2004-2005 Parramatta-Liverpool Transitway
Perspective of Pudong entrance precinct
Master Plan
Master Plan
Introduction
The first leg of Sydney’s Rapid Bus Transitway system connecting two subregional centres was completed in 2003. The central section of the transit way chosen for study contains a considerable diversity of land uses and activities within it including two shopping centres, outdoor sporting facilities, schools, and community facilities. They are, however, poorly connected and structured. Housing in the study area is almost entirely low-density cottages.
The purpose of the Studio was to increase the ability of participants to:
- analyse the weaknesses and potentials of an existing urban area clearly articulate the issues that needed to be addressed
- define social and environmental objectives
- propose and illustrate urban design and development strategies that would achieve the objectives.
A general description of the area was prepared as a group. Its scale provided the opportunity for three separate areas of study by individuals. These were:
Prairiewood contains a major big box shopping centre, a high school, a hospital, cinemas, sporting facilities, a library and facilities for a wide variety of community services. Not only do people need a car to get there, but one is also needed to move around. In the most accessible central area, where a town square might have been expected, there was a large at grade car park.
The three schemes produced proposed infilling with housing, enhancing connectivity, creating pedestrian spaces and streets and improved connection to the Transitway.
The Transitway Corridor is a two lane bus only roadway located in a wide former freeway reservation surrounded by large expanses of empty space edged with rear fences.
The first project was a “ped shed” analyses, which assessed the real walking distance from houses to T-way stations and compared this with the number of houses within 400m and 800m walking distance circles drawn around each station.
Two studies examined opportunities for high-density development on surplus land within the corridor and associated redevelopment of adjacent areas of low-density housing. A boulevard with the bus way down its centre and roads serving local traffic only on either side of it was proposed. Many connections to local institutions were found and emphasised and a hotel with entertainment facilities and good connections to the local golf course and showground added interest at a focal point.
Bonnyrigg is a rather sad small box shopping centre, a variety of community facilities, a primary school associated with an ageing public housing estate. It is however unique in Sydney in having several prominent Asian temples of considerable character. Apart from these it lacks character and is pedestrian unfriendly.
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