 Investigate possible future

redevelopment of Barakee Drainage Reserve to accommodate soccer and Australian Rules Football or other sports

A large area of the reserve is required for flood water management but this can be reduced with a higher flood levy wall and other drainage treatments Further fragmentation of sports facilities

Shire owned land, which is currently underutilised for recreation. Will enhance access to sporting activities in the south western part of Somerville. It will provide an overflow area for training and increase overall capacity of sporting functions in Somerville at relatively low cost (compared to land acquisition)

3 Creation of new facility separate to or in combination with Tyabb FC and Soccer groups at Bunguyan Reserve (potentially to the north)

Will challenge traditional association of town connection with their own sporting club. Will necessitate land acquisition beside Bunguyan Reserve as there is no unused capacity at Bunguyan Reserve.

Will establish stronger links between the towns.

4 Investigate and consider acquiring Greenfield land on Coolart Road to the west of the town and develop as a major sports precinct as deemed required after the master plan process for Somerville sports and recreation reserves

Land is zoned Green Wedge which limits some uses. Does not maximise use of existing reserves in Somerville. Will require significant resources. Land not centrally located. May result in oversupply of facilities May further fragment sport facilities Unlikely to be used much beyond sporting activities. Will rely on car travel to grounds

Provides opportunities for future growth and expansion of active sporting facilities should demand continue to grow in the future. Expansion of Bunguyan Reserve is considered a preferrable option

5 Soccer At present, the only soccer facility within Somerville is the artificial pitch at Somerville Secondary College. This soccer pitch has lighting.

The focus of soccer activities and facilities is currently Baxter and Mt Eliza where new facilities are planned, including an additional three pitches.

The Soccer Strategy (2012) and Active Sports Strategy (2012) recommend possible future need provision of up to three additional soccer pitches in the Somerville area if future demand warrants it.

6 Further use of school facilities Would require agreement between schools to make facilities available. Some facilities undersized and not suitable for use by adults.

Centrally located. May be available after hours when school is not in use.

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Tennis At present, the main tennis facility within Somerville is located at the Somerville Recreation Reserve. The Draft Tennis Strategy (2011) and tennis facilities audit 2012 provides direction for improvements. Option Constraints Opportunities 1 Upgrade existing facilities at Somerville

Recreation Reserve to improve lighting, amenities. Support clubs in facility grant applications.

As resources become available Competitive grant application process

Size and space sufficient to accommodate existing and projected demand for tennis. Netball courts have been dual line marked for tennis which creates some additional facility capacity. The reserve master planning process will identify the location of possible future club courts.

Basketball The existing main indoor basketball facility at the Somerville Recreation Centre provides 2 indoor courts. The Western Port Basketball Association also uses facilities at the Graham Myers Reserve, Bittern and Western Port Secondary College Hastings and Somerville Secondary College The Active Sports Strategy (2012) identified a need for the expansion of basketball facilities to accommodate the Western Port Basketball Association, however a new basketball facility has been built at Western Port Secondary College and this should accommodate demand in the short to medium term. Option Constraints Opportunities 1 Continue to use existing facilities,

including facilities at schools within the region

Requires ongoing commitment from school to permit use of facilities by the Western Port Basketball Association

Uses existing resources.

2 Consider possible future expansion of the facility at Somerville Recreation Centre when demand warrants it. Enhanced scheduling of training and games has already resulted in more comprehensive use of existing facilities.

Western Port Basketball Feasibility study outlines a range of options

Further use of existing courts.

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Active and Passive Open Space (Barber Reserve) (Barakee Drive Reserve) Clusters 3 and 4

Enhance Open Space areas located at Barber Reserve (3) and Barakee Reserve (4) and investigate a range of improvements via core program areas. (Pavilion Strategy, Playground Strategy, Sports Lighting etc.).

The opportunities and options relating to open space, sports and recreation are illustrated in Figure 3 below.

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2.2.4 Passive and Informal Recreation Options Informal and passive recreation using the open spaces and bushland areas within and surrounding Somerville are essential to provide other opportunities to Somerville: To support the lifestyle, health and wellbeing of the residents. To increase emphasis on nature and the opportunities for human connections to the

natural world. To maintain the low density character of the town. To re-establish former and maintain existing flora and fauna habitat throughout the

township.

This can be achieved by enhancing existing open spaces and reserves through upgrading of playground equipment (as per the Playground Strategy 2008), installation of amenities (toilets, paths, drinking fountains) and expanding dog walking facilities. Bushland areas may be used for walking and cycling, providing opportunities for enhanced connections through the town. Community interest in the bushland reserves may be developed through the establishment of “friends groups”. It will also be necessary to install signage indicating the importance of protecting the bushland areas, particularly in relation to the need to keep dogs on leash. This may also require the installation of fencing along paths that are in close proximity to particularly sensitive areas. The community’s aspirations for additional areas for dog walking can be accommodated on the existing reserves including Barakee Drainage Reserve and Grant Road Reserve, with additional areas designated off leash, if this is considered appropriate. These opportunities will support the health and wellbeing benefits associated with access to dog walking facilities in the community. Additional passive and informal recreation options may include:

Unthanks Bushland Reserve/Colchester Park

Incorporate into east-west shared path link. Plant additional indigenous vegetation to west of Unthanks Reserve and within

Colchester Park.

Graf Road Reserve Develop as bushland reserve. Provide shared path between community facilities and Graf Road. Enhance planting of indigenous species on grassed areas. Develop east-west shared path linking Jones Road with St Brendan’s Primary School

and Barakee Drainage Reserve. Plant additional indigenous trees.

Education Department land to east of Somerville Secondary College and Somerville Rise Primary School Somerville Secondary College and Somerville Rise Primary School currently working

on a program with the Shire to establish and maintain the nearby wetland area. Enhance the opportunity provided by this access way to enhance connections to

Somerville Recreation and Community House, Blacks Camp Road, and Sinclair Street Reserve.

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Grant Road Reserve Maintain planting of wetlands area to support habitat and water quality objectives. Provide shared path between Grant Road and Frankston-Flinders Road. Explore opportunities for connection across railway line to Raymond Street. Retain dog off leash areas. Kinlora Drive Retarding Basin Work with Melbourne Water to reconfigure retarding basin as an ephemeral wetland. Explore opportunities to provide shared path trail along overland flow path to

Frankston-Flinders Road. Enhance landscaping along overland flow path to improve amenity.

Inverness Court Reserve Maintain as a local park / bushland reserve as there is limited open space in this part

of town. Sinclair Street Reserve Develop shared path linking Somerville Recreation Reserve through Education

Department land to Recreation and Community House. Plant indigenous vegetation to complement potential bushland reserve on Education

Department land.

Jones Road Reserve Enhance amenity of site by redeveloping it as an attractive native garden or open

space that is designed for use by older people as it is opposite a large retirement village. Landscaping may be used to reduce visual impact of pumping station and playground.

Consider outdoor fitness equipment in a range of locations within other reserves, including along trails.

Somerville Crescent Reserve Site appears to be a former dam and does not appear to serve a useful recreational

or waterway management purchase. Passive Open Space and Bushland. Recommendation - Passive Open Space and Bushland Enhance the passive and informal recreation options as identified in this report utilising the abundant open spaces and bushland areas within and surrounding Somerville, to support the healthy lifestyle and wellbeing of the residents, to maintain local habitat and to help retain the town identity

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2.3 Precinct Plans

The development of each of the community clusters will require a more detailed level of planning and design to ensure proper integration and to guide future capital works. Precinct plans need to address physical layout, in terms of both functional requirements, including access, parking etc appropriate to the needs of all users and the creation of a “sense of place” and identity.

Recommendation – Precinct Plans

Develop precinct plans for each of the community clusters and open space clusters. These precinct plans will also include recommendations relating to appropriate phasing and potential sources of funding, and may be prepared following completion of the Somerville Township Plan.

2.4 Access and Transport Connections

2.4.1 Opportunities

Somerville currently has an extensive but incomplete network of footpaths and infrequent wider shared paths that provide access to key attractions throughout the town such as the shopping centre and schools. Opportunities exist to close the gaps in the links in order to provide a highly accessible network of shared pedestrian uses (i.e. Somerville Township Pedestrian Strategy), MPS Motorised Scooter Policy 2012 and bicycle paths (Peninsula Ride Safe - Bike Strategy), connecting active recreation reserves, schools and community facilities. The relatively flat terrain makes it easy to get around, particularly for children and older people, and people with restricted mobility. The potential new connections, which would capitalise on the existing linear open space network through the town, may incorporate a tourist route throughout the town, highlighting Somerville’s features of historic and cultural interest. Somerville residents have a high reliance on motor vehicle transport. Somerville car ownership is three or more motor vehicles per household which is higher than Mornington Peninsula Shire average ownership rate. This suggests that a high proportion of adults travel by car within Somerville, and between Somerville and other centres. The community surveys indicate a desire for more frequent public transport which would provide opportunities for increased independent travel for both the younger and older people living in Somerville.

2.4.2 Constraints and Issues

The following constraints and issues need to be considered:

The barriers that restrict pedestrian access include:

High traffic volumes along Frankston/Flinders Road, Eramosa Road and Jones Road, including increasing levels of heavy vehicle movements

Stony Point rail reserve which limits access points. Shopping area locations and layouts.

Potential conflict between mode of users on connected paths, e.g. fast moving

commuters and slower moving recreation and leisure users, cyclists and pedestrians using mobility equipment.

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Gaps in the existing path network and facilities for access for people with disabilities

that restrict the increased and varied usage and available space to accommodate wider paths and flatter “pram crossings” to cross at intersections.

Public access through private and public land. Amenity of existing and potential connections, particularly between The Plaza and

Centro shopping centres in the town centre. Public transport frequency.

2.4.3 Objectives

The following specific objectives should underpin the options relating to access and transport connections:

Establish Coolart Road as a bypass route for heavy vehicle movements Enhance opportunities for active transport (linked bike trail between Tyabb and Baxter

through Somerville, better pedestrian linkages). Enhance safety of existing paths (safer movement for scooters, well designed paths that

cater for different levels of mobility). Establish a network of dog “off leash” areas that enhances access to dog walking facilities

throughout the town. Improve connections between key nodes, open spaces and community facilities to

enhance accessibility of passive and active recreation areas, allowing for sharing of recreational facilities between schools and sporting clubs in line with Somerville Township Pedestrian Strategy 2010 and Mornington Peninsula Bicycle Strategy Peninsula Ridesafe 2009 – 2013.

Enhance opportunities for people to experience connection with and respect for the natural world.

2.4.4 Options

The network described below identifies ‘primary’ links that provide the highest priority direct routes and “secondary” links that are a lower priority but would provide attractive recreational connections throughout town. In most cases the proposed links would be connected via shared paths; however on-road bicycle lanes are recommended in some cases where existing footpaths are sufficient to provide access for pedestrians or people with mobility aids.

Primary links Discussion Opportunities 1 Eramosa Road

(east-west)

Part shared path (existing), part on-road bicycle lane Primary east-west connection, linking eastern and western areas of township Direct access to shopping centres, Fruitgrowers Reserve and Somerville Primary School

Investigate the viability of the creation of bicycle lanes along Eramosa Road East Implement safety treatments at railway line and roundabouts.

2 Pembroke Road Reserve, Blacks Camp Road, Park Lane to Ruby Joy Drive (east-west)

Part shared path (existing), part on-road bicycle lane Central east-west connection, linking eastern and western areas of township Direct access to Somerville Rise Primary School and Somerville Recreation Reserve Potential to create a shared path along Blacks Camp Road to connect retirement village with proposed Seniors’

Creation of bicycle lanes along Blacks Camp Road. Footpath and bicycle links. Completion of footpath works along Blacks Camp Road in line with Pedestrian Strategy recommendations. Creation of paths through cul de sacs linking to Clarendon Drive and Wiltshire Drive.

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Primary links Discussion Opportunities Hub.

Potential widening of existing footpath and improved pedestrian crossings for motorised scooter access to/from retirement village and Seniors Hub in line with Pedestrian Strategy

3 Barakee Drainage Reserve, Austin Road Reserve, Graf Road Linear Reserve, (Jones Road), Bungower Road (east-west)

Shared path along entire length (partly existing) Southern east-west connection, linking across railway line Direct access to Barakee Drainage Reserve and St Brendan’s Primary School

Extension of shared path through Barakee Drainage Reserve to Clarendon Drive and Barakee Drive. Extension of shared path along Graf Road Linear Reserve between Austin Road and Jones Road.

Primary north-

south link Discussion Opportunities

4 Clarendon Drive (north-south)

Eastern north-south connection, linking Eramosa Road to Barakee Drainage Reserve Direct access to Unthanks and Barakee Drainage Reserves

Investigate enhanced connections between reserves

5 Graf Road (north-south)

Shared path (almost complete) Existing shared path extended to Austin Road Linear Reserve

Extend path south to connect with Austin Road link and proposed Graf Road Linear Reserve link.

6 Jones Road/Station Street (north-south)

Capitalise on the existing shared path (some of which is nearing completion) to create a pedestrian link north to Baxter Direct access to shopping centre, Railway Station, Fruitgrowers Reserve, Somerville Recreation Reserve and St John’s Retirement Village

Works required: Extend path north connecting to Eramosa Road West and railway crossing and south to connect to Bungower Road.

7 Frankston-Flinders Road (north-south)

Extend the narrow shared path, some of which forms part of the Western Port Bay Trail) south to Tyabb. Extend the existing shared path along Frankston-Flinders Road and Hawkins Road to Baxter Station in accordance with Mornington Peninsula Bicycle Strategy: peninsula Ridesafe 2009-13.

Investigate possible widening of narrow paths. In combination with proposed road infrastructure, ensure adequate shared path is constructed to Baxter Station along road corridor. Crossings of major road intersections to be reviewed and improved

8 Stanley Street, Barber Reserve, proposed street, Kinlora Drive (north-south)

Part shared path, part on-road bicycle path Connection to service eastern area of township, between Eramosa Road East and Frankston Flinders Road Direct access to Barber Reserve

Provide bicycle paths on Stanley Street and Kinlora Drive. Complete shared path around Barber Reserve. Provide shared path through proposed residential development.

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Secondary links Discussion Works required 9 Secondary

recreation link through the ‘town’

Shared path Strong secondary east-west connection through Somerville. Connect destinations of high use – schools and retirement village with passive and active recreation destinations: Unthanks Reserve, Colchester Reserve, George Street, Primary School ‘oval’, Barber Reserve.

Create shared path from retirement village to Eramosa Road East capable of accommodating mobility scooters. Provide shared path link across railway reserve between Edward Street and pedestrian crossing on Frankston-Flinders Road. Negotiate access through Somerville Primary School.

10 Blacks Camp link to George Street

Proposed shared path. Existing watercourse with wetlands on Education Department land. Potential connections from schools to Somerville Plaza and shopping hub.

Liaise with Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to investigate the opportunity for the creation of a publicly accessible link through property. Path to be low impact and environmentally sensitive, almost like a nature trail with seating and rest points adjacent to water bodies. Investigate the need to stabilise the path, particularly in close proximity to the sports field.

11. Access Audits of the community clusters

Identify barriers or issues for people with mobility issues to access various facilities and sites and connectedness

Commission access audits of key clusters

The options and opportunities relating to connections to the clusters are illustrated in Figure 4 and 5 below. The Somerville Township Pedestrian Strategy 2010 and Mornington Peninsula Bicycle Strategy Peninsula Ridesafe 2009 – 2013 and the Motorised Mobility Devices (Scooter) Background Report, Policy, Statement and Action Plan 2012 detail projects and actions that provide direct routes and links that would provide attractive recreational social and community service connections throughout town. In most cases the proposed links would be connected via paths; shared paths and on-road bicycle lanes.

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Recommendation - Access and Transport Connections That projects that have been recommended in The Somerville Township Pedestrian Strategy 2010 and Mornington Peninsula Bicycle Strategy Peninsula Ridesafe 2009 – 2013 and the Motorised Mobility Devices (Scooter) Background Report, Policy, Statement and Action Plan 2012 be used to consider the Guiding Principles that: Increase inclusive mobility Improve integration of path networks Provide well designed, located and managed facilities Reduce road danger Improved frequency of public transport. Improve road, bicycle and pedestrian Safety Improve the perception of personal safety in the township Encourage walking as a healthy and social activity Undertake a scoping study to develop a case for increase public transport serving Somerville and surrounding towns. Advocate improved frequency of Public Transport with State Government and public transport operators Advocate for Coolart Road to be designated as the preferred route for heavy vehicle movement and to reduce heavy vehicle traffic through the Somerville township.

Figure 4. Footpath and bicycle links

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2.5 Feasibility Studies/Options Papers/Assessments

The Somerville Community Planning and Development Project is the first phase involved in the planning to meet current and future community needs, The recommendations reflect a framework for future development of a network of community facilities and open spaces, however further more detailed investigations will be required in relation to specific facilities/services. It is anticipated that the Somerville Township Plan will also include a number of strategies to address issues not dealt with in this Project such as housing and neighbourhood character, improved urban design, traffic flow, revitalisation of the village retail centre and economic development opportunities. Recommendation – Feasibility Studies /Options Papers/ Assessments Prepare feasibility studies or other works as required to assist in selecting the most appropriate options. These studies will focus on the following priorities: Relocation of Library into community cluster one (approximately 600m2 required). Suitable space for a youth programs and activities in cluster. Suitable additional space and/or location for the Somerville Community House

(approximately 200m2 required). Multi-purpose room with operable walls (30m2 small or 60 m2 large required). Roll-out of retrofitting of Council facilities (where necessary) to enhance access for

people with disabilities. Suitable use of Annie Sage building with consideration to the range of needs

identified in this report and in line with the cluster model. Developing long term master plans for Somerville sports reserves as part of the long

term master plan development program.

2.6 Town Promotion and Marketing Another effective way to raise awareness of existing opportunities is to market facilities and services through a unique and appropriate branding. Feedback gathered from the community indicated that the most effective way for the majority to receive information about available services and facilities is through written media (letterbox drops, advertisements and articles in the local newspapers. However, there is a growing demand for people to access information at a time and place of their choosing through the use of social and on line media. Recommendation - Town Promotion and Marketing Develop and implement a Town Promotion/Marketing Plan that establishes a unique

branding for Somerville, that enhances opportunities for community awareness and that may be incorporated into the urban design framework

Collaborate with the business sector to install suitable signage that will assist with way finding within and to Somerville.

Establish a unique branding of Somerville’s commercial infrastructure to identify a suitable icon and collaborating with the business sector and service providers to include this branding in their marketing materials. This branding may also be incorporated into any future urban design frameworks.

Investigate the potential for social and online media to increase community engagement.

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2.7 Funding and Resource Options 2.7.1 Funding Options The options presented involve the construction, extension and refurbishment of a number of Council owned facilities as well as improvements to open spaces. Funding sources may include general council rates, open space contributions, development contributions, grants, proceeds from the sale of Council owned land and assets and contributions by other agencies and service providers. There are only two large parcels of undeveloped residential land remaining in Somerville. These sites are located south of Barber Reserve, and between Clarendon Drive and Blacks Camp Road. A public open space contribution has already been paid to Council in relation to the site to the south of Barber Reserve and as such no further contribution can be required. A public open space contribution is likely to be required if the Clarendon Drive/Blacks Camp site is subdivided. Open space contributions will also be available when medium density housing developments are subdivided, although this source of funding is likely to be sporadic in nature and may be dependent on prevailing planning policies and decisions. While Development Contribution Plans are used in major growth areas, there appears to be limited potential for this approach in Somerville.. Further investigation would need to be undertaken into the timing and quantum of contributions likely to be available to determine whether the administrative cost of establishing a development contributions scheme is justified. Funds for the upgrading of open space and facilities could also be generated through the sale of some surplus Council owned assets, particularly open space reserves that do not fulfil a major role in the proposed open space strategy. Decisions about the sale of public land would need to be undertaken in consultation with the Somerville community and would need to take into account the value of the assets and any covenants or restrictions that may apply to the land in question. The proceeds from the sale of these Council assets and public open space contributions may be directed to the purchase of land required to extend and connect shared pathways; refurbish, extend or reconstruct community facilities such as the indoor/outdoor sports facility in the Fruitgrowers Reserve precinct; enhance the skate park; develop the proposed Seniors Hub (either on the site currently occupied by the Senior Citizens Club or on the site on the corner of Blacks Camp Road and Jones Road) or develop a more formal active sporting area in Barakee Reserve. However, it is likely that the majority of future facilities would need to be funded from general revenue. Some service providers such as the Somerville Community House and sports clubs such as the netball club receive funding through grants to cover operating costs and upgrading proposals. This funding is often used to enhance services and facilities operated on Council owned land. Recommendation - Public Open Space And Development Contribution Investigate the utilisation of public open space contributions and consolidated revenue to purchase and improve open space assets to address the identified gaps in community services and open space. Investigate the viability of preparing development contribution plans for any future residential subdivisions (including contributions to open space fund).

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Recommendation – Revenue From Council Assets Investigate the opportunity to consider funding from surplus Council owned land sales.

Recommendation – Support For Community Organisations Encourage and support community organisations to develop funding submissions for a range of community grants.

2.7.2 Community Grants

Access to funding from community grants is an important part of building and maintaining social viability and connection. Support to local groups and agencies to secure State and federal Government, particularly funding to enhance and/or develop relevant community infrastructure. Recommendation – Community Grants Continue to support clubs and agencies in their efforts to secure funding from state government to be used for the refurbishment of facilities and contribution to new facilities.

2.8 Partnership and Collaboration

At present, the majority of community facilities are owned by Council. However, some of the services operated from these facilities, particularly those in the Somerville Recreation Centre, are operated by other agencies, and other services such as the Somerville Library are operated in a privately owned shop front on Frankston-Flinders Road. The study has identified the potential for some of the schools to continue to provide facilities that may be made available to the broader community. Although these facilities are not in Council ownership, Council could establish strong partnerships with the schools and other agencies and service providers to strengthen the role they play in providing social infrastructure. It is therefore important that Council continue to collaborate with these agencies to identify existing and emerging needs and aspirations. Recommendation – Partnerships And Collaborations Continue to collaborate with existing agencies and service providers to identify opportunities to satisfy the community’s existing and emerging needs and aspirations in facilities not owned by Council.

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2.9 Community Engagement and Consultation To enable opportunities for ongoing feedback and community contribution to the current and future plans for Somerville a range of stakeholders and community members should be consulted across the different life stages. Consultation with young people on their social and recreational needs is pivotal to ensuring services and facilities cater to their needs. Consultation with relevant stakeholders in relation to ageing in place. Recommendation – Somerville Community Engagement And Consultation Continue to work with Somerville’s young people to determine the most appropriate way to meet their needs for social, leisure, sport and recreation activities. Continue to work with relevant agencies and partners to ensure older people part pâté in community planning activities.

2.10 Monitoring and Review

The findings presented in this report are based on qualitative information obtained through the community consultation and engagement process. The quantitative data used to describe the community profile is based on the ABS Census of Population and Housing 2006, and has been supplemented by population projections prepared by the Department of Community Planning and Development. Whilst population trends and patterns have not changed significantly from the 2006 to 2011 Australian Bureau of Statistics Census (ABS), the data should be updated and a review of forecast data provided to better inform decision making on the relevant options and opportunities. Furthermore, the implementation of some of the options presented above may depend on factors such as the availability of funding, the outcome of negotiations between land owners and agreements with stakeholders and agencies. Recommendation – Monitoring and Review Develop and maintain a Shire integrated planning team (e-team) to monitor and review the data used and findings presented in this report on an ongoing basis to ensure that they are current and reflect the emerging needs and changes in the community. Update the forecast review of population projections in the Somerville Community Planning & development Project Background Report

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Conclusion The primary rationale underpinning the options discussed above is enhancing access to social infrastructure in order to support healthy, engaged and connected communities. These options reflect the key aspirations expressed by the community, namely better integration of the two sections of the town; safer movement for pedestrians and cyclists within Somerville and between Somerville and other centres; greater diversity of sporting, leisure and recreational opportunities for all users including young people, equestrians and dog owners; and strengthening existing assets such as an established sporting culture and a compact town. The options and recommendations discussed above acknowledge the fact that Somerville is a small, compact district level town that is not expected to experience sustained population growth in the medium to long term. They also take account of the need to ensure that the provision of additional community and recreation facilities needs to be sustainable in the long term and avoid duplication of existing facilities that are available in towns such as Baxter, Hastings and Tyabb that are within reasonable travel distance from Somerville. Furthermore, the options and recommendations seek to consolidate the existing facilities in the central part of Somerville and enhance access to them through the creation of formal and connected pathways that are structured along the linear open space system. Feedback from the community identified the relatively limited access to facilities and services in the extreme eastern and western parts of town. This has been addressed by further consolidating sporting activities on existing reserves including Barber Reserve and Barakee Drainage Reserve, and enhancing access to these reserves through the creation of pedestrian and cycle linkages through the linear open space network. However, additional strategies will be required to enhance public transport, address the impact of physical barriers such as the Eramosa Road roundabout and address the existing amenity of the public realm, particularly in the shopping precincts. These issues can be addressed in detail through strategies included in the Somerville Township Plan and individual master plans for the main public spaces, reserves and community precincts.

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Appendix 1: Urban Design Principles and Guidelines Principle Guidelines

1 Optimal location

Where should community facilities be located?

Locate new community and active recreation facilities in locations that are easily accessible to key user groups, the broader community and visitors to the town.

Avoid developing new community facilities in locations that are environmentally sensitive or susceptible to environmental risks such as flooding or bushfire.

Locate facilities on Council or public land subject to an objective of achieving a net gain in the quality and quantity of public open space.

Avoid the removal of significant trees and indigenous vegetation. Where removal cannot be avoided ensure that landscape plans provide replacement planting to maintain Somerville’s native rural character.

2 Accessibility for all

How will people get to them?

Design shared paths, car parks and community facilities to suit the needs of people with restricted mobility using mobility equipment such as electric scooters, wheelchairs, walking frames.

Provide identifiable linkages and way finding signs to allow easy access between community facilities and other destinations.

Utilise CPTED (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design) principles to enhance safe access by ensuring that building entrances are clearly identifiable and front onto, or face, public streets.

Avoid locating buildings, street furniture, infrastructure or landscaping in places which restrict access along shared paths.

[See also Access and Equity Policy (2002)]

3 Responsive design

What should they look like?

Ensure that the scale of buildings is appropriate to their setting.

Encourage high standards of building and landscape design that support community identity and safety objectives.

Design and landscape community facilities so that access ways, entrances and adjoining open spaces are clearly visible from both within the facility and from public vantage points outside.

Locate noisy activities away from noise-sensitive places, such as retirement villages.

Ensure that signage, plant and equipment is integrated into building design.

4 Supportive physical and natural environments

How do we maximise opportunities to engage in healthy lifestyles?

Encourage community use of public places and open spaces to enhance natural surveillance and support healthy lifestyles.

Provide amenities for comfort and convenience (benches, drinking fountains, toilets) at appropriate and strategic locations.

Create physical or on-line publication of accessibility and way finding information that is easily accessible to all users.

Support active transport through the provision of well located and connected footpaths and shared paths.

Connect footpaths and shared paths with activity centres and local destinations.

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Principle Guidelines

5 Inclusion and diversity

How do we maximise social inclusion?

Provide places and spaces where people can meet and interact formally and informally.

Make provision for public art.

Maximise accessibility for users of all abilities.

Create places where young people can feel free to gather and express themselves.

Provide opportunities for regular users to personalise facilities to support a sense of shared ownership and responsibility.

Locate building windows so that they overlook shared paths and open space areas, creating a sense of safety and surveillance.

Provide lighting to enhance safety around buildings and along paths leading to buildings, car parks and public transport stops.

Prioritise the use of windows and lighting as alternatives to surveillance cameras.

Avoid the use of high or impermeable fences where possible. Where fences are required for security or occupational health and safety reasons, ensure they are located to the side or rear of buildings and do not dominate street frontages or separate buildings from public open space areas.

6 Adaptable and efficient delivery and layout

How should they function?

Engage community groups in the design and layout of new facilities.

Establish partnerships between service providers and encourage information sharing and collaboration.

Design flexible community facilities and recreation spaces to accommodate multiple user groups and changing uses over time.

Provide sufficient space and storage capacity to meet the needs of diverse users.

Ensure that internal spaces are designed to provide a high quality environment that incorporates natural light and ventilation.

7 Equitable use

Who will use them?

Support use of community facilities by non-for-profit community groups that serve a genuine need relevant to Somerville and its surrounding district.

Explore opportunities for shared use of Council and Education recreation facilities that support equitable access and achieve a net community benefit.

Design spaces appropriate for the needs of specific groups, for example, enhancing shade in playgrounds; additional seating and shade in places and along paths frequently used by older adults.

Avoid establishing new tenancy arrangements that grant exclusive access to public opens space or community infrastructure to specific groups.

Encourage existing groups with exclusive use of public open space or community infrastructure to provide access to the broader community.

[See also Community Facilities Tenancies Policy (09/24), School Tenancy on Council Land Policy (09/26) and Access and Equity Policy (2002).]

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Principle Guidelines

8 Sustainable environment

What will be the environmental outcomes?

Design new buildings in accordance with Green Star ‘6 Star’ specifications (or equivalent).

Design major building refurbishment projects to comply with Sustainable Design Scorecard specifications (or equivalent).

Design minor building refurbishment projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, potable water usage, and non-renewable energy consumption.

Ensure that internal built environments are designed to provide natural light and ventilation, and use materials that are sustainable and safe for all users.

Provide bicycle storage facilities at community facilities and recreation reserves.

Utilise landscaping to improve surrounding microclimate, reduce absorbed or reflected radiant heat, protect remnant native vegetation, provide habitat links, control erosion and enhance water quality.

[See also ESD Construction Policy.]

9 Effective investment

How do we get the most for our money?

Identify opportunities to improve, reuse, extend or diversify existing facilities rather than construct new buildings.

Design and operate buildings to reduce operational and maintenance costs throughout the life of the building.

[See also ESD Construction Policy.]

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Appendix 2: Community Hub Dimensions Rosebud West Community Hub (stage 2 development) room dimensions. Please note the front reception desk, manager office etc were provided in the BER building (stage 1) and are not included in the schedule below. Area Analysis

Location Space/room Area

Entry & Circulation Foyer 50

Air Lock 6

Circulation 50

Multipurpose room 2 30



Adult Rooms Adult Classes 30

Interview Room 14

Interview Room 14

General storage Store - general 1 14

Store - general 2 14




Toilets 40

Cleaners 6

External Outdoor recreation ?

Playground ?

Meeting ?

Bike parking ?

sub total 400

Grossing factor (10%) 40

Grand Total 440

David Hampton June 2012

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Documents

142508ca att 36 1.1 - Shire of Mornington Peninsula