bendigo hospital precinct structure plan ment · the lower extents of park road and the chinese...

July 2013Infrastructure Technical Assesment

Hospital PrecinctStructure Plan

prepared by hansen partnership pty ltd in collaboration with the City of Greater Bendigo

prepared by hansen partnership pty ltd in collaboration with the city of greater bendigo

bendigo hospital precinct structure plan

infrastructure technical assessmentjuly 2013

2bendigo hospital precinct structure plan | infrastructure assessment | hansen partnership pty ltd

1 introductioncontents 1 introduction 2

2 study area 4

3 existing systems 6

4 stormwater and drainage 12

5 public space and facilities 14

6 infrastructure & sustainability 16

figuresfigure 1 hospital location within greater bendigo 3figure 2 key study area location 4figure 3 study area 5figure 4 infrastructure plan: water 8figure 5 infrastructure plan: sewer 9figure 6 infrastructure plan: power 10figure 7 infrastructure plan: gas 11figure 8 public space and facilities 15

version title date issuer changes

A bendigo hospital preinct structure plan: infrastructure assessment DRAFT

JK

B bendigo hospital preinct structure plan: infrastructure assessment 28.06.13 JK following circulation to steering committee and internal project team

The Bendigo Hospital Precinct Structure Plan: Infrastructure Assessment has been prepared by hansen partnership on behalf of the City of Greater Bendigo (CoGB). It forms part of a suite of reports which will underpin a Structure Plan (SP) for the area around the Bendigo Hospital. The $630 million redevelopment of the Bendigo Hospital will see the expansion of services provided and an increase in bed numbers. This is anticipated to attract increasing numbers of people to the precinct and generate greater employment, not only on the hospital site itself but through a range of associated uses and activities which may occur within the surrounding area. The Bendigo Hosptial Precinct Structure Plan (BHPSP) will seek to maximise opportunities associated with this multi-million dollar redevelopment for the wider Bendigo community. Given the amount of activity which currently takes place not only on the hospital site itself but also within the wider precinct, it is important to carefully plan and manage how this redevelopment impacts on the broader area. In undertaking a Structure Plan, CoGB seeks not only to maximise the opportunities, but also to manage the potential negative impacts that may result. To assist in planning for the area the following process is being followed:

▪ The documentation of existing conditions and issues in a suite of specialist reports covering the areas of urban design, infrastructure, best practice, economics and transport.

▪ The synthesis of these reports into a clear and concise report documenting key issues and opportunities.

▪ A collaborative ‘visioning’ for the precinct to underpin a conceptual Structure Plan for the area.

▪ A refined and resolved Structure Plan with a clear focus on implementation.

bendigo hospital precinct structure plan | infrastrcuture assessment | hansen partnership pty ltd3

figure 1 hospital location within greater bendigo

1.1 report aims

The Infrastructure Assessment seeks to ensure there are no significant existing issues in relation to the provision of infrastructure within the precinct. It also begins to evaluate and assess the role that infrastructure may play in addressing existing issues within the precinct and the parameters within which future decision making in relation to this field may occur. More specifically the assessment has also sought to investigate ways in which infrastructure within the precinct may present opportunities to break out of the traditional means of provision. To this end, the assessment has been undertaken, not by engineers but by hansen partnership. It is important to note however, that any potential changes or areas recommended for change as part of the assessment will be subject to further consideration by relevant experts prior to any final decision-making on infrastructure related matters.

Specific objectives for this assessment as outlined within the project brief are as follows:

▪ To identify the capacity and constraints of existing infrastructure in the precinct.

▪ To identify possible solutions to address infrastructure gaps to service both the redevelopment of the Bendigo Hospital and future growth within the precinct.

It should be noted initially that given the location of the study area in the inner urban areas of Bendigo (identified in Figure 1), there are very few capacity issues which need to be addressed beyond a case-by-case basis. As such, this assessment has also sought to focus on identifying areas where changes to infrastructure provision may be possible and includes a brief discussion of the role and approach of the new hospital development as it relates to infrastructure under each of the key areas.


While the previous section outlined the wider relationships the precinct has with the City of Bendigo, for the purposes of this assessment, a more defined study area has been identified for further detailed investigation.

The extent of the Study Area has been defined in response to local conditions and factors such as topography, locations of major development sites and existing precincts and features. The area generally follows existing street alignments, which including key areas which may have a relationship to the hospital that should be explored further. To that end, the study area, which is shown on the aerial imagery (Figure 3) includes the following:

▪ The new hospital accommodation site on Atkins Street to the north along Arnold Street, given the clear connections that will exist between this area and the hospital site.

▪ Hustlers Reef Reserve to the north west, a key area of currently underutilised open space, with historic links to the hospital site.

▪ The Catholic College located on the corner of Barkly and View Streets.

▪ Rosalind Park, given the role this area plays in linking the hospital precinct to the CBD and beyond, and the important relationship between the green space and the hospital site. This also includes a primary school, secondary college and the soon to be developed goal theatre.

▪ The portion of the CBD to the north of Pall Mall, in particularly the area around the lower extents of Park Road and the Chinese Precinct.

▪ The existing shared path way along the Bendigo Creek forms the south-eastern boundary of the Study Area, except where connections to the important open space of Lake Weeroona are included.

▪ A distance of around 600m to the north / north-east is included given the steeper topography, terminating at Nolan Street and including the recently closed Bendigo North Primary School.

The location of these key sites and places within the study area are shown on Figure 2.

2 study area

figure 2 key study area locations


Wastewater is currently treated at the Water Reclamation Plant in Epsom. A gravity sewer system collects wastewater from the study area and delivers it to the wastewater treatment plant. Within local areas, pipes gravitate to neighbourhood pumps, from where wastewater is pumped to the plant. The Water Reclamation Plant is a biological nutrient removal plant, which treats water to a tertiary standard. Wastewater is treated by mechanical sewering, clarification, chemical addition, sand filtration and UV disinfection and has capacity to treat an average daily flow of 27megalitres. The 46 hectare lagoon system is used to store excess winter flows for onsite irrigation during drier months. Treated wastewater is discharged to the Bendigo Creek under the conditions of the EPA licence. Solids from wastewater are treated and disposed of by a private contractor.

Given the broader system recycling that is in place and the lack of capacity issues or new project identified the Structure Plan is unlikely to need to consider any significant issues in relation to wastewater infrastructure.

powerElectricity provision within the study area is outlined on Figure 6 which indicates there is widespread connectivity. Powercor is the relevant distributor managing these assets and have advised there are no significant known constraints which would restrict development in the precinct, noting that dependent on the specifics of each development proposal there may be a need for upgrades or new connections, but that these would be identified on a case-by-case basis. There are no current projects or upgrades which will directly affect the study area.

Figure 6 does indicate the location of ‘high volume’ powerlines within the study area which are generally located along the street corridor of Arnold, Bayne and

Given the location of existing pipelines the Structure Plan could therefore consider whether additional opportunities existing within the eastern portion of the precinct to utilise this infrastructure asset. Recycled water can be used for watering gardens, for flushing toilets or for integrating into storages required for fire fighting purposes (i.e. in sprinkler systems). Some new housing developments in Bendigo have access to recycled water where new homes are connected to potable (drinking) water and also connected to recycled water. These are currently within the newer housing estates in the northern part of Bendigo but other opportunities may exist if a consolidated area for development is identified in close proximity to the existing pipelines. The provision of this water is dependent on a cost / benefit ratio and a critical mass of demand.

In addition, there may be further broader opportunities within the precinct to promote the practice of water collection and water sensitive urban design on a site-by-site basis through controls which seek to encourage the use of water tanks, raingardens or other mechanisms. It is noted that the hospital redevelopment seeks to retain 80% of water on site through collection via roof tops. This decision was driven by a need to demonstrate community leadership in relation to perception of best practise in managing water on-site.

sewerColiban Water also manages the sewer system and the study area has widespread connectivity (shown on Figure 5). As with the water infrastructure, Coliban Water have advised there are no significant known constraints which would restrict development in the precinct. However, each development proposal would be identified on a case-by-case basis to assess the need for upgrades or new connections. There are no current projects or upgrades which will directly affect the study area.

3 existing systems This section of the report addresses the extent and capacity of existing systems within the study areas and provides commentary on any related issues. It provides a brief comment on the approach the proponents of the hospital redevelopment have adopted, where appropriate and known. In addition to the commentary below, diagrams in the following pages display the existing extent of systems graphically. It is important to note that these diagrams are based on the latest information available to the project team and recent upgrades may not be shown.

waterIn relation to potable water, the study area has widespread availability. Coliban Water is the referral and responsible authority managing these assets and have advised there are no significant known constraints which would restrict development in the precinct. They do note that dependent on the specifics of each development proposal there may be a need for upgrades or new connections, but that these would be identified on a case-by-case basis. There are no current projects or upgrades which will directly affect the study area.

The precinct also has access to a recycled water pipeline. This pipeline is identified on Figure 4 but broadly follows the line of the Bendigo Creek and provides recycled water access to the range of sporting fields within Rosalind Park, as well as the tennis centre adjoining Lake Weeroona. This pipeline has also been extended to the north along Water Street and provides recycled water access to the Bendigo hospital site.

The water provided via this pipeline originates at the Bendigo Recycled Water Factory located at the Epsom Water Reclamation Plant in Bendigo. This site produces high quality ‘Class A’ recycled water. This recycled water is sewage effluent which is subject to a number of treatment processes in accordance with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Health (DOH) guidelines.

Recycled water in use in Rosalind Park Stormwater drainage channels Powerlines along wide verges

bendigo hospital precinct structure plan | infrastrcuture assessment | hansen partnership pty ltd7

In addition to the kerbside collection of waste, some commercial tenancies would operate their own waste management systems and would utilise private waste contractors from the Bendigo area such as Cleanaway. Importantly, the City of Greater Bendigo is also undertaking an overarching Waste and Resource Management Strategy which, when finalised and adopted, will provide high level direction for the overall management of waste within the precinct.

In terms of overall opportunities for changing the way waste is managed within the precinct, there are some smaller scale opportunities around the recycling of organic waste although overall traditional waste and recycling tends to operate on a larger scale, likely to be addressed by the current Waste and Resource Management Strategy.

system and a tri-generation system. These will be supplemented by a significant solar array and will provide 50% of the sites peak load. These systems have also been designed to allow for longer term expansion.

gasIn relation to the provision of gas, the study area has widespread availability (see Figure 7). The relevant authority managing these assets have advised there are no significant known constraints which would restrict development in the precinct, noting that dependent on the specifics of each development proposal there may be a need for upgrades or new connections, but that these would be identified on a case-by-case basis. It is noted however, that the existing high pressure lines are capable of supporting multi-storey development. There are no current projects or upgrades which will directly affect the study area.

waste systemsAs with the remainder of the Bendigo urban areas, waste within the precinct is primarily a matter for Council who run a weekly collection service. Recycling bins are also provided and are collected fortnightly. In addition to the collection service run by Council, the Eaglehawk Eco Centre offer an opportunity to dispose of a range of other waste materials including hazardous materials and green waste. The designation of this facility as an ‘eco-centre’ rather than a ‘tip’ indicates the broader role that the facility plays in resource recycling and recovery.

Unlike many metropolitan Councils, the City of Greater Bendigo does not provide a green waste collection service, however they identify the availability of bins provided by Greenaway Bins which provides a kerbside collection of green waste for those who chose not to utilise the Eaglehawk Eco Centre to dispose of their waste.

Nolan Streets, as well as along Barnard and extending into the hospital site. These higher volume powerlines are expected to have additional capacity beyond the standard line. As such, it could be inferred from the distribution that there may be less issues with capacity in the area between Water / Arnold Street and Nolan Street, as opposed to the western part of the study area where there are less high volume lines present. Also notable within the precinct is the relative paucity of street lighting within the wider Rosalind Park area, which has implications for the safety and amenity of any pedestrian movement through these areas.

Many areas, particularly where there are significant heritage assets or existing or proposed boulevards of trees, are seeking to reduce the dominance of both powerlines and associated power poles within road reserves, noting one of the most common infrastructure related conflicts within streets is between electrical wires and street trees. Given the important safety implications, this often means a restriction on new planting or significant and disfiguring pruning of existing trees. As such, the undergrounding of the powerlines or (more commonly within commercial strips) the bundling of wires is seen as providing significant benefits to the amenity and appearance of the public realm. However, the undergrounding of powerlines is a large and costly exercise and needs to be carefully considered. The capacity of this to occur is also dependant on the location of existing infrastructure pipelines, given water and electricity make a bad combination. Within the main streets of the precinct, powerlines have been placed underground along View Street and Barnard Street. They remain above ground around the Chinese Precinct and along Bridge Street, Lucan Street, Bayne Street, Stewart Street and Drought Street as well as Arnold Street. Along Water Street the severe pruning associated with the presence of powerlines can be seen on the northern side of the street.

The hospital redevelopment will establish a new precedent in terms of on-site generation of electricity. The redevelopment will incorporate both a co-generation

High volume powerlines along Arnold Street Recycling bins located outside the Bendigo Aquatic Centre Waste bins in urban areas


An existing system of stormwater drainage infrastructure exists in the precinct, illustrated on Figure 8. This infrastructure also includes traditional kerb and channel infrastructure on most streets, although notably there are a number of streets within the precinct without this infrastructure. Streets without this infrastructure include Michelsen Street, Niemann Street, Rosalind Street, Barkly Street, Stout Street, Joseph Street and Bailes Street.

While the lack of formalised infrastructure is important in some areas from a character perspective, there are potential issues with this informal nature when areas are also affected by overland flows. These flows are where the topography and other factors contribute to large amounts of surface water flowing in time of heavy inundation. As can be seen on Figure 8, these flows run (very approximately) from the Hustlers Reef Reserve, Frederick Street and Arnold Street and Bayne Street across the hospital site towards the intersection of Bridge and Arnold Streets, which is a low point in the precinct. It is understood that this work is the subject of current study which will provide more clarity around these overland flows and provide the basis for the application of any relevant planning controls to ensure that built form in these areas responds appropriately. Of the streets listed above, Niemann Street is most affected by currently observed overland flows, although it is noted the flows identified to date are subject to change and refinement.

It is also important to note that there is substantial flooding associated with the 1 in 100 year flood event which affects the southern portion of the study area. While the extent of the known affected area is identified on the relevant diagram, additional information is currently being developed in relation to the depth and velocity of flows through this area will be needed before specific direction can be provided. The plan will need to consider the implication of these findings in assessing the opportunities within the southern part of the precinct.

4 stormwater and drainage

Larger stormwater drainage channels


on Bridge Street or around the Hospital site itself. Also notable within much of the study area around Rosalind Park (particularly to the southern and western extents), is the use of an ‘historic’ theme in the provision of this infrastructure including benches, street lights, bollards etc. Signage around the Rosalind Park areas is also consistent with the City’s signage and includes both directional and informational signage, although to the northern extents the signage is more limited.

It should also be noted also that hard infrastructure (such as footpaths, roads and bus shelters) associated with movement and access is not addressed in depth by this report. There is a separate Transport Assessment provided as part of the suite of background documents. However, this infrastructure is generally provided within this same public space. Key areas of infrastructure which are managed by Council which impact on movement include kerbs and channels (discussed in the previous Section) and footpaths. Figure 9 identifies both the types of kerbs provided within the study area and areas which have either no footpath or have existing but very poor quality footpaths. These footpaths are a key part of public infrastructure and have a significant impact on both movement patterns, but also perceptions of character within a streetscape. Where areas of poor quality paving or missing links exist within the footpath networks they can restrict movement by those with reduced mobility and affect decision making in relation to movement patterns.

Within the study area public toilets are provided at the Visitor Information Centre. There are also public toilets at the Queen Elizabeth Oval, however, these appear to be fenced off (but are accessible). There are also three sets of public toilets around the Tom Flood Velodrome but these are not clearly signposted. An area between the City Centre and the Chinese Precinct contains an urban plaza and ‘safe transport place’ incorporating another set of public toilets as well as bench seating and other street furniture.

5 public space and facilitiesMuch of the infrastructure within the precinct relies heavily on the public realm to accommodate pipes, clearance spaces etc. These public spaces play a key role, not only in accommodating pipes and cables required to provide the services outlined in the preceding chapter but also accommodate a range of other public infrastructure items, often referred to as ‘street furniture’ which can include the following:

▪ Rubbish bins and cigarette disposal units

▪ Public toilets

▪ Seats and benches

▪ Bollards and barriers

▪ Other forms of street lighting

▪ Signage

▪ Bike racks, pump stations etc

▪ Water fountains

▪ Telephone booths or public wi-fi hotspots

Many of these items are closely associated with patterns of movement and higher quality street furniture at appropriate locations has a correlation with the amenity and functionality of pedestrian movement. For instance, if a path is well lit it is more likely to be used at night and benches at regular intervals make movement for mobility impaired people easier as they can rest comfortably when required. An existing cluster of street furniture around the swimming pool on Barnard Street includes bike racks, bins and cigarette disposal. A similar cluster occurs in a couple of urban plazas (including the Chinese Precinct) in the south of the study area. Notably there is very little of this infrastructure provided either

It is important that the plan for this area carefully considers the range of infrastructure related matters when assessing the future vision. As outlined in some of the preceeding sections, infrastructure provision can sometime be in conflict and may not always be compatible. This matter is highlighted by the limited public realm available within the precinct to accododate these items. Ensuring that key assets are not compromised but exploring ways that the provision of infrastructure may be able to be integrated within important public spaces is vital. Greenfield development is able to ensure modern standards of infrastructure provision and integration of street furniture within the public realm is often considered in an holistic manner. However, within densely developed inner urban areas the balance, introduction and rationalisation of infrastructure within these spaces needs more careful considerations. As such, it will be important that where the plan identifies where there may be potential conflicts to ensure that appropriate consultation is undertaken. Perhap more pertinantly, the key access routes and the likely users of those routes, and the associated infrastructure those users would require will need to be considered and responded to.

Street furniture provided along View Street New public toilets in urban plaza Bike racks located near the Chinese Precinct


6 infrastructure & sustainabilityIn considering the long term sustainability of the hospital precinct, opportunities for better or more efficient utilisation of infrastructure are among the key considerations. In particular, planning at a precinct level can accommodate the critical mass often needed for investment or change. As an inner city area of one of Victoria’s major regional centres, there is potential for a ‘best practice’ approach to areas including energy, water and waste, as well as transport can be achieved. However, innovation and support are important in achieving these outcomes. Opportunities that could be explored further include:

▪ Small scale on site energy generation (as proposed as part of the hospital redevelopment), noting that this would not be able to be fed back into the grid under current energy regulation in Victoria.

▪ Community funded ‘bulk buy’ of renewable energy products within the precinct.

▪ Incorporation of a third pipe system (providing recycled water) and other efficient infrastructure for water provision.

▪ While on-site wastewater treatment is possible it is often difficult and although opportunities may be possible given the open space in the area, the number of sensitive uses in the precinct will likely reduce this option.

▪ Opportunities also exist for precinct based collection and reuse of organic material, particularly given the close relationship with areas of open space. Precinct scale organic waste collection can significantly reduce waste.

▪ Introduction of infrastructure and support for spaces to promote car share schemes and electric vehicle use.

▪ Options to look at the ‘fast tracking’ of application which meet high benchmarks for sustainability could be considered.

Bendigo Hospital along Arnold Street

bendigo hospital precinct structure plan ment · the lower extents of park road and the chinese...

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