Vaughan Street Landscaping Concept Plans

Council endorsed the Vaughan Street Landscaping Concept Plans 2020 at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 15 December 2020.

Background

In February 2019, Council appointed Spiire Australia Pty Ltd to prepare the Vaughan Street Landscaping Concept Plans 2020 (the Plans).

The Plans aim to upgrade this small but important linkage to ensure a consistent and aesthetically attractive transition space between the areas addressed by the Vaughan Street and Maude Street Redevelopment (Stage 1 of the CBD Revitalisation Project) and the Shepparton Railway Precinct Master Plan 2017.

The Shepparton Railway Precinct Master Plan 2017 aims to improve connectivity between the Shepparton Railway Station and the Shepparton CBD through the construction of a pedestrian overpass, enhancing access for both residents and the visitors expected as a result of an increase of V/Line services from five to nine arrivals per day. This project is further expected to provide a catalyst for redevelopment of VicTrack land along Hoskin Street for commercial purposes.

The Plans also provide for the future development of linkages to the La Trobe University and GoTAFE campuses in North Street.

The Concept Plans

The Vaughan Street Landscaping Concept Plans 2020 draw together elements from the surrounding areas to provide a bright and attractive transition space, contributing to easier wayfinding between key destinations in Shepparton and enhancing the experience of pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users.

The Plans include mixed plantings and additional street trees, street furniture, wayfinding, public artworks, and a shared path along the north side of Vaughan Street to intersect the existing local cycling network. Initial surveys indicated that some sections of the road surface are in poor condition, so road renewal works have also been included in the project’s scope.

A preliminary construction cost has been estimated at approximately $2,219,300 which may be met, in part or full, by Council. This includes GST, a 40% contingency fund, and road works. Council will also seek a contribution to the delivery of this project by the State government.

Download the Concept Plans

Community Consultation

In June 2020, Council corresponded with surrounding land owners and occupiers of land, to inform and consult on the Plans prior to seeking funding for the detailed design and construction phases of the project. The submission form on Council’s website was also publicly accessible during the consultation period.

Three submissions were received from local businesses during the four-week consultation period. While there was broad support for the proposed works, the submissions raised concerns regarding pedestrian and cyclist safety at vehicle crossovers, potential damage to trees where larger commercial vehicles require access for deliveries, access to off-street car parking during and following works, and the potential loss of multi-bay parking in the median that currently accommodates longer vehicles such as caravans when required.

These concerns have been recorded for consideration and resolution during the detailed design phase. Further community consultation is also anticipated at that stage.

Next Steps

Council officers will commence advocacy to source funding to undertake detailed design work.

With the imminent addition of further rail services to the Shepparton Railway Station and potential for works to upgrade the Station and surrounds, having ‘shovel-ready’ plans for the completion of this important linkage will increase the likelihood of obtaining grant support for its implementation.

The proposed works may be carried out in conjunction with works in neighbouring precincts, minimising construction costs and disruption to the community. The proposed works are a key element in ensuring both visitors and residents are greeted with an attractive and welcoming gateway to the CBD, maximising the benefit obtained for the community from investment in the Shepparton CBD Revitalisation Project, and the Shepparton Railway Precinct Master Plan 2017.