draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan November 2016

Transcription

1 draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan November 2016

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3 Contents Site location and description... 3 Design brief... 6 Site analysis/existing facilities... 7 Relationship to other Council planning documents Proposed works Master Plan Normal use Master Plan AFL maximum use Master Plan Baseball maximum use Master Plan Cricket maximum use/summer sports arrangement Master Plan Rugby/Soccer maximum use Master Plan Parking, transport and pathways Recommendations Appendices Version Date Notes By 1 Dec 2014 DRAFT for internal consultation GK 2 FEB 2015 DRAFT for external consultation TD 3 OCT 2016 DRAFT for Exhibition TD Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

4 Site location and description Location and surrounds The fields are located to the northeast of the Belmont Town Centre, about 250m east of the Pacific Highway. The site is bounded to the north, south and east by the Belmont Wetlands State Park, with mostly residential properties to the northwest, west and southwest. Major institutions neighbouring the site include the Belmont Sportsman s Club, Belmont Public School and Lake Macquarie Retirement Village. The Fernleigh Track is about 500m further east of the fields, with a connection via the Merleview Fire Trail. Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

5 Site description Belmont Sports Fields is a large site, approximately 570m north-south and 500m east-west, comprising several different sporting codes. Specifically, the site includes: Cahill Oval, which is used for rugby league, soccer and cricket, is semi-enclosed and has a grandstand, 2 amenities blocks, a scoreboard and a spectator hill; Les Miller field - baseball and cricket, with a clubhouse, administration building and amenities block; Barton Field - 2 rugby league and 2 cricket fields; Lumsdon Field - 2 cricket fields and 1 baseball, with amenities shared with Barton Field; Molly Smith Netball Courts - 27 courts and clubhouse; an a tennis centre with eight courts and clubhouse. Indented parking bays are located along Apex Street adjacent the netball courts with a capacity of 78 spaces (including five disabled places). No other formalised parking exists onsite; however, there is extensive informal parking available along the interior road network and on-street parking in the surrounding streets. This is likely to allow for nearly 600 additional cars either on site or within one block (100m) of the site. This calculation excludes parking located within the Sportsman s Club site. The site comprises the following lots: Lot 1 DP Lot 1 DP Lot 2 DP Lot 21 DP Lot 1 DP Lot 41 DP Lot 72 DP Lot 10 DP (only to the extent of currently cleared area) Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

6 Design brief The project is to conduct a study and analysis of the Belmont sports fields to establish the sites capacity to its maximum usage of the spaces available. The existing site configuration does not allow for a number of potential overlaid sports and many of the fields do not meet existing standards for field size and/or safe run-off zones. Very little formalised parking is provided on site, though large areas are utilised for informal parking. Scope inclusions Investigate a gated gravel service road for emergency vehicles as identified in the Belmont Wetlands State Park Concept Master Plan. Master Plan layers are to include provision for AFL, baseball, cricket, football (rugby and soccer) and relative junior arrangements for each of these. The design shall not alter the existing layout for the tennis and netball courts. Investigate maximum possible sporting use of Belmont Sports Fields Investigate any environmental constraints to achieving the maximum possible use. Investigate appropriate sized amenities for maximum use, and whether this would require two separate buildings. Investigate appropriate path-finding around the site. Investigate best lighting layout for maximum use and minimised conflict. Investigate potential drainage issues and complete a contour survey. Investigate existing parking status and required parking provisions. Investigate methods of separation between fields when operating under maximum usage. Investigate sporting configurations to identify conflicts between concurrent uses. Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

7 Site analysis/ existing facilities Environmental constraints Most of the site is Class 3 acid sulphate soil land. o In accordance with Lake Macquarie Local Environment Plan 2004, clause 35, works beyond 1m below natural ground surface or which the water table is likely to be lowered beyond 1m below natural ground surface, requires development consent, unless subclause (3) applies. A building height restriction of 8.5m applies. The adjacent vegetation is bushfire prone land, while a large part of the site is buffer zone to bushfire prone land. LMCC coastal policy applies to this site. SEPP 14 wetlands occur adjacent site with parts of the 100m buffer zone falling within the site. o A hydrological assessment should be conducted during detailed design to ensure that proposed works do not have a negative impact on SEPP 14 wetlands Underground drainage infrastructure passes through the site o The pipe passes through the hill/road area and exact location (horizontal and vertical) should be determined with respect to the proposed detailed grading design Parts of the site affect critical fish habitat o Detailed design should review the potential impact and mitigate Parts of the site are a flood control lot. o The site is above levels for Lake flooding. Localised flooding should be taken into account. The site is in geotechnical zone T6. The site is zoned RE1. Ownership of the site is with LMCC. Land adjacent the site is reserved land Belmont Wetland State Park. A fire trail passes through the site for which access must be maintained. Land adjacent the site forms part of the Sensitive Aboriginal land strategy. Land adjacent the site is a vegetation corridor. Black slag is known to occur onsite. The bulk of the site is currently graded at 1:200. Refer to Appendix: Belmont Sports Fields - Environmental Constraint Maps D Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

8 Design constraints Refer to Figure 1 for the major conflicts within the site. 1. Drainage pinch-point 1 An informal creek crossing by pedestrians with some potential to create a circulation option for car parking. Erosion and geotechnical issues, plus proximity to vegetation. 2. Drainage pinch-point 2 The drainage lines from the road empty into an open channel, but these are not directly aligned. The diagonal line that connects the two areas limits the space available for fields and firetails. Piped services run through this space. 3. Spectator hill A major feature for the spectators attending games at Cahill Oval, this takes up a significant amount of space and will be impacted by field expansions from the east and west, probably reducing its height. 6. Proximity to neighbours A retirement village shares a fence with the site. All other neighbours have at least a road between. 7. Proximity to wetland An open water portion of the wetlands sites to the south and southeast of Lumsdon field, with potential for balls to end up in the water and prohibiting the option of expansion to the south east. 8. Proximity to wetland / habitat vegetation An open water section of the wetlands with vegetation sits to the east of Lumsdon and Barton fields with the potential for balls to end up in the water and prohibiting the option of expansion to the east. 9. Merleview fire trail Fire trail access must be maintained to the entry point into the Belmont Wetlands State Park 4. Parking pinch-point A tight space between the adjacent Sportsman s Club car park, Cahill Oval and Les Miller Field. 5. Memorial building Raised in honour of Les Miller s services to baseball by the Sportsman s Club, this building is located in the furthest southwest corner of site, a position that awkwardly relates to the fields. Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

9 Figure 1: Locations of major site constraints Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

10 Transport connections Road network Belmont Sports Fields has multiple access points from the road network east of the Pacific Highway. These roads are reasonably well connected to each other, however there are limited opportunities to turn north bound on the highway. This may be of concern during periods of high use with traffic banking up along Maude Street. Public transport Distance to public transport = m to buses depending on route. May involve crossing highway. No trains or ferries in close proximity. Condition of connection: All routes passing through Belmont come within easy walking distance of the site. These routes connect well to Newcastle and the eastern part of the Lake, but rely on connecting services to Glendale, Wallsend and the western parts of the lake. Northbound services need to cross the Pacific Highway, the only opportunity of which is at the lights at Maude Street. Frequency of service is between ¾ and 1 hour for each route. With the fixed nature of sports game commencement times and the additional time a bus takes to do the same trip as a car, utilising bus transit as an option may add up to 2 hours of additional transit time (including waiting periods) compared to using a car, as a result of indirect routes and infrequent services. This is likely to remain a significant barrier to the use of buses to access the site. There are shelters and a single seat at each of the north and south bound stops, but there is no signposting at the bus stops to indicate their proximity to the fields and signposting at the nearby intersections is poor. For more information, download the Belmont Public Transport Access Guide from Council s website. Walking and cycling Distance to Fernleigh Track = 500m Condition of connection: The connection to the Fernleigh track consists of the Merleview fire trail; a well-kept gravel road with moderate to difficult pedestrian access due to a steep ascent at the Fernleigh Track end and a creek crossing with a narrow walkway at the Belmont Fields end, but otherwise easy grade. The track is sign posted at both ends. The track is gated at both ends to prevent unauthorised vehicular access, but motorbike access occurs in this area via an informal detour to the Fernleigh Track gate. The wear on the ground leading to the Belmont Fields track access point suggests that it is well used by pedestrians and cyclists. For more information, download the Cycling Strategy from Council s website. Distance to Belmont shopping strip = 500m Condition of connection: While the distance to the shops is relatively small, there are only footpath connections along one side each of Maude and Glover Streets, with lawns to the remainder. The Pacific Highway at and approaching the town centre is fully paved with concrete The grade of the verges tends to be relatively flat, though in places there are significant falls to the road. For more information, download the Footpath Strategy and Belmont Streetscape Master Plan from Council s website. Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

11 Development Control Plan No. 1 parking requirements Current facilities DCP Parking Requirements 8 Tennis courts 24 ~ 3 per court 27 Netball courts 280 ~ 10 per court Rectangular fields 90 ~ 30 per field 1/3 provided grandstand seating 90 Baseball 30 ~ not specified Total current requirement = 514 spaces Total available parking = 78 formal spaces and approx. 600 informal spaces Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

12 Relationship to other Council planning documents Document Reference Basic Description Master Plan response Belmont Town Centre Area Plan Figure 1, page 5 Cycling Strategy 2021 Belmont Streetscape Master Plan Environmental Sustainability Action Plan Lake Macquarie Footpath Strategy Figure 8 Sheets 3, 9 & 11 KPI s 4.2, 4.4, 4.5 & 4.7 KPI 6.11 Figure C year footpath register Ranks 3, 8, 9, 23, 29, 34, 35, 37 & 51 A map showing the major pedestrian routes and locations within the town centre, and its proximity to the Belmont Sports site. A map showing an indicative future link connecting the Fernleigh Track via the Belmont Wetlands and Belmont Sports Ground to the Pacific Highway. The site interfaces with Street Type F (CBD Support Area), which will require a footpath to one side, specified street trees without tree guards. Increase pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and community engagement around sustainable transport. Install water sensitive urban devices at council sites. Implementation of footpaths in the Belmont area in proximity to the site are high priorities. Due to the proximity of the town centre, consider how the two sites interact and flow of people between these sites. Incorporate a shared path link within the site to allow for this connection (note some parts are outside the boundary of this site). Consider the impact of the site with reference to the connection to the town centre and perhaps recommend an increase in the footpath treatment for that connection. Otherwise implement/incorporate the Streetscape Master Plan elements as shown. Incorporate pedestrian and cycling infrastructure into the design. Include sustainable transport as a focus question in community consultation. Consider WSUD devices suitable for this site. Acknowledge footpath strategy and link site paths to proposed connections Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

13 Document Reference Basic Description Master Plan response Public Toilet Facilities Strategy Pages 29, 44, 89 & 92 Existing toilet at Cahill oval in poor condition, proposed to be locked outside of sports use and cleaning frequency reduced. Existing toilet at Les Miller field in poor condition, proposed to be locked outside of sports use and cleaning frequency reduced. Other toilets at Maude Street and the tennis centre not assessed (refer Sports Facility Strategy ) Review the toilet requirements resulting from proposed site activities. Sports Facility Strategy Flood control lot map LMCC Sporting Grounds Advertising Policy Belmont Wetlands State Park Master Plan Pages 19, 21-26, 44, 46, 49, 52 & Future Planned Projects (Years 10-15) floodlighting for Barton Oval. Clubs identified the following issues: Baseball: amenities, floodlighting and storage upgrades Cricket: Barton and Lumsdon ovals require attention. Seating, shade, access, car parking and storage need upgrades. Soccer: seating, shade, access, car parking and floodlighting upgrades. Netball: seating, shade, car parking, storage upgrades. Rugby: access and car parking Softball: storage Incorporation of floodlighting within master plan. Incorporation of identified upgrades. Excerpt Site is mapped as a flood control lot. Coordinate with relevant area of Council to determine impact and legislative requirements. Page 5 Figure 14 (page 50) Advertising must face inward to the oval. Hard surface shared path and gravel service road link through site to Fernleigh Track and BWSP. Consider the provision of suitable locations for advertising that meet this policy. Allow for shared path and service road. Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

14 Proposed works Sports fields DCP Parking Requirements 8 Tennis courts Netball courts Rectangular fields 240 1/3 provided grandstand seating Included above Associated Facilities DCP Parking Requirements Grandstand/seating 90 Amenities block/s Included above Skate park Included above Playground Included above Walking/cycling paths N/A Total 634 spaces Grading Sports fields should be graded at around 1:70 to 1:100. To achieve this while maintaining the existing levels at the site boundary, the centre area of the four fields (where the amenities is to be located) will need to be filled, while the areas to the north and south ends of the fields will be lowered. Cahill Oval will only have minimal change to accommodate the extended area. Re-grading of the spectator hill will be required with a steepening of the front face to 1:6 and the back face to 1:4. Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

15 Master Plan Winter Sports Arrangement Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

16 Master Plan AFL maximum use Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

17 Master Plan Baseball maximum use Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

18 Master Plan Cricket maximum use/summer sports arrangement Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

19 Master Plan Rugby/Soccer maximum use Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

20 Master Plan Parking, transport and pathways Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

21 Recommendations Fields Cahill Oval o Expand the playing area to the north, south and east to accommodate senior cricket and AFL fields. Adjust the field grading, drainage and fences accordingly. o A single rugby/soccer field only can be accommodated, to be located on the western side. In order to maintain the amenity of the grandstand, the cricket pitch is required to be located within the rugby/soccer playing field. Barton No. 1 Field o Formalise field to suit a single rugby/ soccer field. o New grandstand/amenities and car park to the western side. Barton No. 2/Lumsdon Fields o Amend the field placements to accommodate maximum alternative sport overlays. Adjust the field grading, drainage and fencing accordingly. Install irrigation and lighting. Les Miller Field o Relocate fields eastwards, including all field overlays and spectator seating. Demolish existing amenities and admin buildings. Construct new combined building. Consider existing Les Miller building future use. No changes are proposed to the Molly Smith Netball Courts or the Belmont Macquarie Tennis Courts. Amenities Cahill Oval: o Demolish the existing amenities at the top of the spectator hill and relocate them to the north, once hill reshaping is complete. Barton No. 1 Field o New grandstand / amenities and car park to the western side. o New raised amenities between Barton No. 1 & No. 2 fields with terraced seating. Les Miller Field: o Demolish existing toilet block, admin building and baseball HQ. Construct new combined building in new location between Les Miller and Lumsdon fields. Lumsdon Fields: o Demolish the existing amenities block and construct new, extended block in central location between Les Miller and Lumsdon fields. No changes are proposed to the amenities associated with Molly Smith Netball Courts or Belmont Macquarie Tennis Courts. Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

22 Transport Prepare an active transport plan for the site to focus effort on maximising the use of alternatives transport options. Build a shared path through site between Merleview Street and Merleview Fire Trail link to Fernleigh Track. Install ample bike locking facilities and a water bottle refill station adjacent bike rails. Formalise car parks to maximise efficiency of space and limit the impact of overflow parking into the surrounding neighbourhood and environmental damage from informal parking. Offsite works recommended: Other works o Upgrade north and south bound bus stops on the Pacific Highway for increased capacity. o Install signs to inform public transport users that this is the most suitable stop to alight for Belmont Sports Fields (including safe crossing points across the highway). o Provide directional signage from the stop to the fields and from the fields to the bus stops. o Upgrade the footpath network in accordance with the Belmont Streetscape Master Plan, the Cycling Strategy and the Footpath Strategy. Signage and way-finding: o Install site maps at key locations. o Develop and install interpretation signage or plaques describing who the fields and facilities were named after. o Install way-finding signs at key locations providing directions to key nearby locations, e.g. Fernleigh Track, Belmont Town Centre, bus stops. Include distances. Playgrounds: Environment o Proposed playgrounds located between Les Miller and Lumsdon fields and another near Molly Smith netball courts. Acid Sulfate Soil o Prepare an assessment of the proposed works in accordance with the Acid Sulfate Soil Manual as required by Part 5, Clause 35(3). o LMLEP 2004 Schedule 1 part 2 provides that there is no exempt development on class 3 potential acid sulfate soil lands where the excavation will be greater than 500mm. o Conduct testing to ascertain the extent and risk of Acid Sulfate Soil onsite. o Incorporate the cost of management into the detailed design of stages. o Stage the works to manage the disturbance and environmental risk of acidification. Erosion and Sediment Control o LMLEP 2004 clause 31(2)(c) requires the preparation of a soil and water management plan for works exposing an area of soil greater than 2,500 m² (each field is approximately 21,000m²). Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

23 Flood Prone Land Vegetation o Part of the site has been identified as a Flood Control lot - Low Hazard. Future upgrades to the site should be in accordance with applicable LM DCP 2014 flood related development controls. o Site contours are above the level for implications of sea level rise. o Underground drainage infrastructure passes through the site. Localised drainage constraints should be addressed as part of the design process. o Existing site vegetation to be cleared as part of the proposed works will trigger a development consent application under LMLEP 2004 cluse 34. o No trees on site are listed on the significant tree register. o Palm trees onsite are a feature of the site and should be maintained or duplicated in the tree selections of later design phases. Sustainability initiatives Stormwater capture and reuse is not currently considered feasible on this site due to the lack of space, existing black slag and proposed regulation of reused water. Potable water reduction is achieved by the use of bore water for irrigation (though this does not achieve the full value of water used). Changes in regulations may affect this assessment. Solar panels are not considered suitable for this site, due to the relatively low level of security and risk of theft/vandalism. The site has roof space and good solar access should the vandalism risks be addressed. Low energy use floodlighting for the fields should be considered, including PE cell and timer dual control, and low wattage luminaires/fittings. Access and disability The following items have been identified for improved disability access and shall be considered during the detailed design stage of works: o Provision for wheelchair space in the seating area at various locations that cater for people using wheelchairs and family/ friends to sit, with clear lines of site for viewing. o Consideration of scoring systems for people with vision and hearing impairments. o Unisex accessible toilet/shower facilities to comply with AS o Signage to toilets. o Pathways to connect from parking to seating and toilet facilities. o Additional designated accessible parking bays in the formalised parking areas. Crime and safety Request NSW Police, Lake Macquarie Local Area Command Crime Prevention Officer to undertake a full crime risk assessment of the site. Respond to any items identified within that report. Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

24 Appendices D Belmont Sports Fields Environmental Constraint Maps D Belmont Sports Fields Council policy and plans extracts Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

25 Draft Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan - November

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