Diamond Creek: Precinct 3 Plan

Diamond Creek Precinct 3

Preferred character statement

This area will become a truly mixed use precinct, where the existing local trades and services can continue alongside other emerging industries such as start up businesses, small-scale manufacturers and technology oriented start-up businesses, office and creative industries. The emerging economy will help to develop an innovation hub in Diamond Creek. At the same time, a limited amount of residential will be allowed to complement the desired economic outcome of the locality, respond to its location next to the train station, and provide activation, amenity and support new types of live-work development.

The buildings will present a cohesive image for the area with consistent setbacks and heights and will be articulated to break up the bulky forms usually seen in service industrial areas. A theme of native vegetation within front setbacks along Elizabeth Street will link this area to the adjoining parklands.


Objectives

• To support existing industrial uses whilst facilitating other compatible emergent industries to energise the centre.

• To minimise the impacts of development on adjoining sensitive land uses.

• To encourage high density mixed use development.

• To create a cohesive image for the area and encourage contemporary built form responses which provide interest to the streetscape and contribute to an attractive pedestrian environment.

• To emphasise the Main Hurstbridge Road frontage with buildings which exemplify the overall character and image of Diamond Creek.

• To create an native planting theme within front setbacks along Elizabeth Street which will link this area to the character of adjoining parklands.

• To improve the public realm and minimise conflicts between cars and pedestrians.


Strategies

• Review zoning and consider application of a Commercial 3 Zone (C3Z) (or modified ACZ2) to facilitate creative industries, small manufacturers, start-up businesses and residential.

• Change the functions along the Main Hurstbridge Road frontage to intensify the land use and increase the amenity along this spine of the activity centre.

• Investigate the opportunity to make Station Street one way, to lessen conflicts between cars parking and pedestrians and reducing vehicular turning movements, minimising congestion.

• Investigate implementation of indented parking and a footpath on the western side of Elizabeth Street.

• Implement Gipson Street bridge duplication as specified in DCPO1, to improve traffic flow to the Activity Centre. As part of this, investigate complementary measures to:

- Improve the amenity of the bridge as an entrance into the centre

- Enhance the connectivity the bridge provides for pedestrians/ cyclists in and out of the centre (e.g. clear provision for cyclists and pedestrians on the bridge)

- Provide a safe and non-congested environment in the Station Street precinct, particularly by considering traffic calming devices, pedestrian crossings, carefully-placed parking, etc.


Design Guidelines

• Any future redevelopment of the Diamond Creek Tavern should be reflective of its heritage features and mark the entry to the Diamond Creek Major Activity Centre.

• Redevelopment adjacent to the Diamond Creek Tavern should ensure it does not dominate the heritage form.

• Built form should present an attractive and articulated façade to provide visual interest.

• Limit convenience parking areas to front setbacks landscaped to screen parking areas.

• Developments should not provide storage areas within the frontage.

• Front fencing along the street boundary is highly discouraged.

• Buildings should be designed with active frontages (greater than 60% non-reflective glazing) at ground level to provide a safe and lively environment.

• Buildings should present an attractive and articulated façade to provide visual interest to the overall development and offset bulky forms to the rear.


Refer to the General Guidelines at Section 6.0 for interface setback requirements.