Stage 2: Opportunities proposal

August 2021

Council has prepared an opportunities proposal for the Martha Street centre precinct, following community feedback and site investigations.

The opportunities proposal includes the following potential improvements and considerations.

Proposed pavement upgrade

To achieve a consistent finish across the precinct, footpath improvements may include upgrading sections of existing pavers to exposed aggregate concrete and installation of street furniture such as bins, bike racks and seating.

Proposed intersection upgrades

To improve centre accessibility and safety, intersection improvements may include realigned or new kerb ramps, traffic island refuge areas, line marking, and where required, new pedestrian medians and tactiles.

Proposed pedestrian crossing relocation and upgrade

In response to the community feedback, the opportunities proposal includes the proposed relocating and upgrading of the Newman Avenue pedestrian crossing to improve pedestrian safety and centre connection.

Proposed new tree and garden bed planting

The proposed new tree and garden bed planting address lack of greenery within the precinct. The greening opportunities have considered existing services and building awnings, parking bay locations and vehicle sightlines for safety. Final outcomes are subject to further detailed site investigation.

Proposed new unique seating

There is an opportunity to add custom designed seating that reflects the Martha Street centre and local residential neighbourhood. This may include colourful, light, recycled material bench seating and recycled material stools.

Proposed creative outcomes

Public art and creative outcomes enhance character and identity and create a focal point for the community. Site-specific and engaging sculptures could be located with the street furniture. Incorporation of lighting may provide both a day and night-time presence.

Traffic and parking investigations

From the first stage of community feedback, we heard that you are concerned about traffic, safety and parking in the Martha Street precinct. Council has considered this feedback in the traffic engineering investigations for this project.

The proposed road line marking and intersection upgrades will improve both driver and pedestrian sightlines and overall safety.

To provide additional parking for the centre, proposed parking improvements include marked car parking bays, consolidated loading zone and out of hours bus stop parking allocation.

Council is also investigating a traffic speed review of the area.