EXPLORATION LANE, MELBOURNE: PROPOSED PERMANENT … · 5. Letter from VicRoads 4 19. On balance, while the closure of Exploration Lane could improve pedestrian safety on most occasions,

F U T U R E M E L B O U R N E C O M M I T T E E R E P O R T Agenda Item 6.1 2 March 2010

EXPLORATION LANE, MELBOURNE: PROPOSED PERMANENT CLOSURE AT ITS INTERSECTION WITH LITTLE LONSDALE STREET

Portfolio Connected City

Division City Planning and Infrastructure

Presenter Geoff Robinson, Manager Engineering Services

Purpose

1. To advise Councillors of the issues relating to a proposed permanent road closure of Exploration Lane, at its intersection with Little Lonsdale Street.

Recommendation from management

2. That the Future Melbourne Committee recommend Council:

2.1. not approve the proposed permanent closure of Exploration Lane at its intersection with Little Lonsdale Street, due to the significant number of objections from local residents and businesses, reduced vehicle accessibility to Exploration Lane and Jones Lane, and increased travel times for local traffic; and

2.2. notify in writing every person who has lodged a separate submission of the decision and reason/s for the decision.

Background

3. Exploration Lane, as shown on the attached drawing No. 8P2204, (Attachment 1) runs in a north-south alignment between La Trobe and Little Lonsdale Street, and is situated in the block between Russell and Exhibition Streets. It includes an off-shoot (Corporation Lane 8013), as shown on Attachment 1, off its east side which connects to Evans Lane (running north-south) and provides an alternative link to Little Lonsdale Street. Exploration Lane also aligns with Jones Lane, to the south of Little Lonsdale Street, which connects to Lonsdale Street.

4. The carriageway width of Exploration Lane is approximately 4.6 metres with narrow footpaths (which do not continue along the entire length of the lane) provided on either side of the street. Land use abutting the lane comprises offices and residential properties.

5. In 2009 the City of Melbourne received a letter from Mr Michael Kennedy, President of the EastEnders Inc. representing residents and traders in the north-eastern quadrant of the Central Business District, requesting that Exploration Lane be permanently closed to traffic at Little Lonsdale Street. This request was made in order to improve public amenity and safety by removing “through” traffic using the lane to avoid delays on the wider surrounding streets.

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Key issues

6. A considerable amount of building development has recently taken place in the lane with a large multi-storey residential development being constructed in the southern portion of the lane with frontages along Little Lonsdale Street, Exploration Lane and Corporation Lane 8013. This development will have approximately 60 parking spaces which will be accessed from Corporation Lane 8013. A multi-storey serviced apartment building was also recently constructed at 19 Exploration Lane with Stage 2 linking the development to Bennett’s Lane. This development, known as Goldstar Apartments, will consist of 115 serviced apartments. In addition there is a current planning application for a residential development at 9-11 Exploration Lane.

7. During the construction of the above mentioned developments, the combination of the access restrictions on Little Lonsdale Street and the relative narrowness of Exploration Lane’s carriageway necessitated the closure of the lane for a period of approximately eight months. Council records indicate that during the term of this temporary closure, a number of complaints were received from property owners/occupiers in Exploration Lane regarding local access difficulties.

8. Exploration Lane is used by pedestrians and motorists to access the abutting properties as well as providing vehicle access to Jones Lane, which in turn, provides a direct connection between Little Lonsdale Street and Lonsdale Street. There are a number of significant vehicle access points along Jones Lane. These include:

8.1. Car parking for the Regency Towers residential and serviced apartment building;

8.2. Marriot Hotel guest car parking (via a valet service from the hotel’s Exhibition Street frontage); and

8.3. Trucks and service vehicles servicing the Marriot Hotel’s loading dock.

9. Exploration Lane is also being used by eastbound traffic on La Trobe Street, (intent on turning right into Exhibition Street to travel in a southbound direction) to by-pass congestion at the La Trobe/Exhibition Street intersection. This “rat running” traffic turns right into Exploration Lane, left into Little Lonsdale Street and then turns right into Exhibition Street without experiencing the longer delays at the La Trobe/Exhibition Street intersection

10. The closure proposed by the EastEnders Inc was intended to deter the peak hour “through” traffic movements to improve the pedestrian and residential amenity of Exploration Lane

11. While there was significant opposition to the proposal, given the support of the EastEnders Inc and the significant changes to land use abutting Exploration Lane, it was considered appropriate to proceed with the legal procedures necessary to close the lane under the Local Government Act 1989 (‘the Act’).

12. Section 207A of the Act provides for submissions under Section 223 of the Act in regard to the proposed exercise of Council powers to block or restrict the passage or access of vehicles on a road by placing and maintaining any permanent barrier or other obstruction on the road.

13. In accordance with the Act, a public notice outlining the proposal was advertised in The Age newspaper on Friday 11 September 2009. A copy of this advertisement is annexed to this report as Attachment 2.

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14. A letter outlining the proposed permanent closure of Exploration Lane at its intersection with Little Lonsdale Street was also forwarded to owners and occupiers of properties deemed to be affected by the proposal. A copy of this letter is annexed to this report as Attachment 3.

15. Council subsequently received 149 submissions (145 opposing and four in support) on the proposed permanent closure of Exploration Lane. These submissions are summarised in Attachment 4. The recurring themes surrounding the submissions received opposing the closure of Exploration Lane are:

15.1. concerns about reduced access/egress options for the more than 350 private parking spaces situated off Jones Lane;

15.2. increased travel times to access Jones Lane. The alternative route to access Jones Lane could include vehicles making unsafe U-Turns in both Exhibition and Lonsdale Streets to avoid travelling longer distances;

15.3. reduced access for medium to large service vehicles. The built-form of the Little Lonsdale Street/ Jones Lane physically prevents turn manoeuvres by large service vehicles. The proposed closure would see these vehicles enter Jones Lane via Lonsdale Street and then reverse out onto Lonsdale Street. This is a relatively long distance and would create local safety issues for pedestrians and other vehicles;

15.4. reduced vehicle access through Exploration Lane will adversely impact on the operation of the Gold Star serviced apartments located in the laneway;

15.5. increased congestion in Exploration Lane. Taxis, small airport buses (servicing the Gold Star serviced apartments), service vehicles and local residential traffic that need access through Exploration Lane will have to either perform multiple manoeuvres to exit via La Trobe Street or attempt to exit onto Little Lonsdale Street via the Corporation Lane 8013-Evans Lane route. These are narrow lanes that can be clogged with waste bins; and

15.6. additional traffic that is forced through Evans Lane would create safety implications for any pedestrians who need to travel through the lane or access properties.

16. The submissions were considered at Council’s (Section 223) Committee Meeting held on 9 November 2009

Submissions (Section 223) Committee Considerations

17. The consultation process highlighted the difficulties the wider community believes that it would face if Exploration Lane was closed at Little Lonsdale Street. The access issues relating to travel distance and times as detailed in sub paragraphs 15.1 and 15.2 would not, in their own right, outweigh the benefits that would occur to the local community from the proposed closure of Exploration Lane. However, due to the design of the Marriott Hotel’s loading dock, which is also utilised by the Regency Towers, the closure would force large trucks to either reverse into Jones Lane from Lonsdale Street or drive in and load from the laneway and reverse out onto Lonsdale Street. Either of these manoeuvres will lead to a degradation of road safety. The alternative access route via Little Lonsdale Street and Jones Lane is impossible for large service vehicles.

18. Further, the closure of Exploration Lane will cause localised congestion and safety concerns in Exploration Lane as large trucks and small airport buses servicing the Gold Star serviced apartments will be forced to manoeuvre around Evans Lane or reverse out of Exploration Lane.

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Attachments: 1. Plan No 8P2204 2. Copy of Newspaper Advertisement 3. Letter to Owners/Occupiers 4. Summary of Submissions 5. Letter from VicRoads

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19. On balance, while the closure of Exploration Lane could improve pedestrian safety on most occasions, the detrimental impact the closure would have on service vehicle and bus access to the Marriott Hotel, Regency Tower and Gold Star apartments outweighs the benefits of the closure.

Relation to Council Policy

20. The proposed intermittent closure of Exploration Lane to vehicular traffic accords with Section 4 of Council’s Transport Strategy 2020 and Section 4.1.1 of Council’s Road Safety Plan. These policies promote the improvement of pedestrian amenity and safety in areas of high pedestrian usage. Council is also required to provide suitable access for resident and service vehicles, as well as minimising congestion.

Consultation

21. Consultation was carried out in accordance with the Act. Refer to paragraphs 8-12 above.

Government relations

22. As required by the Act, Council has received a VicRoads’ report on this proposal. VicRoads does not object to the permanent closure of Exploration Lane (refer Attachment 5).

Finance

23. There are no significant financial implications associated with this report’s recommendations.

Conflict of interest

24. No member of Council staff, or other person engaged under a contract, involved in advising on or preparing this report has declared a direct or indirect interest in relation to the matter of the report.

Legal

25. The proposal constitutes a proposal to place a permanent obstruction or barrier for the purposes of clause 9 of Schedule 11 of the Act. The report accurately identifies the statutory requirements in the Act.

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Text Box

Attachment 1 Agenda Item 6.1 Future Melbourne Committee 2 March 2010

Public NoticeProposed permanent closure of Exploration Lane, Melbourne at its intersection with Little Lonsdale Street, to Vehicular Traffic.

Further to the public notice given on Friday, 11 September 2009 in respect to the above proposal, the meeting of the Melbourne City Council’s Submissions (Section 223) Committee has been rescheduled and will now convene at 3pm on Monday, 9 November 2009 at Council House 2, 240 Little Collins Street, Melbourne.

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Text Box


9 September 2009 <<The Owner/Occupier – insert address>> Dear Sir/Madam EXPLORATION LANE, MELBOURNE PROPOSED PERMANENT ROAD CLOSURE AT LITTLE LONSDALE STREET Council writes to advise that it is commencing legal procedures pursuant to the Local Government Act 1989, (“the Act”) for the permanent closure of Exploration Lane at Little Lonsdale Street, as shown on the plan 8P2204 overleaf. This closure, which has been put forward by property occupiers abutting Exploration Lane, has been proposed to improve the amenity and safety of pedestrians and residents and reduce through traffic using the lane. As the proposal would prevent vehicles from travelling the length of the lane, Council is required to adhere to certain legal requirements as set out under the road closure provisions of the Act. These procedures include public advertising of the proposal in a metropolitan newspaper to bring the matter to the attention of the greater community and the distribution of notices, such as this, to the owners and occupiers of properties deemed to be affected by the proposal, inviting submissions on the matter. Arrangements for publication of the public notice in The Age newspaper have been made for Friday 11 September 2009. In accordance with the Act, Council’s Submissions (Section 223) Committee (“Committee”) will consider all submissions lodged on or before Friday 9 October 2009. The Committee is scheduled to meet at 3pm on Monday 2 November 2009, in the Melbourne Town Hall Administration Building, 90 Swanston Street, Melbourne. The Committee will hear those persons wishing to be heard in support of their written submission. No additional notification will be sent to persons who have not lodged a submission. Written submissions should be marked “Proposed permanent closure of Exploration Lane, Melbourne” and addressed to the Manager Legal Services, City of Melbourne, PO Box 1603, Melbourne Victoria 3001 and lodged by 9 October 2009. Persons making written submissions should also state whether they wish to be heard in support of their written submission. If you have any further queries regarding this matter, please contact Mr Dimitrios Kasapidis on telephone 9658 8562. Yours sincerely Haig Poulson Principal Engineer Traffic Engineering CoM Ref: DOCS # 5371277; SR 914988 Encl. overleaf: Plan No. 8P2204

Attachment 3Agenda Item 6.1

Future Melbourne Committee2 March 2010

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PROPOSED PERMANENT CLOSURE OF EXPLORATION LANE, MELBOURNE AT ITS INTERSECTION WITH LITTLE LONSDALE STREET

SUMMARY OF SUBMISSIONS NAME BUSINESS NAME/

ORGANISATION NATURE OF SUBMISSION COMMENTS

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William Lee Kelly Law Ronald Di Pietro

Director – Gold Star Apartments Pty. Ltd. CEO of Cube Serviced Apartments in Exploration Lane Cube Serviced Apartments, Business Manager Site Project Manager

Objection to proposal. Comments made in submission: Strongly object to the proposal as it is believed the proposal will be detrimental to the future road traffic patterns, occupants, owners, operators and businesses, using the properties facing Exploration Lane. In particular, Exploration Lane provides the only access to the Cube Apartments, which includes Taxis, Sky Bus buses, laundry and other service vehicles, setting down/picking up passengers and goods and then usually exiting at Little Lonsdale Street or travelling further south through Jones Lane. Closure of Exploration Lane at Little Lonsdale Street will require these vehicles to perform multiple manoeuvres to either U turn in order to exit via La Trobe Street or attempt to exit via Evans Lane which is unsuitable for buses with the luggage trailers or larger vehicles particularly if the rubbish bins that are usually left in the lane further restrict access. The additional traffic that will result from the other developments such as the residential property currently under construction (known as the Brady Building) the Australia Post building and a new development approved at 9-11 Exploration Lane will further increase congestion. Due to the construction of other properties, it is essential that a decision to close Exploration Lane is delayed until proper surveys can be

Agreed. Access will be restricted resulting in congestion as motorists attempt to U-turn or drive through Evans Lane. This situation will be exacerbated with the ultimate build-out of land abutting Exploration Lane. Further, U-turning vehicles may also create safety issues for pedestrians. It is unclear how much additional demand for access through Exploration Lane will be generated by the other developments. However it would be expected that any increase has the potential to increase congestion, particularly if vehicles have to undertake difficult multiple manoeuvres to complete U-turns or negotiate turns between Evans Lane and Corporation Lane 8013. It is not possible to determine full access requirements without knowing the demands to be generated by new buildings which are either under construction or have been approved to be

Attachment 4 Agenda Item 6.1

Future Melbourne Committee 2 March 2010

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Steve Blackie

Chairman, Owners Corporation- Regency Towers

undertaken to establish access requirements for both pedestrians and motorists. As owners of the Cube apartments in Explorations Lane, we have not met other owners who also wish to close the street. Objection to proposal. Comments made in submission There will be an increase in danger to private vehicles executing difficult U-turns manoeuvres. Residents of Towers and patrons of the Marriott Hotel who are dropping someone off at the front door and then parking their car in the carpark off Jones Lane have an option of a U-turn in Exhibition Street, a right turn in Lonsdale Street and a U-turn in Lonsdale Street to enter Jones lane. This adds to congestion in Lonsdale and Exhibition Street as well as making residents perform two dangerous U-turns to park their cars. Forcing Large vehicles to dangerously back out of or into Jones lane from Lonsdale Street. Large vehicles need certain space for a turning circle. Presently, drivers of large furniture vans and delivery trucks have two choices. They either choose to enter Jones Lane at Lonsdale Street, come through to make a delivery to Regency Towers, The Marriott Hotel, Central Queensland University building, or Illys Café and then exit onto La Trobe Street via Exploration Lane, not turning into Little Lonsdale Street, as turns between Jones

constructed. A number of these buildings do not provide off-street parking but will generate other traffic access demands eg pick up/set down activities via taxis, couriers, delivery vehicles. Information provided to Council indicated that the proposal had the support of EastEnders Inc which represents residents and traders in the north-east quadrant of the CBD. Although there is some element of difficulty and danger in undertaking the U-turns to enter the carpark off Jones Lane, it is also possible to access Jones Lane by following a longer route via La Trobe and Russell Streets and then accessing Jones Lane via either Little Lonsdale Street (right turn) or Lonsdale Street (via a left turn). Agreed. The typical medium size service vehicles (8.8m) will have great difficulty in manoeuvring between Jones Lane and Little Lonsdale Street. This manoeuvre will be impossible for larger trucks. These vehicles will have to enter Jones Lane from Lonsdale Street. This would create safety issues for pedestrians as these vehicles would either reverse into the lane in order to drive out in a forward motion, or drive in and then have to reverse out onto Lonsdale Street. While not an ideal situation, it is a typical requirement in the CBD with numerous cul-de-sac laneways intersecting with the wider streets.

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lane and Little Lonsdale Street are difficult or near impossible for large trucks. The second choice is enter Exploration Lane at La Trobe Street, proceed south to Jones lane and then eventually exit via Lonsdale Street. The proposed closure of Exploration Lane would force large vehicles to either reverse into or out of Jones Lane which is dangerous given the high traffic volumes in this street. The proposal compromises emergency vehicle access Fire engines, ambulances, emergency service vehicles will have access to the rear of the Regency Towers, Marriott Hotel, Central Queensland University, and Illy’s Café curtailed, and as time is usually of the essence in these instances, the ability to have timely & safe delivery of services will be severely compromised, thus creating a potential hazard for the neighbourhood. Removing a safe egress direct route out of Jones Lane into La Trobe Street. For traffic egressing out of the rear of the Regency Towers, the most direct route to the western end of the CBD or the arterial corridors to the west is to simply cross Little Lonsdale Street into Exploration Lane and then turn safely left into La Trobe Street. The impact to traffic flow/throughput along Little Lonsdale Street is the same regardless if vehicles cross from Jones lane into Exploration Lane or do a right hand turn into Little Lonsdale Street The proposal creates potential for traffic jams There are 328 car spaces in the Regency Towers, and over 20 spaces in the Central Queensland University building, with both carparks having their entrance and exit in Jones Lane. Many of these 350 cars enter, and

The proposed closure would not have an adverse effect on emergency vehicle access. Notwithstanding the fact that access to Jones Lane is still available via Lonsdale Street, the proposed bollard closure should not provide an impediment to Fire Brigade access. The route used by Ambulances access to Jones Lane would be the wider streets, eg Exhibition and Lonsdale Streets. Access would also be available for ambulances via Little Lonsdale Street. The alternative route to exit Jones Lane via left turn into Lonsdale Street and then left into La Trobe Street is equally safe without impacting on pedestrian and local amenity in Exploration Lane. The closure of Exploration Lane removes one option for accessing Jones Lane. The use of alternatives will add to travel time but will not significantly contribute to congestion.

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more importantly exit through Exploration lane into La Trobe Street. If Exploration Lane were to be closed at Little Lonsdale Street, then cars coming from La Trobe Street down Exploration Lane are forced to exit via Evans Lane, which means that Jones Lane is not accessible to them in coming from La Trobe Street. This will force vehicles which would have chosen La Trobe Street/Exploration Lane as an entry point to Jones Lane to enter either through Little Lonsdale Street or Lonsdale Street. Levels of peak hour traffic in both these streets are already such as to not allow for the additional pressure of this proposed road closure. Emission of greater amounts of greenhouse gasses because of extra distances travelled Residents of the Regency Towers and patrons of the Marriott Hotel who are dropping someone off at the front door and then parking their car, would need to go around a complete city block (Exhibition, La Trobe, Russell and Little Lonsdale Streets). The proposed road closure would add to the greenhouse gases produced in the city. Potential for damages to premises, vehicles and pedestrians The alternative route for trucks to enter or exit Jones Lane via Little Lonsdale Street has the potential for causing significant damage to premises, vehicles and endangering pedestrians.

Noted. As discussed above, if these vehicles do not choose to access Jones Lane by reversing in or out via Lonsdale Street (which, while not ideal, is a typical requirement in the CBD with its numerous cul-de-sac laneways intersecting with the wider streets) medium size service vehicles (8.8m) will have great difficulty in manoeuvring between Jones Lane and Little Lonsdale Street. There is the potential for these service vehicles to damage adjacent property or vehicles that are legally parked. As also stated above, the manoeuvre between Little Lonsdale Street at Jones Lane will be impossible for trucks larger than medium service vehicles.

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Bill and Sally Allan

Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

Pre-empting the future changed road conditions. The Wesley planning permit is still under consideration with the Minister, although it is believed that the permit asks for around 70 car spaces. The entry/exit to this carpark is proposed to be in Little Lonsdale Street. Therefore, the ability for this traffic to exit through Exploration lane will be denied, thus contributing to a build up of traffic in peak hours in Little Lonsdale St, Jones lane or Lonsdale Street. As a minimum, traffic banking up in Little Lonsdale Street across Russell Street will negatively impact traffic flow travelling north to south along Russell Street. In addition, the loading bay for this building is proposed to be in Jones Lane, meaning a larger number of trucks will use the lane. The Brady development on the corner of Exploration Lane and Little Lonsdale Street, which has approximately 60 car spaces, is still under construction. The impact of these vehicles on local traffic has yet to be revealed, and then understood. To further emphasise this point, it is contended that any traffic count, which has been taken whilst the Brady building is under construction, is not a true count. The above letter from Mr Steve Blackie has been used as a template for other residents at the Regency Towers. The same issues have been raised by the following submitters in OBJECTION TO THE PROPOSAL: Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above

While it is conceded that the Wesley Church development will add extra traffic to Little Lonsdale Street, it is not expected to have a significant effect on congestion or the operation of the Russell Street intersection. Nevertheless it is not a valid argument to justify the continued use of Exploration Lane to the detriment of local amenity and safety. Additional service vehicles using Jones Lane due to the Wesley development will add to the current level of vehicles servicing the lane. As discussed above, a closure of Exploration Lane will impose similar servicing regime to the existing properties abutting Jones Lane with vehicles exiting via Lonsdale Street. Vehicles accessing the Brady building will only be able to do so from La Trobe Street. The proposed closure will not reduce egress options for motorists exiting this building they will be able to use either La Trobe Street or Little Lonsdale Street via Evans Lane. Congestion, if it were to occur in Exploration Lane under a closure scenario, (as discussed above) would arise from other demands within Exploration Lane such as airport buses and other vans servicing the Gold Star Apartments delaying traffic as they perform multiple turn manoeuvres in order to exit the lane via La Trobe Street.

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Con and Helen Angelatos Name not given Nathan Berenger John Bickley Leo Boesten David Bowers Chairman of Committee, Owners Corporation

Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 287 Exhibition Street

Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above The Committee of the Owners Corporation of Exhibition Apartments Objects to the proposal Comments made in submissions: The closure will divert much additional traffic onto Evans Lane, a narrow lane unsuited to through traffic. The Exhibition Apartments are adjacent to Evans Lane, and the additional traffic will adversely affect: Residents who have to walk down Evans Lane to access our garbage bins which are kept in a bay off Evans Lane. There are no footpaths in Evans Lane and the additional traffic will be a

Any traffic entering Exploration Lane from La Trobe Street will either have to reverse back out or travel through Evans Lane to exit onto Little Lonsdale Street. This will increase the level of traffic in the lane and have a safety impact on any pedestrian movements in the lane as there are no footpaths and Evans Lane is narrow. It is unclear how garbage collection is undertaken, however any increase in traffic will most likely increase congestion in the area.

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Gloria and Tom Bradbury Colin B Campbell John M Capp Professor Stan Capp

Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

danger to our residents. The ability of the garbage collection service to access the bins conveniently from Little Lonsdale Street. It is considered that additional traffic northbound on Jones Lane will divert onto Little Lonsdale Street. This additional traffic will adversely affect: The amenity of Exhibition Apartments, with additional traffic going by the entrance which is on Little Lonsdale Street. The amenity and ambience of the restaurants located both in Exhibition Apartments and those on the western side of Evans Lane and on the southern side of Little Lonsdale Street. Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above As well as the above comments Professor Capp also believes that there is no legal or regulatory requirement to implement the proposed closure. In addition he believes that

It is unclear what demand there is for motorists to travel north along Jones Lane. If Exploration Lane were to be closed at Little Lonsdale Street, most motorists that wish to travel north from Jones Lane would most likely travel south to Lonsdale Street before heading north particularly during the peak periods as Little Lonsdale Street would already be congested. There are legal requirements to advertise the proposal to the wider community and obtain submissions and understand what issues arise from this proposal. It is up to Committee members to make a recommendation based on the issues raised and in

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J Catterwell Fenty & Milah Cesal Mathew Chai David Chan E-Hern Chang

Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 131 La Trobe Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

to seek the greatest good for the greatest number would be to conclude that this proposal should not proceed. Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal Reasons given in submission’ The proposed closure will prevent access from Exploration Lane to Lonsdale Street (via Jones Lane). The reasons given in support of the closure, were to reduce through traffic and improve the safety of pedestrians and residents. The submitter advises that they have never witnessed a high volume of traffic in Exploration Lane, and the traffic that does pass through is forced to travel at a safe speed due to the presence of two speed humps. Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above

line with Council policies. Access to Lonsdale Street is also available via La Trobe Street and Exhibition or Russell Street, although it is a longer route. Traffic surveys undertaken in 2003 indicate that a weekday average of over 810 vehicles travel along Exploration Lane, with most vehicles travelling south. Surveys were not able to be undertaken more recently as Exploration Lane has been closed to traffic for construction purposes. It is unlikely however that when all construction is completed in the lane that traffic volumes will be lower than during the surveys in 2003. The issue was therefore one of pedestrian safety in the long term as the footpaths are not wide enough or continuous on both sides of Exploration Lane.

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Paul Chang Katrina Cheong Hui-Ling Chiang Taizo Chinou Sumin Cho Aaron Chong Anson Chung Keryn Coghill

Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in

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Amanda Crane and Russell Maughan Christine Das Puneet Daultani David & Lynne Dunoon Cheryl Evans Michael Wyndham Evans Stephanie Fajar Mike Faris


item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal Comments provided in submission The service areas of Regency Towers are off Jones Lane. Access is currently via three routes, ie from Lonsdale Street, from Little Lonsdale Street, and via Exploration Lane.

Although there is some element of difficulty and danger in undertaking the U-turns in Lonsdale Street in order to enter Jones Lane, access to Jones Lane by performing a left turn into Little Lonsdale (from Russell Street) or Lonsdale Street are

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Lonsdale Street access to Jones Lane is always difficult. Motorists turning left from the west have to turn across a bus lane which in peak periods is dangerous. Motorists approaching from the east have to undertake a U turn through the centre parking area opposite the entrance to the Wesley Church. Many accidents occur in that process each year. For large removalist vans or emergency vehicles access from Lonsdale Street is dangerous and not recommended. The narrowness of Little Lonsdale street makes the right turns awkward. The traffic along Little Lonsdale Street is busy already and with plans for an additional 3-5 large high rise buildings along that stretch there is a potential increase in some thousand vehicles and 3000 people. Turning off the broad La Trobe Street into Exploration lane and across into Jones Lane has been the safest and most direct route. Closing this access will increase risks. Emergency vehicles, particularly fire services will have access restricted for the reasons above. The number of alternative access routes for safety should be maximised. Little Lonsdale Street only has to be blocked, which often happens to put a lot at risk. What is the fire service saying about this proposal? The cul de sac’s off Little Lonsdale Street, in particular, Bennett’s Lane and Davison’s Place are visible and known sites of drug deals and graffiti. It is the closed nature of these lanes that make it attractive for people to come through the Wesley Church area into these lanes. Through traffic along Little Lonsdale

considered far safer. In addition, Bus lanes are usually clear and therefore should provide better opportunities to enter Jones Lane via a left turn. Agreed. Right turns from Little Lonsdale Street into Jones Lane can be difficult by larger vehicles such as 8.8m service vehicles. Little Lonsdale Street during the peak period can be congested. The new developments along Exploration Lane and/or off Little Lonsdale Street are proposed to provide little or no parking facilities on site. While there will be an increase in congestion levels during peak periods this increase is not expected at the rate stated. Motorists parking in the Brady building at the corner of Exploration Lane and Little Lonsdale Street would not increase congestion in Little Lonsdale Street if Exploration Lane were closed. Access to Jones Lane is still available via Lonsdale Street. Also, emergency access will still be available via the frontage of the properties in Exhibition Street. The closure of Exploration Lane could not be seen as a severe change for emergency access. Exploration Lane would only be closed to through traffic. Pedestrians would not be affected and the sightlines into/out of the lane would not be altered.

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Peter Faris David and Mary Faucett Nicole Ferguson Grace Finau Verna Flynn Zijing Gao Edmund & Heike Garsenfeld

Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

Street and Jones Lane discourages these activities. Closing Exploration Lane will create another site attractive for dealing. Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above

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Sylvia Geyer Frances Giles Martin Suroon Gary Green Dale Griffiths Julie Griffiths Lorri Griffiths C Haag


Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above

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Sze Hui Low & Sze Min Low Natlie Tat Mi Lui Glenda May Lyons Vincent & Judy Mahon

Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal. Comments made in submission Impact on Jones Lane – loss of amenity to residents of 265 Exhibition Street and the Marriott Hotel Jones Lane in practical terms is an extension of Exploration Lane, running on the other side of Little Lonsdale Street. There are 222 apartments in our building and the carpark which accommodates over 350 vehicles has its entry/exit off Jones Lane. Planning permit 137761 requires loading to be undertaken within the boundary of the land. This means that deliveries or collections must be undertaken from the loading dock in Jones Lane which is owned by the adjoining Marriott Hotel. Deliveries and collections are not permitted at the front entrance of our building in Exhibition Street under the planning permit nor are there facilities at the Exhibition Street entrance for such deliveries and collections. Access to the goods lift for these deliveries is

The proposed closure of Exploration Lane does not prevent access to/from the carpark as access is still available either from Little Lonsdale Street or Lonsdale Street. Similarly, access to the loading dock by small service vehicles will not be prevented from accessing these streets. Medium size service vehicles (8.8m) will have difficulty in manoeuvring from Jones Lane into Little Lonsdale Street or vice-versa. There is the potential for these service vehicles to damage adjacent property or vehicles that are legally parked. Alternatively, as indicated above, these vehicles may reverse into or out of Lonsdale Street which is also not ideal for pedestrians or traffic movements due to safety considerations. Large service vehicles (12.5m) will not be able to undertake the turn at all

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via the loading dock in Jones Lane. The design of the loading dock means that large delivery trucks need to turn from La Trobe Street into Exploration Lane, across Little Lonsdale St and into Jones Lane before reversing into the loading dock. These trucks are not able to reverse into the loading dock if they enter from Lonsdale Street due to an overhang next to the entrance of the loading dock. Damage to this part of the building has occurred when large trucks have in the past attempted to enter from this direction. If these vehicles are forced to enter from Lonsdale Street, and are unable to enter the loading dock, they will park in front of the vehicular entry and prevent access. These vehicles will also have difficulty in turning from Jones Lane into Little Lonsdale Street or vice-versa. The closure of Exploration Lane will reduce the efficiency of delivery vehicles entering and leaving the loading dock and result in increased traffic congestion by heavy vehicles. Large vehicles may be forced to reverse out of Jones Lane. Vehicular traffic in either direction of Jones Lane will increase and make it harder for trucks to access the loading dock. Most residents enter the Regency Tower carpark by turning from La Trobe Street into Exploration Lane. The closure of Exploration Lane would require residents to enter either via Little Lonsdale Street which is heavily congested during peak times or Lonsdale Street which has high pedestrian numbers. The closure of Exploration Lane will increase pedestrian traffic in Jones Lane which is ill

Noted As indicated above, medium sized vehicles (8.8m) will have difficulty in turning from Little Lonsdale Street to Jones Lane or vice-versa. These vehicles would therefore have to reverse into or out of Lones Lane to Lonsdale Street. Any access requirements by medium sized vehicles will create difficulties if the closure of Exploration Lane were to proceed, large service vehicles (12.5m) will not be able to undertake the turn at all. Noted Noted Exploration Lane, if closed, will only prevent vehicular access. Pedestrians will still be able to travel through in this area as

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equipped to deal with the increase. No traffic management exists on the corner of Little Lonsdale St, Exploration Lane and Jones Lane to deal with increases in vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This will lead to further congestion. Delivery vehicles and vehicular entry/exit to our building will face further delays with increase pedestrian traffic. Jones Lane does not have footpaths nor is it practical to construct footpath there. Deliveries and collections for the Marriott Hotel are only available in Jones Lane. The closure of Exploration Lane will result in loss of amenity for residents of 265 Exhibition Street and the Marriott Hotel. The proposed closure of Exploration Lane will result in increased congestion, delays and inconvenience for deliveries, collections and access/egress to the carpark. These problems will be ongoing. The proposal diminishes not enhances the amenity of adjoining neighbours. Impact on Little Lonsdale Street The proposed closure of Exploration Lane will result in increased vehicular traffic and congestion in Little Lonsdale Street. The situation will be further exacerbated when the high rise residential building currently being constructed by the Brady Group on the corner of Little Lonsdale Street and Exploration Lane is completed. The vehicular entry/exit for this building is in a one way lane (Evans Lane). The one way will require these vehicles to exit onto Little Lonsdale Street. This will cause congestion along Little Lonsdale back down to the Russell

before. Any increase in vehicular traffic at the intersection of Jones Lane and Little Lonsdale Street should only be slight (as most of these vehicles previously travelled across Little Lonsdale Street from Exploration Lane into Jones Lane or vice versa) and not have any great impact on pedestrian movements in this area. Pedestrians will still be able to travel through Exploration Lane as before. This proposal is for vehicles only. Any increase in congestion resulting from large service vehicles blocking the lane can reduce the amenity of the area. Noted. The proposed closure of Exploration Lane may increase congestion levels in Little Lonsdale Street as motorists will not be able to exit onto La Trobe Street if they wish to travel north and have to exit at Exhibition Street. Alternatively, motorists will be able to exit through Jones Lane, however this increases congestion in Jones Lane. Should this proposal proceed, Engineering Services would be proposing that the east-west portion of Evans Lane be made as two way. This will permit motorists entering Exploration Lane or the carpark of the Brady Building or exit back onto La Trobe Street if required.

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Neil A Martin Peg Mathews

Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

Street intersection. This means increasing difficulty for vehicles exiting or entering Jones Lane via little Lonsdale Street. Impact on Jones Lane and Lonsdale Street corner. The proposed closure of Exploration Lane will result in increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic and congestion on this corner, resulting in increased difficulty for vehicles entering/exiting Jones Lane. Congestion in Little Lonsdale Street will see some vehicles turn from Little Lonsdale Street into Jones Lane to exit at Lonsdale Street. Vehicles exiting the carpark may be forced to exit via Lonsdale street due to congestion in Little Lonsdale Street. Vehicles entering /exiting Jones Lane via Lonsdale Street will experience further delays due to increased pedestrian traffic along Jones Lane, high pedestrian traffic across Jones Lane and increased vehicular traffic in Jones Lane and vehicular traffic congestion on Lonsdale Street as this intersection is near the Exhibition and Lonsdale Street intersection. Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above

The proposed closure will not affect pedestrian movements. It is unlikely that motorists that are travelling in Little Lonsdale Street and wishing to travel north (previously via Exploration Lane) will now travel south via Jones Lane to avoid the queue at Exhibition Street, only 55 metres (approx) away. There should not be significant delay to motorists entering/exiting Jones Lane to/from Lonsdale Street as pedestrian numbers in Jones Lane should not alter. Congestion may occur in Jones Lane if large trucks are not able to access the off street loading dock and instead park in the lane.

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Amanda Crane and Russell Maughan Paul and Tania McCarthy B McNicholl Cheryl Metcalfe Elaine Montague & William Francis Montague OAM Teresa Margaret Dominique Morton Drisha Kim Natarajan John P O’Brien

Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 131 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000

Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal Comments given in submission For apartments at 287-293 Exhibition Street, the walkway for access to the rubbish enclosure is located in Evans lane. This lane will become a car access thoroughfare if the

Additional traffic in Evans Lane will reduce the pedestrian safety and amenity as no footpaths exist in Evans Lane and the lane is narrow.

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Juliana Ostrogovich (Gurry) Anthony Page General Manager Marriott, Melbourne

Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Cnr exhibition & Lonsdale Streets Melbourne 3000

proposed blocking of Exploration Lane occurs. Tenants of local apartments use Exploration Lane to gain access, via La Trobe Street, to residential car parks At the completion of Eastend Apartments in june 2010, the new residents will need to enter Exploration Lane from Little Lonsdale Street in order to access the building main entrance and associated car parking. Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal. Comments given in submission The loading dock for the Marriott is off Jones Lane. Many of the delivery vehicles are quite large and rather than enter via Little Lonsdale Street, prefer to come down Exploration Lane and straight into Jones Lane as they cannot make the turn safely from Little Lonsdale Street. This includes the large garbage trucks which would have great difficulty making a turn from/to Jones Lane and Little Lonsdale street. The Marriott valet parks all the guest cars which pull up at the front of the hotel. Their staff drive them to La Trobe Street and down Exploration Lane into Jones Lane and in their carpark. They then exit into Lonsdale Street. If the lane was permanently closed a much longer route would be required, adding to congestion. Early in the New Year, the Marriott plans to

Access to local residential carparks will still be able obtained from La Trobe Street. Access will only be available from La Trobe Street. If the proposal were to proceed, the east-west portion of Evans Lane would be converted to two way flow to enable residents to enter/exit via La Trobe Street. Medium size service vehicles (8.8m) will have difficulty in manoeuvring from Jones Lane into Little Lonsdale Street or vice-versa. There is the potential for these service vehicles to damage adjacent property or vehicles that are legally parked. Alternatively, these vehicles may reverse into or out of Lonsdale Street which is also not ideal for pedestrians or traffic movements due to safety considerations. Large service vehicles (12.5m) will not be able to undertake the turn at all Noted As indicated above, medium sized vehicles (8.8m) will have

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Frank Palazzo Stephen Payne

Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

embark on a refurbishment of the 185 hotel rooms and therefore will have large vehicles delivering materials. If Exploration were to be closed, concern is raised for the difficulty in navigating the corner at Little Lonsdale Street and Jones Lane with possible danger to pedestrians and damage to footpaths and corner buildings. Problems have been experienced in the past when Exploration Lane has been closed due to construction. The closure has impacted negatively on both residents and businesses in the lane. The Cube serviced apartments has recently opened in Exploration Lane with access only to the lane. Although this property is competition for the Marriott, it is felt that the closure would be negative to tourism to see visitors having to drag their luggage along the walkway. Building in the vicinity is continuing and it would not be wise to make any permanent closure until al building works are completed and buildings are occupied. It is only then that a correct study of the area can be undertaken Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above. Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above

difficulty in turning from Little Lonsdale Street to Jones Lane or vice-versa. These vehicles would therefore have to reverse into or out of Jones Lane to Lonsdale Street. Any access requirements by medium sized vehicles will create difficulties if the closure of Exploration Lane were to proceed, large service vehicles (12.5m) will not be able to undertake the turn at all. Damage to corner properties of vehicles may result if motorists attempt these manoeuvres No complaints were received during the closure by Engineering Services Motorists will still be able to pick up/set down passengers from the front of the Cube apartments. These vehicles will however either have to U turn in the lane to exit back to La Trobe Street or exit via Evans Lane. Large vehicles may not be able to exit via Evans Lane particularly if bins are left in the lane. Noted

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V Peschechery Tri Quoc Pham Vincent Ng Ji Pin Christina Ung Huey Ping Pamela Roberts Albertus Eric Prakoso & Edo Kurniawan Prakoso Monthon Proteepsaensuk Paul Raphael Jo-Anne Ridgway



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Fionna Scott Catherine & Peter Sheehy Roy Morgan Simon Noel Leighton Skurrie Carley Smith Paul Simon Soon Jennifer Storrie Peter PT Tan



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Esther Tandianus David Thiedeman Thota Lipishree Wandy Tjendekiawan Bob Anh Tran & Krystell Tran John Van Der Wallen Fund Manager Colonial First State

Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 48 Martin Place, Sydney 2000

Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal. Comments made in submission As owners of the Melbourne Marriott, we wish to object to this proposal for the following issues: Although our property faces Exhibition Street, all of our deliveries are made to the rear of our building from Jones Lane which is the continuation of Exploration Lane. The delivery vehicles are relatively large and prefer to come down Exploration Lane and straight into Jones Lane as they cannot make the tight turn safely from Little Lonsdale Street. Garbage trucks will also have difficulty when

As indicated above, medium sized vehicles (8.8m) will have difficulty in turning from Little Lonsdale Street to Jones Lane or vice-versa. These vehicles would therefore have to reverse into or out of Jones Lane to Lonsdale Street. Any access requirements by medium sized vehicles will create difficulties if the closure of Exploration Lane were to proceed, large service vehicles (12.5m) will not be able to undertake the turn at all. Damage to corner properties of vehicles may result if motorists attempt these manoeuvres. Garbage trucks are usually 8.8m or larger.

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servicing properties in this area. The recent closure of the lane for gas pipe works has caused significant problems for businesses in terms of pedestrian safety as well as damage to buildings and vehicles. If the lane is closed the driver of a large vehicle may choose to back in or out of Jones Lane, to avoid difficult or impossible, turns at Little Lonsdale Street. This would be extremely dangerous, given the limited vision available to the driver. Hotel guests that drive to Melbourne pull up to the front of the Marriott Hotel. Our employees often offer to park their vehicles and as such, drive their vehicle to La Trobe Street and down Exploration Lane through to Lonsdale Street and into our carpark entrance. The alternative for staff is to drive down La Trobe Street to Russell Street which takes much longer and also clogs up what are already busy city streets. Guests often drive during peak periods. Although we encourage our guests to allow us to park their vehicles, on occasion they park their own vehicle and the closure of the lane would potentially tempt them to execute two difficult U-turns in unfamiliar road conditions rather than take the much longer route to the hotel’s carpark. This could potentially increase the number of vehicle or pedestrian accidents. Large emergency service vehicles currently have easy access to the rear of Regency Towers, the Marriott Hote, and Central Queensland university building. As time is usually critical in an emergency, the ability to have timely and safe access may be compromised by the lane closure.

If large vehicles enter Jones Lane from Lonsdale and reverse in or out, safety issues may result for themselves or pedestrians. The closure of Exploration Lane would increase the trip required to bring vehicles to the Hotel’s carpark off Jones Lane. The U turns through Exhibition and Lonsdale Street could be difficult however much easier left turns can be undertaken to access either Little Lonsdale Street or Lonsdale Street. Access to Jones Lane is still available via Lonsdale Street. Also, emergency access will still be available via the frontage of the properties in Exhibition Street. The closure of Exploration Lane could not be seen as a severe change for emergency access.

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Andrew W Susanna Wain Neil Waller Michael Walsh Eric Wang N Welsh Widiawaty Sean Wilson



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Kate Wombwell Ashita Saluja (for Albert Woo) Shu Shen Yeoh Syn Hy Yeoh Andrew Yeung Qinnan Zhao Roger Yi Bing Zong Michael Kennedy

Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Regency Towers 256 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Property owner at corner of Exploration Lane and Little Lonsdale Street

Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above Objects to the proposal as per reasons in item 2 above SUPPORTS PROPOSAL Comments given in Submission Proposed closure of Exploration Lane is supported as I believe that it will be for the greater benefit of the local community. It will increase the local amenity, improve the safety

Over 145 objections have been received

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of pedestrian traffic and is in accord with Council’s policies. Given that for a considerable time over 2008/2009, Exploration Lane was closed at Little Lonsdale Street (for construction purposes) the temporary closure clearly demonstrated the viability and benefits of closing this laneway. Whereas the closure of Exploration lane may cause some minor inconvenience, I maintain that this inconvenience is far outweighed by the amenity and safety improvements to the overall neighbourhood. Any inconvenience arising from the closure only affects those trying to avoid traffic control measures in adjoining streets and, in effect, using Exploration Lane as a ‘rat run’, this includes those commercial enterprises in Jones lane who use Exploration Lane. Exploration lane, apart from 321 Exhibition Street, is abutted by residential development, all of whom have bedrooms and liming areas immediately overlooking the laneway. Although Exploration Lane is a significant pedestrian throughfare for those travelling on the north-south axis from Carlton to the CBD, due to its lack of continual footpath, pedestrians are required to share the laneway with through traffic. The Melbourne Planning Scheme identifies Exploration Lane as a Class 3 laneway, stating that “Many of these lanes may benefit from upgrading and enhancement to realise their full potential with regard to pedestrian amenity and urban design” The Municipal Strategic Statement also

It has been advised that abutting property owners/occupiers were patient with closure as it was for construction purposes and not a permanent situation. There were inconveniences caused but complaints were not generally made. It is advised that property owners/occupiers abutting Jones Lane which includes the Regency Towers, and Marriott Hotel require access through Exploration Lane to accommodate access requirements for large service vehicles. Alternative arrangements whereby large service vehicles have to enter via Lonsdale Street also have safety implications as well as the difficulty of manoeuvring through Little Lonsdale Street. Noted Although footpaths are not continuous, in Exploration Lane, it is possible to use the existing footpaths to travel along the lane. Access for disabled however would be more difficult, or not possible if wheelchair access were required. This is not dissimilar to many laneways in the CBD. It is noted that the Planning Scheme as well as Council’s Road Safety Plan provide for improvements to lanes such as Exploration Lane. These improvements however should be undertaken with due consideration of other abutting requirements such access to carparks or for servicing.

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identifies four core value characteristics as contributing to the success of the lane as a pedestrian environment: Connectivity – the provision of a physical connection through a city block Active frontages – building frontages that provide for visual and physical interaction Elevational articulation – the architectural character of the buildings adjoining the lane Views – views from the lane’s public realm towards a connecting lane, street or landmark I believe that the closing of Exploration Lane to through traffic supports the Municipal Strategic Statement’s ‘General Objectives’ to, inter alia: Ensure that the unique and valued characteristics of Melbourne’s laneways are maintained and enhanced through appropriate built form outcomes of future development, Maintain and improve the city’s laneway network and encourage the creation of new lanes and connections, Enhance the climatic conditions and amenity of the laneway to encourage more intensive pedestrian use and social activity, Encourage activity, vitality and interaction between public laneways and adjacent private uses, Protect and where possible create views along lanes that provide a visual link to other streets and lanes in the pedestrian network, or which terminate at notable buildings or landmarks.

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Council’s Road Safety Plan aims at providing the means to create a significantly safer street environment for vulnerable road users. We believe that the closure of Exploration Lane, presently a laneway shared by through vehicle traffic and pedestrians supports the aim of the Road Safety Plan. The proposed closure is also in accord with the city’s Transport Program 2003-2006 in that is supports the Transport Program’s objectives to: Improve pedestrian amenity within the municipality with a particular concentration within the CBD Improve the quality of amenity and safety in the vicinity of public transport related facilities. In essence, I maintain that the closure of Exploration Lane, at the intersection of Little Lonsdale Street, is in accord with the Melbourne Planning Scheme, Melbourne Strategic Statement, Road Safety Plan, and the Transport Program. The closure: Improves local amenity in an area with very little open space, Upgrades and enhances Exploration Lane to realise its full potential with regard to pedestrian amenity and urban design Improves and builds on the physical connection between the CBD and Carlton Allows better use of the laneways active street frontages

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Andrew Hughes Senior Portfolio Manager | Corporate Real Estate Management, Colliers International Bruce Poon Rosemary Sammarco

For Client at 321 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 3000. (Australia Post 15 Exploration Lane, Melbourne 15 Exploration Lane, Melbourne 3000

Reinforces the laneway’s characteristics and enhances through a better relationship with the laneway’s built forms While maintaining the laneway for local use, it encourages another pedestrian friendly connection Enhances the amenity of the laneway to encourage more intensive and social activity Encourages greater activity, vitality, and interaction between the laneway and adjacent private uses Terminates Exploration Lane without removing the visual link to the CBD Enhances the view, down Exploration Lane, to Lonsdale Street, and through Cohen Lane to Chinatown further emphasising the interconnectedness of the city and adjacent areas. No formal objection is offered. It is advised however that Australia Post will be relocating in November/December and therefore would appreciate any works being delayed until after the relocation Supports proposal if pedestrians are not affected by closure Fully Supports the road closure Comments made in Submission Long standing resident of Exploration Lane (10 years) who find it both dangerous and difficult walking down Exploration Lane

Noted. Works would not proceed (if approved) until well into the new year and with the consideration of the construction activities Closure will only be for vehicles. It should be noted that these vehicles will not be eliminated by closure, they will still come in and may create added congestion as they have to U turn to exit into LaTrobe Street. This

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149

Prue Willsford

Resident at corner of Little Lonsdale Street and Exploration Lane

because of vehicles travelling along both directions and no footpath for pedestrians to walk on Situation is getting worse due to excess vehicles dropping off and picking up guests staying at the recently opened 14 level serviced apartment building. A new development is being built in Bennetts Lane which connects with the existing Serviced apartments in Exploration Lane. The entry for both buildings will be via Exploration Lane. The Brady Building will add another 75 car spaces with access via the east west portion of Evans Lane. There are already problems happening with all the extra traffic, dropping off and picking up guests. Difficulty is also being experienced when entering my carpark with the increasing build up of traffic. The closure will make safer for all concerned Supports the proposal Comments given in submission Proposal will be for the greater benefit of the local community, will increase the local amenity, improve the safety of pedestrian traffic and is in accord with Council’s policies. Although Exploration Lane is a significant pedestrian thoroughfare for those travelling on the north-south axis from Carlton to the CBD, due to is lack of continual footpath, pedestrians are required to share the laneway with through traffic. Vehicle traffic use Exploration Lane primarily

includes problems in entering the private carpark Over 145 objections have been received Pedestrian footpaths are not continuous in Exploration Lane and therefore pedestrians have to be careful when travelling along the Lane. They can stage their trip by changing to a footpath on a different side of the lane. This is difficult for disabled pedestrians. Generally pedestrians do not walk on the road.

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as a “rat run” to avoid traffic lights and other traffic control measures in the adjoining streets. The introduction of traffic calming measures in the laneway, speed humps, has had a marginal effect on speeding through traffic thus leading to the only viable and long term option, the closure of either Jones Lane or Exploration lane at Little Lonsdale Street. The closure of Exploration Lane is supported by the Melbourne Planning Scheme, Melbourne Strategic Statement, Road Safety Plan, and the Transport Program as the closure, Improves local amenity in a area with very little open space, Upgrades and enhances Exploration Lane to realise its full potential with regard to pedestrian amenity and urban design Improves and builds on the physical connection between the CBD and Carlton Allows better use of the laneways active street frontage. Reinforces the laneway’s characteristics and enhances through a better relationship with the laneway’s built forms While maintaining the laneway for local use, it encourages another pedestrian friendly connection Enhances the amenity of the laneway to encourage more intensive and social activity Encourages greater activity, vitality and interaction between the laneway and adjacent private uses

No traffic surveys have been undertaken in recent times as construction activities have been taking place for more than one year, including a full closure of Exploration of the Lane for more than 8 months. Previous surveys conducted in December 2003, indicate that there were on average 800 vehicles per day travelling though the lane, with the majority merely using the lane as a short cut. While the closure of Exploration Lane may be supported by various Council policies, this is also subject to traffic considerations and access requirements.

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Terminates Exploration lane without removing the visual link to the CBD Enhances the view down Exploration, to Lonsdale Street, and through Cohen Lane to Chinatown further emphasising the interconnectedness of the city and adjacent areas.

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smivis

Text Box


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Agenda Item 6.1 Future Melbourne Committee

2 March 2010

FINANCE ATTACHMENT


There are no significant financial implications for Council arising from the recommendations contained in the report.

Phu Nguyen Acting Manager Financial Services

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Agenda Item 6.1 Future Melbourne Committee

2 March 2010

LEGAL ATTACHMENT


The proposed road closure necessitated the implementation of the road closure provisions under clause 9 of Schedule 11 of the Local Government Act 1989.

Section 207A of the Act provides for submissions under Section 223 of the Act in relation to the exercise of Council’s powers to block or restrict the passage or access of vehicles on a road by placing and maintaining any permanent barrier or other obstruction on the road.

The report details that the public notice and submissions procedures were complied with in accordance with the Act.

The Act requires the Council consider all submission prior to making its decision and notify all submitters of its decision and the reason for its decision. Kim Wood Manager Legal Services

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Documents

EXPLORATION LANE, MELBOURNE: PROPOSED PERMANENT … · 5. Letter from VicRoads 4 19. On balance, while the closure of Exploration Lane could improve pedestrian safety on most occasions,