|
Background
Eastwood is the largest district centre in the surrounding network. Retail and commercial development extends to the
east and west bisected by the railway line. It is described as being of 'village character' with development generally 2-3 storeys
in height within the Rowe Street precinct with isolated buildings up to 7 storeys in height.
It has a concentration of larger specialised outlets such as hardware and building suppliers and large household goods that
means the centre fulfils both a local and regional role. In recent years there has been a growth in food retailing, making it an
important retailing category. Retailers of small household goods such as chemists, newsagents, bookstores, offices and
professional rooms are also significantly represented.
Eastwood has seen a gradual increase in the quantity of floor space used for business purposes that is having a positive effect
on the centre with additional employment and a boost to retail trade.
Residential activities are generally limited to the fringe of the centre with flat buildings occurring on the eastern edge and the
remaining areas characterised by single dwellings.
Within the centre there are also parks, childcare centres, schools, fire station, police station, community facilities and
churches.
A Vision for Eastwood
The community has expressed its expectations for the future of Eastwood through a consultation program focused on the
development of a Master Plan for Eastwood.
In the future, Eastwood will be a place specifically designed for the enjoyment and utility of pedestrians and a place which
allows convenient access for people between home, work, shopping and leisure.
It will also be a place which has a high level of aesthetic amenity at street level; have safe attractive and convenient public
spaces; be a vibrant, viable and profitable commercial centre; and contain an appropriate mix and arrangement of uses, which
satisfactorily integrate with existing surrounding activities.
Strategies have been developed to guide the future growth of the Eastwood Commercial Centre. Supporting these strategies is
a range of enhancement and infrastructure projects designed to improve the amenity of the area and increase the safety of
those using the centre.
Future Character
There are some opportunities for future growth in the centre, which includes residential, retail and commercial uses. Eastwood
must avoid competing with the larger regional centres and establish itself as a niche market. Concentrating on making
retailing convenient, has been identified as critical to the economic future of Eastwood.
It is likely that the centre will attract office services, with demand likely to come from small to medium sized office firms. To
ensure that the village character of the centre is retained, new developments that incorporate office and commercial activities
with street activity at ground level should be encouraged.
Residential development should also be encouraged. Shop-top housing should be located within the centre and medium
density on the fringe. High rise residential is only considered appropriate where there is existing high rise development and
above the rail line.
Review of the Masterplan
The Draft Eastwood Masterplan Review encapsulates a 20 year vision to revitalise the Town Centre. It sets guidelines for
future planning and development of the Town Centre, providing opportunity for growth and change as well as economic, social
and environmental sustainability.
Through public consultation, it will also reflect the opinions, ideas and expectations of the people who use the Town Centre.
Utilising a precinct-by-precinct approach to both exising and new development, the Draft Masterplan Review aims to retain
the special qualitites of Eastwood Town Centre and breathe new life into degraded areas.
Established site densities and height controls will be retained throughout, while new controls will enhance the public
domain network by providing new laneways and pedestrian connections.
New built form controls will improve the relationship between buildings, the streets and open space, creating special street
corners and functional public areas.
Buildings will address all requirements of State Planning Policies, which demand that apartments have sunlight access,
natural ventilation, use energy efficient fittings and are well suited to their urban context.
The Draft Eastwood Masterplan Review was on public exhibition during November / December 2006.
At the conclusion of the draft Masterplan public exhibition the Plan may be changed to reflect the comments and
suggestions received.
The Eastwood Flood Study will be completed early 2007.
The draft Eastwood Masterplan and the Eastwood Flood Study will form the basis of new planning controls, which will be
exhibited in 2007.
|
