oject: ember 2012 Social Impact Assessment · oject: ember 2012. Urbis‟s Social ... 1...

Socia

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ADP-1207-S

OC-0001-S

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November 2

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North

Ryde

Stat

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ject:

Urbis‟s Social Policy team has received ISO 20252 Certification

for the provision of social policy research and evaluation, social planning, community consultation, market research and communications research.

© Urbis Pty Ltd

ABN 50 105 256 228 All Rights Reserved. No material may be reproduced without prior permission.

While we have tried to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, the Publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences including any loss or damage arising from reliance in

information in this publication. URBIS

Australia Asia Middle East urbis.com.au

URBIS STAFF RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REPORT WERE:

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Director Roberta Ryan and Susan Rudland

Associate Director Erin Saunders

Senior Consultant Ben Dowler

Job Code SA4475

TABLE OF CONTENTS

URBIS ADP – 1207 – SOC-0001-SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT NOVEMBER 2012

1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Context and purpose of this report ...................................................................................... 1

1.2 Study Methodology ............................................................................................................. 2 1.2.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................ 2 1.2.2 Stakeholder consultation ..................................................................................................... 3 1.2.3 Key Stakeholders ............................................................................................................... 3

1.3 Objectives of Social Impact Assessment ............................................................................. 4

1.4 Report Structure ................................................................................................................. 4

2 The North Ryde Station Precinct Project ................................................................................... 6

2.1 The North Ryde Station Precinct ......................................................................................... 6

2.2 The Proposal ...................................................................................................................... 8

3 Social Policy Context ................................................................................................................ 10

3.1 State Policy ...................................................................................................................... 10

3.2 Local Policy ...................................................................................................................... 11 3.2.1 Management Plan 2009 – 2013 ........................................................................................ 11 3.2.2 Social Plan 2005 ............................................................................................................... 11 3.2.3 City Housing Strategy ....................................................................................................... 11 3.2.4 Parks on Track for People 2025 ........................................................................................ 12 3.2.5 Draft Integrated Open Space Plan (IOSP) ......................................................................... 13

4 Existing Community Profile ...................................................................................................... 14

4.1 Overview .......................................................................................................................... 14

4.2 Age Structure ................................................................................................................... 14

4.3 Cultural and Linguistic Characteristics ............................................................................... 15

4.4 Income and Affluence ....................................................................................................... 16

4.5 Housing Tenure and Family Structure ............................................................................... 17

4.6 Education and Employment .............................................................................................. 19

5 Projected Future Community Profile ........................................................................................ 21

5.1 Overview .......................................................................................................................... 21

5.2 Comparison neighbourhoods ............................................................................................ 21 5.2.1 Chatswood ....................................................................................................................... 21 5.2.2 St Leonards ...................................................................................................................... 21 5.2.3 Top Ryde .......................................................................................................................... 21

5.3 Dwelling typologies ........................................................................................................... 22

5.4 Age Structure ................................................................................................................... 23

5.5 Education and Employment .............................................................................................. 24

5.6 Income and Affluence ....................................................................................................... 24

5.7 Housing Tenure and Household Structure ......................................................................... 25

5.8 Cultural and Linguistic characteristics ............................................................................... 27

5.9 Proposed and Approved Developments ............................................................................ 28

5.10 Summary of Projected Population ..................................................................................... 32

6 Existing Social Infrastructure ................................................................................................... 33

6.1 Overview .......................................................................................................................... 33

6.2 Public Transport ............................................................................................................... 33

6.3 Primary and Secondary Schools ....................................................................................... 37 6.3.1 Overview .......................................................................................................................... 37 6.3.2 School Location and Capacity ........................................................................................... 40

URBIS

ADP – 1207 – SOC-0001-SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT NOVEMBER 2012

6.4 Tertiary Education ............................................................................................................ 47

6.5 Preschools and Childcare Centres .................................................................................... 49

6.6 Libraries ........................................................................................................................... 51

6.7 Community Facilities ......................................................................................................... 53

6.8 Medical Centres and Hospitals.......................................................................................... 55 6.8.1 Hospitals .......................................................................................................................... 55 6.8.2 Medical centres and speciality services ............................................................................. 55

6.9 Aged Care ........................................................................................................................ 57

7 Social Infrastructure Assessment ............................................................................................ 60

7.1 Social Infrastructure Needs ............................................................................................... 60

7.2 Benchmarks ..................................................................................................................... 60 7.2.1 Social Infrastructure Benchmarks ..................................................................................... 60

7.3 Social Infrastructure Assessment and recommendations................................................... 62

8 Existing Open Space and Recreation Facilities ....................................................................... 67

8.1 Overall Open Space ......................................................................................................... 67

8.2 Natural Areas ................................................................................................................... 69

8.3 Blenheim Park .................................................................................................................. 69

8.4 Waterloo Park ................................................................................................................... 69

8.5 Els Hall Park ..................................................................................................................... 70

8.6 Santa Rosa Park .............................................................................................................. 70

8.7 Ryde Park ........................................................................................................................ 70

8.8 Meadowbank Park and Memorial Park .............................................................................. 70

8.9 Recreation Facilities ......................................................................................................... 70

9 Open Space Assessment .......................................................................................................... 73

9.1 Overview .......................................................................................................................... 73 9.1.1 Consultation ..................................................................................................................... 73 9.1.2 Benchmarks ..................................................................................................................... 75

9.2 Open Space In The NRSPP .............................................................................................. 77

9.3 Open Space Assessment ................................................................................................. 83

9.4 Conclusion And Recommendations .................................................................................. 86

10 Social Impact Assessment ....................................................................................................... 87

10.1 Potential Social Issues And Impacts ................................................................................. 87

10.2 Land Use .......................................................................................................................... 87

10.3 Built Form ......................................................................................................................... 88

10.4 Public Art .......................................................................................................................... 89

10.5 Connectivity And Accessibility ........................................................................................... 89

10.6 Sustainability .................................................................................................................... 90

10.7 Lane Cove National Park .................................................................................................. 90

10.8 Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium..................................................................... 90

10.9 Housing Affordability ......................................................................................................... 91

10.10 Safety And Security .......................................................................................................... 91

11 Conclusion and Recommendations ......................................................................................... 94

Appendix A Correspondence from NSW Department of Education and Communities .......... 97

TABLE OF CONTENTS

URBIS ADP – 1207 – SOC-0001-SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT NOVEMBER 2012

FIGURES:

Figure 1 – Land parcels that make up the NRSPP ........................................................................................7 Figure 2 – Median weekly individual and household income – North Ryde, Ryde LGA and Sydney SD ......... 16 Figure 3 – Housing tenure – north Ryde, Ryde LGA and Sydney SD ........................................................... 17 Figure 4 – Household structure – North Ryde, Ryde LGA and Sydney SD ................................................... 18 Figure 5 – Approved and future proposed developments including population footprint as at September 201131 Figure 6 – Transportation routes within Ryde LGA ...................................................................................... 34 Figure 7 – Bus network routes (NRSPP) ..................................................................................................... 35 Figure 8 – STA and Hillsbus services operating via North Ryde ................................................................... 36 Figure 9 – Primary schools in Ryde LGA and proximity ............................................................................... 38 Figure 10 – Secondary schools in Ryde LGA and proximity ......................................................................... 39 Figure 11 – Ryde LGA primary schools....................................................................................................... 45 Figure 12 – Ryde LGA secondary schools .................................................................................................. 46 Figure 13 – Tertiary education within Ryde LGA ......................................................................................... 48 Figure 14 – Childcare and preschools within Ryde LGA .............................................................................. 50 Figure 15 – Libraries within Ryde LGA ........................................................................................................ 52 Figure 16 – Community halls, community facilities and meeting rooms ........................................................ 54 Figure 17 – Hospitals and medical centres located within Ryde LGA ........................................................... 56 Figure 18 – Aged care facilities and services .............................................................................................. 58 Figure 19 – Stepped spaces option ............................................................................................................ 79 Figure 20 – Open space Typologies ........................................................................................................... 82

TABLES:

Table 1 – SIA requirements ..........................................................................................................................1 Table 2 – Age distribution: Ryde suburb, Ryde LGA and the Sydney Statistical Division ............................... 14 Table 3 – Cultural background – North Ryde, Ryde LGA and Sydney SD .................................................... 15 Table 4 – Occupation categories – North Ryde, Ryde LGA and Sydney SD ................................................. 19 Table 5 – Highest tertiary education qualification achieved by residents aged 15 years and over – North Ryde,

Ryde LGA and Sydney SD....................................................................................................... 20 Table 6 –Potential dwelling typology for the NRSPP.................................................................................... 22 Table 7 – Comparison of dwelling schedule ................................................................................................ 22 Table 8 – Potential age profile .................................................................................................................... 23 Table 9 – Potential occupation profile (aged 15 years and over) .................................................................. 24 Table 10 – Potential average household income (per household) ................................................................ 25 Table 11 – Potential housing status ............................................................................................................ 25 Table 12 – Potential household structure .................................................................................................... 26 Table 13 – Potential family composition ...................................................................................................... 26 Table 14 – Potential birthplace ................................................................................................................... 27 Table 15 – Potential language groups ......................................................................................................... 27 Table 16 – Approved and future proposed developments within Ryde LGA as at July2012 ........................... 28 Table 17 – Existing capacity within schools in Ryde LGA ............................................................................ 40 Table 18 – Current schools in catchment summary ..................................................................................... 43 Table 19 – Projected demand school enrolments - 2013 ............................................................................. 43 Table 20 – Standards of primary schools within close proximity to the site (1.6km) ....................................... 44 Table 21 – Aged care facilities in Ryde LGA ............................................................................................... 57 Table 22 – Standards and Benchmarks For Social Infrastructure ................................................................. 61 Table 23 – Assessment of social infrastructure ........................................................................................... 62 Table 24 – Council managed open space in the Ryde LGA ......................................................................... 67 Table 25 – Taken from City of Ryde 2006, Parks on track for people 2025 ................................................... 69 Table 26 – Natural areas in the vicinity of the NRSPP ................................................................................. 69 Table 27 – Other existing open space and recreation facilities ..................................................................... 71 Table 28 – Standards for open space ......................................................................................................... 75

URBIS


Table 29 – Standards for recreational facilities ........................................................................................... 76 Table 30 – Open space provision in the NRSPP ......................................................................................... 80 Table 31 – Public domain CPTED considerations ....................................................................................... 92

URBIS ADP – 1207 – SOC-0001-SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT NOVEMBER 2012 INTRODUCTION 1

1 Introduction

This report constitutes a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) in support of a Rezoning Study in respect of the North Ryde Station Precinct Project (NRSPP).

The Rezoning Study seeks to establish a site specific planning regime for the North Ryde Station Precinct, including land use zones, building heights and floor space ratio (FSR) and maximum parking rates to facilitate the ultimate redevelopment of the precinct for a mixed use, transit-oriented development (TOD).

1.1 CONTEXT AND PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT

This report has been prepared in support of an application for the rezoning of land known as the North Ryde Station Precinct. The Rezoning Study (the Study) has been prepared on behalf of Transport for NSW (TfNSW, formerly Transport Construction Authority) to facilitate a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) that aims to encourage patronage of North Ryde Station and other nearby public transport systems and improve connectivity in the local area. The proposal seeks to facilitate the staged redevelopment of vacant lands around North Ryde Station for a mix of residential, commercial, retail, community and open space uses.

On 2 March 2011, the Minister for Planning (now Minister for Planning and Infrastructure) formed the opinion that the North Ryde Station Precinct was of potential State planning significance under State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Development) 2005 (MD SEPP) and Study Requirements (Requirements) for a State Significant Site Study (SSSS) were issued on 9 November 2011. The Precinct is now undergoing an assessment process to facilitate the rezoning of the site to allow for its staged redevelopment.

The Study is prepared in accordance with the Requirements issued in November 2011 and references the criteria for establishing State and regional planning significance under the MD SEPP.

The rezoning process seeks the establishment of a site specific planning regime for the North Ryde Station Precinct in the form of an amendment to the Ryde Local Environmental Plan addressing land use zones, building heights, FSR and maximum parking rates to facilitate the ultimate redevelopment of the precinct for a mix of residential, commercial, retail, community and open space uses. This regime will provide the planning framework against which the future staged development of the Precinct will be assessed.

In accordance with the above process, and in line with the original DGRs, a Rezoning Study is being prepared for the project, informed by a variety of specialist studies including this SIA.

The SIA has been prepared in accordance with the relevant DGRs, as shown in the table below:

TABLE 1 – SIA REQUIREMENTS

REQUIREMENT REFERENCE IN SIA

(1) Provide a social impact assessment of the proposal

including:

An assessment of any impacts on adjoining

communities

Sections 7, 9 and 10

A community profile and analysis of the needs

of future residents

Sections 4, 5, 7 and 9

2 INTRODUCTION URBIS


REQUIREMENT REFERENCE IN SIA

Details of the nature and scale of proposed

infrastructure that accurately reflects the

characteristics and likely needs of the intended

population. This should include but not be

limited to schools, childcare centres, medical

facilities, community facilities and open space;

and


Identification and management of any impacts

on nearby social infrastructure including the

Blenheim Park multipurpose facility.

Section 8.3

(2) Provide details of any open space and community

facilities and outline proposed management

arrangements of such facilities.


The SIA assesses the proposed land use change and planning framework to be established for the precinct to guide its future redevelopment. This report documents the findings of the assessment and makes appropriate recommendations for the management of potential social issues and impacts associated with the NRSPP.

1.2 STUDY METHODOLOGY

1.2.1 OVERVIEW

The recommendations contained in this report have been developed through a range of investigations including a local and regional social infrastructure audit and open space assessment, stakeholder consultation and review and input to various iterations of the project. The key tasks undertaken as part of the methodological process for the SIA include:

A review of the relevant State and local social policy context.

A review of the existing community demographic profile using Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data.

Projected community demographic profiling.

Review of existing and proposed social infrastructure (local and regional scale).

Review of existing and proposed open space and recreational facilities (local and regional scale).

Stakeholder consultation with key local and regional stakeholders.

Participation in the project development phase regarding the delivery of social infrastructure, open space and recreational facility provision through various design reviews and workshops.

Review of key technical reports prepared to support the rezoning proposal which inform and address potential impacts on the community.

Identification of the potential social impacts and benefits of the proposal for both the future community of the North Ryde Station Precinct and the surrounding community.


Based upon the findings of the above analysis, an assessment of potential social issues and impacts associated with the NRSPP was undertaken and recommendations made in relation to the management of potential negative impacts and enhancement of positive impacts as appropriate.

1.2.2 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION

Urbis Pty Ltd Public Policy was engaged to assist with stakeholder and community consultation activities in relation to the NRSPP. The consultation process is documented in full in a separate community consultation report however an overview is provided here to inform the SIA.

The consultation process was designed in accordance with the City of Ryde Engagement Plan and Framework. The process is comprised of four key stages, the timing of which aligns with the assessment and approvals process. Key stages are:

Stage 1: Input into project development and land use study.

Stage 2: Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment.

Stage 3: Planning application.

Stage 4: Post-lodgement, including public exhibition.

Key activities completed or underway at the time of writing include:

Ongoing briefings with key stakeholders, including City of Ryde Council, the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure, (DP&I) the NSW Department of Education and Communities (NSW DEC), Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium and the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Services (NSW NPWS) (Lane Cove National Park).

Establishment of a project website, containing information and updates about the proposal, how to provide feedback and learn about the proposal, the team, the consultation process and opportunities to be involved.

Establishment of a Project Info Line, providing callers with the opportunity to contact the project team to ask questions, and to provide suggestions and feedback.

Advertisements about the project and consultation, published in the local newspaper (The Northern District Times) on 26 October and 2 November 2011.

Distribution of an addressed letter to approximately 90 local residents and businesses on 1 November 2011, outlining the project, the proponent and team, the consultation process and establishment of a Community Liaison Group (CLG).

Distribution of a community newsletter to approximately 2000 local residents and businesses on 31 October 2011, outlining the project, the proponent and team, the consultation process and establishment of a CLG.

Door knock (face-to-face discussions) by key team members from Urbis and TfNSW in Morshead Street and parts of Epping Road, Ryrie Road and Truscott Street that interface with Morshead Street, on Thursday 3 November 2011.

Establishment and facilitation of a Community Liaison Group (CLG), comprised of 12 community and business representatives selected via an advertised and open application process. The CLG had met four times (Monday 5 December 2011, Monday 19 December 2011, Monday February 6 2012 and Monday 12 March 2012) at the time of writing, with further meetings to be scheduled in 2012.

1.2.3 KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Urbis has undertaken a range of consultation activities with stakeholders to determine capacity of current facilities and potential current and future needs. This information, along with an examination of accepted benchmarks and standards, assisted in informing recommendations for potential community facilities on

4 INTRODUCTION URBIS


site as well as an understanding of the general requirements within the LGA. Council and a number of stakeholders were contacted to investigate the capacity, vacancies, trends and usage of local services and facilities. The following provides a list of those services providers and stakeholders consulted.

The NSW Department of Education and Communities (DEC).

Tertiary educational facilities including Macquarie University, Ryde TAFE and Meadowbank TAFE.

A number of local primary schools, including North Ryde Public School, Truscott Street Public School, and Holy Spirit Primary School.

A number of local secondary schools, including Epping Boys High, Holy Cross Catholic School and Ryde Secondary College.

A random selection of the 34 childcare centres and 10 preschools within Ryde LGA (nine) were contacted via telephone to gain further insight into capacity.

Some hospitals within Ryde LGA and four medical centres and speciality services located in the North Ryde suburb (via telephone interviews).

Eight telephone interviews were undertaken with aged care service providers to discuss trends in service usage, current capacity and plans for expansion.

Consultation was undertaken with five libraries located within Ryde LGA.

Four community facilities were consulted within the suburb of North Ryde.

Six sporting and recreational facilities including North Ryde RSL, the Macquarie University Sport and Aquatic Centre and the operators of other swimming facilities, golf clubs, tennis courts and private gyms.

Consultation with Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium.

Consultation with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (Lane Cove National Park).

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Based upon consideration of the nature of the proposal, the local and regional context and feedback from stakeholder consultation, the key objectives of the social impact assessment are:

To develop an understanding of the demographic characteristics of the existing local community and the likely future community of the NRSPP.

To identify and assess the potential impacts of the development upon the existing community in terms of demand for local facilities and services and general amenity.

To identify the facilities and services required to meet the needs of the future community and evaluate the proposed development in terms of its ability to provide these facilities.

1.4 REPORT STRUCTURE

The SIA report first establishes the context of the project from a social perspective including the existing community profile, the relevant social policy framework, existing social infrastructure and open space and key community views and perspectives of the area and the project.

The report goes on to profile the likely future community of the NRSPP and the likely needs of this community in terms of open space and recreation, community facilities and social infrastructure.

The report then details the findings of an assessment of the NRSPP against the various social issues identified and provides recommendations as to the management of any residual social impacts.


Specifically, the report is structured into the following key sections:

Description of the site and project, including stakeholder consultation.

Review of State and local policy context.

Review of existing community demographic profile.

Projected community demographic profiling.

Review of existing social infrastructure.

Review of existing open space and recreational facilities.

Social infrastructure and open space assessment.

Social Impact Assessment.

Summary of Findings and Recommendations

6 The NORTH RYDE STATION PRECINCT PROJECT URBIS


2 The North Ryde Station Precinct Project

2.1 THE NORTH RYDE STATION PRECINCT

The North Ryde Station Precinct comprises four parcels of Government-owned land and one parcel of privately owned land located within the Macquarie Park Corridor (MPC), a predominately commercial area that lies between the M2 Motorway and Epping Road, North Ryde.

The Precinct is situated within the City of Ryde (Council) Local Government Area (LGA), at the southern end of the MPC. The lands have a total area of 13.99ha and are divided by the M2 Motorway, Epping Road and Delhi Road. The five separate but linked parcels of land comprising the Precinct are known as:

M2 Site (owned by TfNSW)

Station Site North (owned by TfNSW)

Station Site South (owned by Goodman International Funds Management Limited (Goodman))

Office of Strategic Lands (OSL) Site (owned by OSL)

Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) Site (owned by RMS)

Figure 1 overleaf illustrates the location and ownership of these land parcels.

URBIS ADP – 1207 – SOC-0001-SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT NOVEMBER 2012 THE NORTH RYDE STATION PRECINCT PROJECT 7

FIGURE 1 – LAND PARCELS THAT MAKE UP THE NRSPP

Source: TfNSW, 2012

8 The NORTH RYDE STATION PRECINCT PROJECT URBIS


2.2 THE PROPOSAL

The NRSPP represents a TOD which aims to make best and most efficient use of existing transport infrastructure in the vicinity. This transport infrastructure includes the Epping to Chatswood Rail Link (ECRL) with stations at North Ryde (within the Precinct) and Macquarie Park (within 800 metres of the Precinct) as well as high-frequency bus routes along Epping Road which dissects the Precinct.

The proposal is consistent with recognised TOD principles as it would provide the following:

Mixed use development within 800 metres of the North Ryde Station and Macquarie Park Stations, with greater focus on residential development, supported by appropriate community facilities.

Integration of North Ryde Station with retail, commercial, recreational and community uses, stimulating activity around the station precinct.

Significantly improved pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to North Ryde Station.

Improved pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to nearby employment areas within Macquarie Park.

Reduced levels of private vehicle parking combined with provision for car share schemes and other transport alternatives to reduce car dependency.

Liveable and active public domain spaces for the community that integrate with proposed land uses and the station.

High quality open space within a walkable catchment.

Proposed zones have been identified for the site to provide for the following land uses:

The high density residential zone (R4) across the majority of the M2 site and the medium density residential zone (R3) on the OSL and RMS sites providing for a diversity of housing types in close proximity to North Ryde Station.

The mixed use zone (B4) for the Station South and North sites and a portion of the M2 site providing for retail and commercial/employment on the M2 site and convenience retail and complementary commercial development in proximity to North Ryde Station.

The public recreation zone (RE1) throughout the precinct to provide a series of public open space areas, buffer zones and green links.

The RE1 zone will also allow for community facilities as a permitted use. The potential for a community centre with associated recreation space has been identified within the proposed RE1 zone on the M2 site.

A Development Control Plan (DCP) identifying development standards, public domain and road and infrastructure layout has been prepared to guide the future development of lands within the North Ryde Station Precinct.

Key elements of the DCP include:

Provision of a spine road through the M2 Site from Epping Road to Wicks Road to provide the main vehicular connection through the M2 site.

Development of a vehicular access point to the M2 Site from Epping Road and one on Wicks Road with connections onto Waterloo Road.

A footpath and pedestrian bridge sited at the southern end of the M2 site connecting the site with the Station.

Significant pedestrian and cycleway upgrades and new links to improve connectivity to North Ryde Station and the MPC.

URBIS ADP – 1207 – SOC-0001-SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT NOVEMBER 2012 THE NORTH RYDE STATION PRECINCT PROJECT 9

A fixed quantum of private vehicle, public and other forms parking to promote public transport utilisation and reduced car dependency.

Sustainability initiatives including the use of native plants grown with locally sourced seed, Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) measures and rehabilitation of the riparian zones on the northern portion of the M2 Site to create a natural open space area with drainage area.

Best practice Urban Design to create usable spaces, enhanced amenity and activation of the Precinct in accordance with TOD principles.

10 SOCIAL POLICY CONTEXT URBIS


3 Social Policy Context

3.1 STATE POLICY

3.1.1 NSW 2021: A PLAN TO MAKE NSW NUMBER ONE

NSW 2021 is a 10 year plan that focuses on the NSW economy, quality services, infrastructure, governance and local environment and communities. This Plan replaces the State Plan as the NSW Government‟s strategic business plan. The Plan set immediate and long term priorities and actions and guides NSW Government resource allocation in conjunction with the NSW Budget. The Plan has five strategies and 32 goals. The five strategies include:

1. Transport

2. Health

3. Family and Community Services

4. Education and Training

5. Police and Justice.

Of particular importance to the NRSPP is transport. Key goals within the transport strategy include:

Reduce travel times

Grow patronage on public transport by making it a more attractive choice

Improve customer experience with transport services

Improve road safety.

Key targets within these goals and specific to the NRSPP include:

Increasing the number of trips by public transport for all trips, in particular trips to work. Actions to deliver on the target include:

- Provide better public transport connections between and within population and economic centres through the development of strategic bus corridors, the potential expansion of Sydney‟s light rail network, and the upgrade of supporting infrastructure in key centres.

- Increase the frequency and efficiency of public transport services through improvements in timetabling and better service coordination.

- Introduce an electronic ticketing system.

In addition, there is a target to increase walking and cycling. Actions include:

Complete the construction of the Metro Sydney Bike Network and work with local councils to complete local cycle networks as part of an integrated transport network.

Develop and implement a NSW Walking Strategy to encourage and promote walking for travel and recreation, and to enhance walking environments in NSW.

The NRSPP will provide current and future residents with greater access and increase patronage to local train stations. The TOD will focus on providing greater access for residents to cycle, bus and train services through well designed pedestrian and cycle pathways in line with the strategic directions of NSW 2021.

URBIS ADP – 1207 – SOC-0001-SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT NOVEMBER 2012 SOCIAL POLICY CONTEXT 11

3.2 LOCAL POLICY

3.2.1 MANAGEMENT PLAN 2009 – 2013

The City of Ryde Management Plan guides Council operations towards 2013, detailing Council structures, key strategies and planned capital works. Reflecting the overarching vision for Ryde to be “an innovative city, a leader in environmental, economic and social sustainability”, the Plan strives for sustainability in four key areas, making the following commitments:

People: The City of Ryde is committed to maintaining a socially sustainable City through community participation in our products and services.

Assets/Economic: The City of Ryde is committed to the delivery and maintenance of high quality public infrastructure and facilities

Environment: The City of Ryde is committed to maintaining an ecologically sustainable City through the management of our City’s natural and physical environment.

Governance: The City of Ryde is committed to effective decision-making processes that ensure transparency and involvement of its community.

With respect to social infrastructure and the needs of the community, the Management Plan:

Acknowledges that the Ryde LGA population is growing and changing, resulting in increased demand and diverse needs.

Makes a commitment to „enhance the capacity of the service network and emerging and anticipated needs‟.

Identifies the need for service accessibility to be enhanced for young people, older people, families and children.

3.2.2 SOCIAL PLAN 2005

The Social Plan was developed in 2005 to identify and respond to community needs to achieve the following the Vision of Ryde as: “A City that plans for people by identifying their diverse needs and involving them in decision making to improve their quality of life”. The key outcomes of the Social Plan are:

A vibrant city that is economically strong and engages its community through cultural and social activities.

A city that plans for people by involving them in decision making to improve their quality of life.

A harmonious community through culturally enriched and respectful society.

A variety of groups within the community are considered, including older people, young people, children, men, women, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) people, Aboriginal people and people with a disability. The Plan makes a number of recommendations for Council-lead social initiatives targeting each of these groups and their needs. The wider community and minority groups within Ryde LGA are included in the consultation process of the NRSPP and a separate community and stakeholder consultation process has been undertaken through the development of the project. This process and its outcomes are documented separately as part of the broader rezoning study.

3.2.3 CITY HOUSING STRATEGY

The City Housing Strategy determines how best to accommodate future population and housing requirements within the LGA by defining the types and locations of land use and development. A series of community consultations and workshops were undertaken by Council to inform the outcomes of the Strategy. City of Ryde Housing Strategy aims to ensure that future residential development:

Is appropriately located

Addresses affordability

12 SOCIAL POLICY CONTEXT URBIS


Promotes social wellbeing and community connections

Examines ways to maintain low density suburbs

Provides a modest housing mix for current and future residents

Enables people to easily access shops, services, open spaces

Is environmentally sustainable.

The housing study noted that in 2006, the most common housing type in the Ryde LGA was detached dwellings (54.5%), with 28.4% residential flats and 14.2% townhouses or semis. The study also noted some distinct trends in housing type in the LGA between 2001 and 2006 with an increase in medium density and high density housing and a general decrease in single detached dwellings overall.

The Study also establishes a range of key principles to guide planning for housing provision in the LGA including:

To meet the dwelling targets set by the Metropolitan Strategy and Sub-Regional Strategy

To maintain the City of Ryde‟s current strategic planning direction to focus the majority of residential growth within Macquarie Park and the town centres.

Encourage additional dwellings in small centres

Dwelling numbers and types should be appropriate to the nature of the centre.

Protect the character of low density residential areas.

Provide a diversity of housing types.

Provide high levels of residential amenity.

Encourage residential development which is sustainable.

The NRSPP aligns with many of these principles through the provision for a range of housing types within the MPC, centred on a railway station thus maximizing transport efficiency and sustainability. The project will contribute to the overall housing stock within the LGA as well as the diversity of housing and works to preserve the amenity of low density residential areas through sensitive urban design and an indirect reduction in pressure for higher density development within established low density areas.

3.2.4 PARKS ON TRACK FOR PEOPLE 2025

Introduced in 2006, Parks on Track for People 2025 provides direction for the management of Ryde‟s parks and reserves over a 20 year period. The Plan recognises the diversity and changing needs of the community and places emphasis on the provision of multi-purpose open spaces. It also seeks to enable the sustainable and equitable delivery of recreation and park resources across the community.

The Plan complements generic Plans of Management for sportsgrounds, parks, natural areas and general community uses, providing information about:

Trends in recreation and physical activity

Funding arrangements

Paradigms in service delivery across the major park types

The distribution and size of parks.

The plan is to be superceded by the Draft Integrated Open Space Plan (IOSP) currently under preparation and discussed in more detail below.

URBIS ADP – 1207 – SOC-0001-SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT NOVEMBER 2012 SOCIAL POLICY CONTEXT 13

3.2.5 DRAFT INTEGRATED OPEN SPACE PLAN (IOSP)

At the time of writing this report, the City of Ryde Council was preparing the Integrated Open Space Plan (IOSP) which guides and influences future planning and management decisions for parks and open spaces in the Ryde LGA. The report is currently in draft form and has recently been on exhibition (concluding in June 2012). Whilst the document was not finalised at the time of writing this report, Part 4 (Needs and Demand Report) was made available for the purposes of this study.

The IOSP considers the supply of open space, investigates the recreation needs of the Ryde community and identifies opportunities to more sustainably manage and enhance open spaces in the LGA. This document is considered to be of particular relevance to the NRSPP and based on a review of available elements of the IOSP at the time of writing, key matters in the Plan include:

Open space is the most used facility/space in the LGA, with 13.7% of residents using parks and gardens at least once a month.

Formal, primarily indoor, recreation facilities are well used and in high demand.

The need for open space to accommodate changing demographics by providing a variety of open space settings.

The value of natural bushland in the area and to the community.

The need for better transport networks and linkages between open spaces (including bike and walking paths).

The opportunity for open spaces to facilitate social interaction.

A perceived oversupply of playgrounds, highlighting the need for more strategic thinking in planning for playgrounds.

The opportunity to investigate alternate open spaces, including rooftop areas.

The need to cater for groups such as youth and the CALD community.

The provision of spaces that encourage use throughout the day and night.

Opportunities for Council to partner with third parties in the provision of open space.

These matters were noted and considered in the planning for the precinct and used to inform the open space needs assessment detailed later in this report.

14 EXISTING COMMUNITY PROFILE URBIS


4 Existing Community Profile

4.1 OVERVIEW

The following presents an assessment of the demographic profile of the North Ryde suburb at 2006. The demographic profile of North Ryde is compared to the wider City of Ryde LGA and Sydney Statistical Division (Sydney SD). This analysis provides a context for assessing the current and future needs of the community of the North Ryde Station Precinct and City of Ryde LGA. The data and information in this section has been derived from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2006Census and the City of Ryde Community Profile. At the time of writing this report, the complete 2011 Census dataset was not available.

4.2 AGE STRUCTURE

At the time of the 2006 Census, there were a total of 10,195 residents in the suburb of North Ryde and a total of 96,948 within the greater City of Ryde LGA. Table 2 below illustrates the age distribution of these areas at 2006, comparative to the Sydney SD.

TABLE 2 – AGE DISTRIBUTION: RYDE SUBURB, RYDE LGA AND THE SYDNEY STATISTICAL DIVISION

AGE GROUP NORTH RYDE (SUBURB) RYDE LGA SYDNEY SD

NUMBER OF

PERSONS

% NUMBER OF

PERSONS

% NUMBER OF

PERSONS

%

0-4 years 593 5.8% 5,596 5.8% 270,814 6.6%

5-14 years 1,276 12.5% 10,575 10.9% 534,214 13.0%

15-24 years 1,195 11.7% 13,849 14.3% 569,896 13.8%

25-54 years 4,264 41.8% 43,223 44.6% 1,816,092 44.2%

55-64 years 1,051 10.3% 9,607 9.9% 422,182 10.2%

65 years and

over

1,815 17.8% 14,100 14.5% 505,979 12.3%

Total 10,195 100.0% 96,950 100.0% 4,119,190 100.0%

Median age 40 years 37 years 35 years

Source: ABS, 2011

Table 2 indicates:

The median age of the North Ryde (40 years) and Ryde LGA (37 years) population is higher than the Sydney SD (35 years). This is reflected in the higher proportion of people aged 65 years and over.

There is a slightly lower proportion of children (0-14 years) located within North Ryde (18.3%) and Ryde LGA (16.7%) when compared to the Sydney SD (19.6%).

The suburb of North Ryde has a slightly lower proportion of young people (15-24 years) when compared to the Ryde LGA and Sydney SD.

URBIS ADP – 1207 – SOC-0001-SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT NOVEMBER 2012 EXISTING COMMUNITY PROFILE 15

4.3 CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC CHARACTERISTICS

The cultural and linguistic characteristics of North Ryde and the wider Ryde LGA are similar. The Ryde LGA has a lower proportion of people born in Australia (55.4%) when compared to the North Ryde (62.4%) and the Sydney SD (60.4%). This is also reflected in those people who stated they were born overseas; North Ryde (32.2%), Ryde LGA (37.6%) and Sydney SD (31.7%). A smaller proportion of people identified themselves as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island in North Ryde (0.3%) and Ryde LGA (0.3%) when compared to the Sydney SD (1.1%).

With regards to those born overseas, the following table highlights the cultural groups with the largest representation in North Ryde, Ryde LGA and Sydney SD.

TABLE 3 – CULTURAL BACKGROUND – NORTH RYDE, RYDE LGA AND SYDNEY SD

NORTH RYDE RYDE LGA SYDNEY SD

China (4.0%) China (6.8%) England (3.5%)

England (3.3%) Hong Kong (2.8%) China (2.6%)

Hong Kong (1.8%) Republic of Korea (2.6%) New Zealand (2.0%)

Iran (1.5%) England (2.6%) Vietnam (1.5%)

Italy (1.4%) India (1.9%) Lebanon (1.3%)

Source: ABS, 2006

This table suggests a high proportion of Chinese born people and South East Asian born people generally, within North Ryde and the Ryde LGA when compared to the Sydney SD. There are also a notable percentage of people who were born in England.

The most common languages spoken at home other than English within North Ryde were: Cantonese (4.7%), Armenian (4.7%) and Mandarin (4.0%). Similarly, the most common language spoken at home within Ryde LGA other than English is Cantonese (7.0%), this is closely followed by Mandarin (5.9%) and Italian (3.1%). This is associated with the cultural make-up of these geographic areas.



4.4 INCOME AND AFFLUENCE

Figure 4 below illustrates the median weekly individual and household incomes North Ryde, compared to the Ryde LGA and the wider Sydney SD.

FIGURE 2 – MEDIAN WEEKLY INDIVIDUAL AND HOUSEHOLD INCOME – NORTH RYDE, RYDE LGA AND SYDNEY SD

Source: ABS, 2006

It is noted that the median weekly individual incomes for North Ryde, Ryde LGA and the Sydney SD are similar. When compared, the suburb of North Ryde has the lowest median weekly individual income ($491). However, the suburb of North Ryde has the highest median weekly household income ($1,238) when compared to the Ryde LGA ($1,158) and Sydney SD ($1,154).

The Social-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA)1 index of relative socio-economic disadvantage has

been referenced in relation to North Ryde and Ryde LGA. When ranked across Australia, the North Ryde suburb is ranked in the 8

th SEIFA decile, indicating low levels of disadvantage. When compared within

NSW it is ranked in the 7th decile. The Ryde LGA is ranked in the 10

th decile (highest) within Australia and

ranked in the 9th decile within NSW. Overall, these suggest that North Ryde and Ryde LGA have low

levels of disadvantage.

1 Socio-economic Index for Areas, ABS data, 2006, accessed at:

http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/DetailsPage/2033.0.55.0012006?OpenDocument

http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/DetailsPage/2033.0.55.0012006?OpenDocument


4.5 HOUSING TENURE AND FAMILY STRUCTURE

Figure 3 below provides an overview of tenure types within the suburb of North Ryde, Ryde LGA and the Sydney SD, at the time of the 2006 Census.

FIGURE 3 – HOUSING TENURE – NORTH RYDE, RYDE LGA AND SYDNEY SD

Source: ABS, 2006

This figure indicates:

The suburb of North Ryde had a higher proportion (42.5%) of people who stated that they fully owned their dwelling when compared to Ryde LGA (32.9%) and the Sydney SD (30.1%).

North Ryde and the Sydney SD have a similar percentage of dwellings being purchased when compared to the wider Ryde LGA.

North Ryde has a considerably lower percentage of people who rent (20.3%) when compared to the wider Ryde LGA (31.4%) and the Sydney SD (29.7%). This is reflective of the higher percentage of fully owned dwellings in North Ryde.

Overall, this suggests that North Ryde is a suburb where many residents have settled, invested economically and have become part of the community. It suggests long term residents and an established and stable community. A lower percentage of renters when compared to Ryde LGA and Sydney SD suggests fewer opportunities for people moving into and out of the North Ryde suburb.



Figure 4 below illustrates the predominant household structures within the North Ryde suburb and the wider Ryde LGA and Sydney SD at the time of the 2006 Census. The following points are highlighted:

There are a higher proportion (74.7%) of family households within North Ryde when compared to Ryde LGA and the Sydney SD. This may reflect the higher median household incomes within North Ryde when compared to Ryde LGA and Sydney SD.

There are a lower proportion of lone person households within North Ryde and Sydney SD when compared to the wider Ryde LGA. This may suggest that although not in the suburb of North Ryde there is a significant presence of one bedroom apartments and/or Independent Living Units for the elderly (ILUs) within Ryde LGA.

North Ryde has a slightly lower proportion of group households when compared to Ryde LGA and Sydney SD.

Figure 4 – Household structure – North Ryde, Ryde LGA and Sydney SD

Source: ABS, 2006


4.6 EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

At the time of the 2006 Census, the unemployment rate in North Ryde was 3.5%, considerably lower than the Sydney SD at 5.3%, and somewhat lower than for the Ryde LGA at 4.7%. Table 4 below provides an outlines of the key occupation categories for the suburb of North Ryde, the Ryde LGA and the Sydney SD.

TABLE 4 – OCCUPATION CATEGORIES – NORTH RYDE, RYDE LGA AND SYDNEY SD

OCCUPATION NORTH RYDE RYDE LGA SYDNEY SD

Managers 13.6% 13.7% 13.2%

Professionals 26.1% 29.3% 23.7%

Technicians and Trades

Workers

12.9% 11.3% 12.7%

Community and Personal

Service Workers

7.0% 7.2% 8.0%

Clerical and Administrative

Workers

18.3% 17.7% 16.7%

Sales Workers 10.1% 9.0% 9.5%

Machinery Operators And

Drivers

3.6% 3.4% 6.0%

Labourers 6.6% 6.6% 8.1%

Source: ABS, 2006

The above table suggests:

The occupation profile of North Ryde and Ryde LGA suggests a slightly higher proportion of white collar workers, with a lower proportion of machinery operators and drivers (3.6% and 3.4% respectively) when compared to the Sydney SD of 6.0%. The Sydney SD also has a slightly higher proportion of Labourers compared to North Ryde and the Ryde LGA.

North Ryde and Ryde LGA have a slightly higher proportion of clerical and administrative workers when compared to Sydney SD. This may reflect the opportunities provided by the MPC including the Macquarie Business and Technology Park and the number of educational facilities located across the LGA.

Overall, North Ryde (26.1%) and Ryde LGA (29.3%) have a higher proportion of professional workers when compared to the Sydney SD. The higher number of professionals may also be associated with the slightly higher median weekly individual and household incomes within Ryde LGA.



Table 5 below shows the highest educational qualifications achieved by residents (15 years and over) at the time of the 2006 Census. The table compares North Ryde with Ryde LGA and the Sydney SD.

TABLE 5 – HIGHEST TERTIARY EDUCATION QUALIFICATION ACHIEVED BY RESIDENTS AGED 15 YEARS AND OVER – NORTH RYDE, RYDE LGA AND SYDNEY SD

HIGHEST QUALIFICATION ACHIEVED (15 YEARS+)

NORTH RYDE RYDE LGA SYDNEY SD

Bachelor or higher degree 36.0% 41.1% 32.6%

Advanced diploma or diploma

17.5% 18.0% 16.4%

Vocational 26.1% 20.6% 26.0%

Not stated 17.0% 17.4% 22.0%

Source: ABS, 2006

The above table shows:

There are a considerably higher percentage of people with a Bachelor or higher degree living in North Ryde (36.0%) and Ryde LGA (41.1%), when compared with the Sydney SD (32.6%).

Of the number of people aged 15 years and over who stated they had a tertiary qualification, North Ryde had the highest proportion of people that had an advanced diploma, diploma or vocational qualification (53.5%). Ryde LGA had a total of 38.6% and the Sydney SD had 42.4%. These are reflective of the high proportion of people with a Bachelor degree or higher within Ryde LGA generally.

North Ryde and Ryde LGA had a slightly lower proportion of people who did not state any qualification when compared to the Sydney SD.

Overall, North Ryde and Ryde LGA have a high proportion of people aged 15 years and over with a tertiary qualification when compared to the Sydney SD.

URBIS ADP – 1207 – SOC-0001-SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT NOVEMBER 2012 PROJECTED FUTURE COMMUNITY PROFILE 21

5 Projected Future Community Profile

5.1 OVERVIEW

The following presents a projection of the likely demographic profile of the incoming population for the NRSPP. This assessment has been based on a review of existing resident profiles of similar neighbourhoods, which have undergone high density mixed use development in recent years and are located within close proximity to the NRSPP. These neighbourhoods include the suburbs of Chatswood and St Leonards, and the development area known as Top Ryde.

2006 Census data has been used to identify the demographic profile of existing residents within the comparison neighbourhoods. The estimated demographic profile for the NRSPP has been developed based on the average profile of the three comparison neighbourhoods. This provides a general overview of the potential demographic profile for the NRSPP development without providing detailed analysis of the dwelling structure and other factors which may impact the resident demographic profile.

5.2 COMPARISON NEIGHBOURHOODS

5.2.1 CHATSWOOD

Chatswood is an established residential neighbourhood located 5km east of the NRSPP development site and 10km north of Sydney CBD. The suburb has undergone significant development over the last 20 years and is now a major commercial and retail district in North Sydney. The suburb is characterised by a number of high density residential towers, headquarters of major companies and a number of large shopping centres. Recent development in the area includes the “Metro Chatswood”, a TOD which includes high density residential development located in close proximity to a railway and bus interchange.

In 2006 the suburb had a population of 21,093 people, with relatively high proportions of residents from China, Hong Kong and South Korea. The suburb has a population density of approximately 4,074 people per sq.km.

5.2.2 ST LEONARDS

St Leonards is located 6km south east of the NRSPP site and 5km north west of Sydney CBD. The suburb lies across the LGAs of Lane Cove, North Sydney, and City of Willoughby. The area was originally developed as a major rail interchange and has since undergone high density development for residential and commercial purposes, leveraging from its proximity to the CBD.

The suburb is characterised by a major commercial centre which includes a number of high rise developments. This includes “The Forum” development, a large scale complex of three commercial office buildings, two residential towers containing 782 apartments, and a number of retail outlets. The development was constructed over the existing railway station.

In 2006 the suburb had a population of 4,188 people, and a population density of approximately 5,260 people per sq.km.

5.2.3 TOP RYDE

The area of Top Ryde is an unofficial locality within the City of Ryde LGA. It is located approximately 3km south west of the NRSPP site, and contains high density commercial/retail and residential buildings located around the intersection of Devlin Street and Blaxland Road.

In 2006 the area was estimated to have a population of 1,385 and a population density of 3,318 people per sq.km.

The area of Top Ryde is currently undergoing large scale development. This has not been captured in this profile as this data originates from 2006.

22 PROJECTED FUTURE COMMUNITY PROFILE URBIS


5.3 DWELLING TYPOLOGIES

To estimate the suitability of the three comparison neighbourhoods against the NRSPP development, the dwelling typology for these neighbourhoods has been compared to the potential dwelling typology for the NRSPP (shown 8 below). It is estimated that he NRSPP could provide 2,564 units, providing accommodation for approximately 4,565 residents. This equates to an average occupancy rate of 1.78 people per unit. It should be noted that potential occupancy rates for each dwelling type have not been considered in this calculation, this is therefore provided as a guide only.

TABLE 6 –POTENTIAL DWELLING TYPOLOGY FOR THE NRSPP

ACCOMMODATION SCHEDULE % NO. UNITS NO. RESIDENTS

Studios 5% 128 228

1 bed 30% 769 1370

2 bed 50% 1282 2283

2 bed rooftop 5% 128 228

3 bed 4.5% 115 205

3 bed rooftop 5% 128 228

3 bed penthouse 0.5% 13 23

Total 2,564 4,565

Source: ABS, 2006 and Urbis, 2012

Table 7 below compares the accommodation schedule of the three comparison neighbourhoods and that which is estimated for the NRSPP.

TABLE 7 – COMPARISON OF DWELLING SCHEDULE

ACCOMMODATION

SIZE

CHATSWOOD ST LEONARDS TOP RYDE AVERAGE NRSPP

% NO.

No bedroom* 1.1% 4.8% 0.7% 2.2% 5%* 128

1 Bedroom 13.4% 38.2% 18.0% 23.2% 30% 769

2 Bedrooms 39.5% 37.6% 58.3% 45.2% 55% 1,410

3 Bedrooms 28.8% 16.7% 16.5% 20.7% 10% 256

4 or more Bedrooms** 17.2% 2.7% 6.4% 8.8% 0% 0

Notes:

* Relates to studio accommodation for NRSPP

** includes 3 bed rooftop, and penthouse apartments


This indicates that the area of St Leonards has a similar accommodation structure compared with the potential for NRSPP, with high proportions of 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom dwellings. Chatswood has significantly higher proportions of 3 bedrooms and 4 or more bedroom dwelling types compared to the other neighbourhoods.

The average dwelling size of the three comparison areas is similar to the proposed dwelling typology of the NRSPP, with the majority of dwellings of 2 or 1 bedroom. The comparison neighbourhoods have higher proportions of dwellings with 3 or more bedrooms compared to the NRSPP accommodation schedule. This may result in a higher proportion of family households identified in the average demographic profile for the comparison areas, than would be expected for the NRSPP.


5.4 AGE STRUCTURE

Table 8 below presents the age structure of comparable neighbourhoods and the estimated age profile for residents of the NRSPP.

The demographic profile of Chatswood, St Leonards and Top Ryde is characterised by high proportions of young residents between the ages of 20 and 44 years old, with smaller proportions of residents aged 14 years or younger, and 44 years or older. However the Chatswood and Top Ryde areas have higher proportions of residents over the age of 65 years, compared with St Leonards.

Based on the comparable neighbourhoods, it is anticipated that the NRSPP development may attract a high proportion of residents (53.4%) between the ages of 20 and 44 years old. The largest age category is likely to be the 25-29 year age group with 662 residents (14.5%).

It is also anticipated that the NRSPP will attract a relatively high proportion of older residents with approximately 413 people (9.0%) over the age of 65 years old. It is suggested that older residents may appreciate the proximity of the development to the City and surrounding suburbs, and the relative affordability of smaller units.

TABLE 8 – POTENTIAL AGE PROFILE

Age cohort Chatswood St Leonards Top Ryde NRSPP

% NO.

Aged 0-4 5.6% 4.2% 4.8% 4.9% 223

Aged 5-9 4.8% 2.2% 5.2% 4.1% 185

Aged 10-14 4.9% 1.7% 4.6% 3.7% 170

Aged 15-19 6.0% 3.6% 5.2% 4.9% 225

Aged 20-24 9.8% 12.5% 8.3% 10.2% 465

Aged 25-29 10.1% 21.8% 11.6% 14.5% 662

Aged 30-34 9.1% 16.7% 10.0% 11.9% 544

Aged 35-39 8.2% 10.3% 9.8% 9.4% 430

Aged 40-44 7.4% 6.4% 8.4% 7.4% 337

Aged 45-49 6.9% 5.7% 8.6% 7.1% 322

Aged 50-55 5.8% 4.4% 5.1% 5.1% 233

Aged 55-59 5.4% 4.0% 4.2% 4.5% 207

Aged 60-64 3.6% 2.3% 3.9% 3.3% 149

Aged 65+ 12.3% 4.2% 10.6% 9.0% 413

Total 4,565

Source: ABS, 2006



5.5 EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

Table 9 below presents the occupation profile of residents within the three comparison neighbourhoods and the estimated occupation profile for incoming residents of the NRSPP.

This indicates that on average the comparable neighbourhoods have high proportions of residents employed as professionals (35.3%), clerical and administrative workers (16.1%), or managers (15.5%), and low proportions of labourers (5.4%) and machinery operators (3.2%).

Based on the comparable neighbourhoods, it is anticipated that the NRSPP development will attract predominantly white collar workers with approximately 1,612 residents employed as professionals, 737 employed in clerical and administrative, and 708 residents employed in managerial occupations.

TABLE 9 – POTENTIAL OCCUPATION PROFILE (AGED 15 YEARS AND OVER)

Occupation Chatswood St Leonards Top Ryde NRSPP

% No.

Managers 17.3% 19.4% 9.9% 15.5% 708

Professionals 37.3% 45.5% 23.1% 35.3% 1612

Technicians & trades workers

7.5% 5.7% 14.6% 9.3% 423

Community & Personal Service Workers

6.6% 5.9% 7.4% 6.6% 303

Clerical & Administrative Workers

15.1% 13.4% 20.0% 16.1% 737

Sales Workers 9.8% 6.5% 9.3% 8.5% 388

Machinery operators & Drivers

1.9% 1.6% 6.3% 3.2% 148

Labourers 4.6% 2.2% 9.4% 5.4% 246

Total 4,565

Source: ABS, 2006

5.6 INCOME AND AFFLUENCE

Table 10 overleaf presents the average household income for the three comparison neighbourhoods and the estimated average household income for the NRSPP.

This indicates that the area of St Leonards has the highest average household income of $94,614, compared to $80,469 in Chatswood, and $57,603 in Top Ryde. It is likely that St Leonards has a higher average household income due to location of nearby medical employment, including Royal North Shore Private Hospital. Over 35% of households in St Leonards earn over $130,000, compared to only 26% in Chatswood and 6.6% in Top Ryde.

Based on the average household income profile of the comparison neighbourhoods it is anticipated that the average household income for the NRSPP will be $77,562 – however this does not take into account the cost or affordability of the proposed dwellings. This is similar to the average household income for the Chatswood neighbourhood.


TABLE 10 – POTENTIAL AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME (PER HOUSEHOLD)

Income Chatswood St Leonards Top Ryde NRSPP

% No.

Average household income $80,469 $94,614 $57,603 $77,562

$Neg/Nil 5.3% 4.4% 2.1% 3.9% 180

$1-$13,000 5.2% 3.5% 8.9% 5.9% 268

$13,000-$18,200 5.4% 2.2% 5.9% 4.5% 205

$18,200-$26,000 2.0% 0.7% 4.6% 2.4% 111

$26,000-$33,800 7.8% 3.8% 10.1% 7.2% 331

$33,800-$41,600 5.2% 4.7% 7.8% 5.9% 270

$41,600-$52,000 6.5% 6.0% 11.2% 7.9% 361

$52,000-$62,400 9.7% 10.1% 14.7% 11.5% 525

$62,400-$72,800 4.1% 3.1% 4.8% 4.0% 182

$72,800-$88,400 7.9% 9.5% 11.9% 9.8% 445

$88,400-$104,000 7.6% 10.5% 6.7% 8.3% 377

$104,000-$130,000 7.4% 6.4% 4.8% 6.2% 284

$130,000-$156,000 12.4% 18.1% 4.3% 11.6% 529

$156,000 plus 13.6% 16.9% 2.3% 10.9% 499

Source: ABS, 2006

5.7 HOUSING TENURE AND HOUSEHOLD STRUCTURE

Table 11 below presents the housing status of residents within the three comparison neighbourhoods and the estimated housing status profile for the NRSPP.

This indicates that the majority of residents (54.5%) within the three comparison neighbourhoods currently rent their dwelling from private landlords. There are a smaller proportion of residents who own their dwelling (22.8%) or are in the process of purchasing a property (22.7%).

The neighbourhoods of Chatswood and Top Ryde have significantly higher proportion of residents who have purchased their property (32.5%, and 23.0% respectively) compared to St Leonards (13.0%). It is anticipated that this may be due to recent development within St Leonards and employment in surrounding land uses including medical and technology hubs.

Based on the table below it is estimated that approximately 2,488 residents within the NRSPP will be renters, with 1,042 residents owning and 1,035 residents purchasing their property.

TABLE 11 – POTENTIAL HOUSING STATUS

Housing Status Chatswood St Leonards

Top Ryde

NRSPP

% No.

Owner 32.5% 13.0% 23.0% 22.8% 1,042

Purchaser 24.0% 20.0% 24.0% 22.7% 1,035

Renter 43.5% 67.0% 53.0% 54.5% 2,488

Public Renter 1.4% 0.8% 0.9% 1.0% 48

Private Renter 41.4% 66.0% 52.1% 53.2% 2,428




Table 12 below presents the household structure of dwellings within each of the comparison neighbourhoods, and the potential household structure for the NRSPP.

This indicates that the majority (59.5%) of dwellings within the comparison neighbourhoods were family households, with 40.5% of dwellings identified as non-family households. Of the non-family households, 33.5% were identified as lone person households, with only 7.0% identified as group households.

Based on the above, it is anticipated that of the 2,564 dwellings proposed by the NRPP, 1,525 will be family households, with 859 lone person households, and 180 group households.

TABLE 12 – POTENTIAL HOUSEHOLD STRUCTURE

Household structure Chatswood St Leonards Top Ryde NRSPP

% No.

Family Households 67.9% 53.6% 56.9% 59.5% 1,525

Non-Family Households 32.1% 46.4% 43.1% 40.5% 1,039

Group 7.0% 9.3% 4.8% 7.0% 180

Lone Person 25.1% 37.1% 38.3% 33.5% 859


Note: Group and lone person households are considered to be non-family households.

Table 13 below identifies the composition of family households for the three comparative neighbourhoods and the NRSPP.

This indicates that St Leonards has a significantly higher proportion of family households identified as a couple family with no children (61.4%) compared with Chatswood (38.1%) and Top Ryde (39.4%), suggesting a high proportion of young single couples in the area.

TABLE 13 – POTENTIAL FAMILY COMPOSITION

Family composition Chatswood St Leonards

Top Ryde

NRSPP

% No.

Couple family with no children 38.1% 61.4% 39.4% 46.3% 706

Couple family with children under 15 29.4% 17.5% 31.2% 26.0% 397

Couple family with no children under 15 13.9% 6.5% 9.3% 9.9% 151

One parent family with children under 15 5.1% 2.5% 9.3% 5.7% 86

One parent family with no children under 15 8.8% 7.2% 8.2% 8.1% 123

Other 4.6% 4.8% 2.5% 4.0% 61


Based on the above it is estimated that of the 1,525 family households estimated for the NRSPP, 706 will be couple families with no children, 397 will be couple families with children under 15 years old, and 151 will be couple families with no children under 15 years old.

It should be noted again that this assessment does not consider the types of dwellings or units proposed at the site, and should be used as a guide to likely population characteristics of similar development areas.


5.8 CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC CHARACTERISTICS

Table 14 below presents the birthplace of residents in comparable neighbourhoods and the estimated birthplace profile of residents of the NRSPP. This only provides a comparison of the 11 largest groups and does not consider all birthplace locations. This indicates that the majority of residents in the comparable neighbourhoods were born overseas, 55.2%, compared to those born in Australia, 44.8%. The majority of residents born overseas were born in Asian countries, with high proportions of residents born in North East Asia (19.5%) and South East Asia (8.7%).

Based on the birthplace profile of the comparison areas, it is estimated that the NRSPP will attract a large proportion of overseas investors with approximately 2,522 residents from overseas. Of these 892 may come from North East Asia, 395 from South East Asia, and 220 from North West Europe. These figures are based solely upon an analysis of demographics in comparison neighbourhoods and do not account for project specific cultural influences such as the proximity of the site to a cemetery which may affect the desirability of the development for certain Asian cultures.

TABLE 14 – POTENTIAL BIRTHPLACE

BIRTHPLACE CHATSWOOD ST

LEONARDS

TOP

RYDE

NRSPP

% NO.

Australian Born 44.2% 42.2% 47.9% 44.8% 2,043

Overseas Born 55.8% 57.8% 52.1% 55.2% 2,522

Oceania 3.2% 4.8% 3.2% 3.7% 169

North West Europe 5.2% 6.4% 2.8% 4.8% 220

Southern and Eastern Europe

1.9% 1.6% 6.5% 3.4% 153

North Africa and the Middle East

0.8% 0.3% 2.8% 1.3% 61

South East Asia 6.8% 9.2% 9.9% 8.6% 395

North East Asia 26.3% 21.4% 10.9% 19.5% 892

Southern and Central Asia

2.1% 3.8% 3.0% 3.0% 135

Americas 0.9% 1.2% 0.5% 0.9% 39

Sub Saharan Africa 0.7% 0.8% 0.7% 0.8% 34


Table 15 below identifies the language profile of residents in the comparison areas, and the potential language diversity of the proposed incoming population. This indicates that the main language spoken by residents at home for each neighbourhood is English. There are also a high proportion of residents whose main language spoken at home is Chinese. Chatswood has the highest proportion of Chinese speaking residents, with a total of 25.3% of residents speaking either Cantonese or Mandarin.

The NRSPP is expected to attract a high proportion of investors from overseas, most likely from China, Hong Kong or Korea. It is estimated that up to 886 people (19.4%) of the incoming population could speak Chinese as their main language.

TABLE 15 – POTENTIAL LANGUAGE GROUPS

LANGUAGE

SPOKEN AT HOME

CHATSWOOD ST LEONARDS TOP RYDE NRSPP

% NO.

English only 51.0% 55.2% 44.9% 50.4% 2,299



LANGUAGE

SPOKEN AT HOME

CHATSWOOD ST LEONARDS TOP RYDE NRSPP

% NO.

Chinese - Cantonese 14.1% 11.5% 5.5% 10.4% 473

Chinese - Mandarin 11.2% 7.5% 8.4% 9.0% 412

Other 3.7% 4.5% 10.8% 6.3% 288

Korean 6.6% 2.6% 0.8% 3.4% 153

Japanese 2.8% 6.4% 0.2% 3.1% 143

Italian 1.4% 0.4% 6.9% 2.9% 133

Iranic - Persian 0.7% 0.7% 3.0% 1.5% 68

Hindi 0.7% 1.8% 1.9% 1.5% 67

Indonesian 1.4% 1.4% 0.8% 1.2% 55


5.9 PROPOSED AND APPROVED DEVELOPMENTS

There are a number of proposed and approved development applications (DAs) within Ryde that will contribute to population increases in this area. There are seven proposed or approved developments within Ryde LGA, including the NRSPP. These are predicted to provide additional residential accommodation for up to 15,000 people over the next 20 years. This number inevitably involves some „double counting‟ as it includes NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DP&I) projections which capture some of the additional approvals but not the NRSPP or a number of others. The approved and future proposed developments are listed in Table 16 below and illustrated in Figure 5.

TABLE 16 – APPROVED AND FUTURE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN RYDE LGA AS AT JULY2012

ADDRESS LANDOWNER DETAILS STATUS

110-114

Herring Road

Stamford

Grand

Four precincts comprising around 625 residential units

(amounting to around 56,000sqm Gross Floor Area

(GFA) and buildings ranging from 9 to 21 storeys in

height). Limited retail of around 212sqm.

Seeks approval for 2 residential buildings to a

maximum height of 13 storeys (136 apartments of

mixed 1,2,3 bed and 192 car parking spaces)

DGRs issued/no

approval as yet

DGRs issued/no

approval as yet

120-128

Herring Road

Lipman

Properties

Mixed use comprising 4 x 12 storey and 1 x 9 storey

building envelopes (557 apartments) with basement

car parking (667 car spaces), road works and

landscaping

Staged subdivision into 7 allotments comprising 5

All approved.



residential allotments and 2 road allotments for access

road

Construction of 1 x 12 storey mixed use

residential/retail buildings providing 123 apartments,

ground floor retail space, 152 basement car spaces

and a new access road.

88 Talavera

Road

St Hilliers An 8 storey hotel building with 151 hotel rooms/suites,

ancillary meeting rooms, bar area, retail area and

theatrette, and 52 car parking accessed from Talavera

Road.

Three residential apartment buildings comprising of 7

storeys, containing 232 apartments with associated

landscaped courtyards, and 235 car parking spaces

accessed off Alma Road.

Landscaping works and improvements to Shrimptons

Creek, the proposed public open space area to the

east of Shrimptons Creek, and public domain works

across the site.

DA377/2007:

Approved and still

valid, however unlikely

to be constructed due

to lack of feasibility in

commercial market

Application currently

being prepared, not

lodged.

Talavera

Road

AMP Capital

Investors

Expansion to the existing centres resulting in an

increase of 31,800sqm GFA comprising a full line

David Jones and approximately 130 new speciality

stores and fresh food market as well as a further 1,050

car spaces.

Approved

Herring Road Macquarie

University

400,000sqm commercial GFA

61,200sqm academic GFA

3,450 beds (student and provision for senior living)

Infrastructure upgrade, improvements to road

Establish integrated landscape open space with

pedestrian/cycle

Car parking structures

Approved

5 Whiteside

Avenue,

North Ryde

EG Funds The subject site is comprised of three lots – 5

Whiteside Street (Lot 6, DP 260000) and 14 and 16

David Avenue (Lots 4 and 3 of DP 25688).

Irregular in shape, the subject site has a combined

area of 1.39 hectares.

The site has frontages to Whiteside Street, David

Avenue and Epping Road. The setback to Epping

Road is approximately 20 metres due to the location of

DGRs issued/no

approval as yet




an RTA-owned road widening reserve.

The site is zoned R2 Low Density Residential under

the Ryde LEP 2010.

213 residential apartments on site, in four blocks

ranging in height from 2 storeys to 8 storeys. This will

include 63 x 1-bedroom apartments, 100 x 2-bedroom

apartments and 50 x 3-bedroom apartments.

Access to the site via Whiteside Street and Epping

Road only, with no access to or from the site via David

Avenue. Whiteside Street will be two-way north of the

entry point to Epping Road, and will remain one-way

south of the entry point to prevent access onto

Parklands Avenue.

Approximately 311 car parking spaces including 4 on-

street visitor parking spaces.

A communal open space in the north of the site closest

to Epping Road.

TBA LaSalle

Investment

Management

co-invest with

the Toga

Group

$200m-plus project to build more than 560 apartments

in Macquarie Park in Sydney's north

Design phase

1-9

Allengrove

Crescent,

116a-122b

Epping Road,

259-263 Lane

Cove Road,

North Ryde

EGC

Custodian

Services

Concept Plan for the demolition of the existing 15

dwellings, excavation of three stepped basement

levels and the construction of 269 residential units in

three blocks:

Block along Epping Road, 112 units, height varying

from 5 to 10/11 storeys

Middle Block, 108 units, height varying from 5 to 11

storeys

Block along Allengrove Crescent, 49 units, height

varying from 4 to 7 storeys

Project refused.

Source: Urbis, 2012

URBIS ADP – 1207 – SOC-01-SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AUGUST 2012 PROJECTED FUTURE COMMUNITY PROFILE 31

FIGURE 5 – APPROVED AND FUTURE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDING POPULATION FOOTPRINT AS AT SEPTEMBER 2011

Source: Urbis, 2012



The above figure shows the seven large developments approved or proposed in the Ryde LGA, including the NRSPP. The majority of developments are located within reasonably close proximity of the NRSPP. The population growth expected to result from these developments (projected to be up to 15,000), coupled with the growth generated by the NRSPP, will place increased demand on existing open space and social infrastructure in close proximity to the site.

5.10 SUMMARY OF PROJECTED POPULATION

If the NRSPP attracts a demographic profile similar to the demographic profile of existing residential communities of Chatswood, St Leonards and Top Ryde, the NRSPP may include the following key characteristics:

A high proportion of residents (53.4%) aged 20 to 44 years old

Largest age cohort of 25 to 29 years old (14.5%)

A relatively high proportion of older residents aged 65 years and older (9.0%)

A high percentage of white collar workers

An average annual household income of $77,562

A high percentage of residents who rent from private landlords

A high percentage of couple families with no children (46.3%)

Attract a large proportion of people born overseas, predominately from south-east Asia (China, Hong Kong and Republic of Korea)

A notable Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin) speaking community.

URBIS ADP – 1207 – SOC-0001-SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT NOVEMBER 2012 EXISTING SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE 33

6 Existing Social Infrastructure

6.1 OVERVIEW

This section provides an overview of existing social infrastructure provision in the City of Ryde LGA and its current operating capacity. Infrastructure and services considered include:

Public transport

Schools

Tertiary Education

Preschools and childcare

Libraries

Aged care

Hospitals and medical services.

6.2 PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The NRSPP is generally well served by transport infrastructure, surrounded by major roads and dissected by a major railway line. The project aims to capitalise on this strategic location in the form of a TOD providing jobs and housing in close proximity to established transport infrastructure.

All proposed development lots within the NRSPP are located within an 800m walkable catchment of public transport with North Ryde Station located in the south of the NRSPP site and Macquarie Park Station located approximately one kilometre north-west. Train lines servicing these stations provide direct access for residents to the City, Epping, Hornsby, Chatswood, North Sydney, Burwood, Strathfield and Eastwood.

In addition to rail services, high frequency bus services provide regular services to the City and other popular destinations. There are a total of six bus routes along Epping Road, nine bus routes along Waterloo Road and seven bus routes along Lane Cove Road. Local residents and visitors are able to access local and regional locations including the City, Manly, Parramatta, Rhodes, Chatswood, Epping, Macquarie University and Macquarie Shopping Centre.

These services provide direct services to key primary and secondary schools located in close proximity to Epping Road and Lane Cove Road, as well as servicing beyond the Ryde LGA boundaries, offering residents with children the option to attend schools beyond the immediate locale. It should be noted that many schools often provide school bus services in addition to public bus routes.

There are also a number of local cycle routes across the Ryde LGA including Epping Road, Pittwater Road and the M2 Motorway.

Figure 6 identifies the seven train stations and number of bus and cycle routes available within the Ryde LGA boundary whilst Figure 7 and Figure 8 (overleaf) outline the bus network services and times within close proximity to the NRSPP

34 EXISTING SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE URBIS

ADP – 1207 – SOC-01-SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AUGUST 2012

FIGURE 6 – TRANSPORTATION ROUTES WITHIN RYDE LGA


Figure 7 – Bus network routes (NRSPP)

Source: TfNSW, 2012



Figure 8 – STA and Hillsbus services operating via North Ryde


6.3 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS

6.3.1 OVERVIEW

This section provides an overview of existing school facilities in proximity to the NRSPP site and provides a preliminary assessment of capacity and demand.

There are a total of 20 primary schools within Ryde LGA – comprising 14 public schools and six non-government schools (refer Figure 9). Five secondary schools are located within Ryde LGA – including three public schools and two non-government schools (refer Figure 10).

For the purposes of the social infrastructure audit, three primary schools located outside Ryde LGA have also been included due to their proximity to the precinct (Boronia Park Public School, Hunters Hill, Lane Cove West Public School, Lane Cove West and Mowbray Public School, Lane Cove). Arden Anglican Senior School has also been included but falls outside the Ryde LGA boundaries. Excellent public transport services provide access to these schools as well as those within the LGA providing a variety of schooling choices for future residents



FIGURE 9 – PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN RYDE LGA AND PROXIMITY


FIGURE 10 – SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN RYDE LGA AND PROXIMITY



6.3.2 SCHOOL LOCATION AND CAPACITY

According to best practice for primary schools, a school should be central to its catchment. The DEC guidelines for schools suggest a walkable school radius of 1.6km for primary schools to maximise demand for bus transport and opportunities to walk to school (shown in Figure 10). For secondary schools, an approximate 3.2km radius (driving) has been applied as a reasonable standard (shown in Figure 11). Applying these guidelines provides and understanding of whether future residents and students of the NRSPP are within reasonable distance of schools and therefore provide the basis for assessment of capacity and demand.

Based upon the GIS mapping analysis undertaken for the purposes of this study it can be seen that there are a total of three public primary schools and one non-government primary school within the 1.6km walking radius to the NRSPP site. It can also be seen that there are five secondary schools within Ryde LGA, two of which are located within the 3.2km driving radius of the NRSPP site. Further discussion on capacity and location of these schools is provided below.

In the evaluation of social infrastructure need, the capacity of existing schools to take additional students was assessed. The analysis considered which schools were significantly under the standard provision and which have potential for more students per average square metre. There was significant variation across the catchment in the number of square metres per enrolled student. This shows that some schools are at or over capacity from a standard provision perspective but also shows that others have the potential to increase student densities to pick up extra demand. Table 17 below provides a summary of these findings. Those schools highlighted blue are those that have potential for more students (as measured per average number of square metres per student).

TABLE 17 – EXISTING CAPACITY WITHIN SCHOOLS IN RYDE LGA

NAME GOVERNMENT ADDRESS SUBURB AREA OF

SCHOOL

CURRENT

ENROLMENTS

CURRENT SQM PER

STUDENT

PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Holy Spirit

Primary

School

Non-

government

195 Coxs

Rd North Ryde 3.58 ha 605 Students 59 m2

Our Lady

Queen of

Peace

Non-

government

Westminster

Road Gladesville 2.62 ha 255 Students 103 m2

Northcross

Christian

School

Non-

government

61-65 Lane

Cove Road Ryde 0.56 ha 290 Students 19 m2

St. Anthony‟s

Catholic

Primary

Non-

government

Cnr

Balaclava

Road and

Agincourt

Road Marsfield 3.17 ha 222 Students 143 m2

St. Charles

Borromeo

Cath School

Non-

government

582 Victoria

Road Ryde 2.23 ha 451 Students 49 m2



SCHOOL

CURRENT

ENROLMENTS

CURRENT SQM PER

STUDENT

St. Michaels

Catholic

Primary

Non-

government

Maxim

Street Meadowbank 0.81 ha 296 Students 27 m2

St. Therese

Catholic

Primary

Non-

government

448

Blaxland

Road Eastwood 0.42 ha 162 Students 26 m2

East Ryde

Primary

School Public

12-14 Twin

Rd North Ryde 3.51 ha 414 Students 85 m2

North Ryde

Public School Public Cox's Road North Ryde 2.41 ha 248 Students 97 m2

Truscott

Street Public

School Public Truscott St North Ryde 2.10 ha 305 Students 69 m2

Ryde Public

School Public Pope St Ryde 3.66 ha 389 Students 94 m2

Denistone

East Public Public Lovell Rd Eastwood 2.94 ha 829 Students 35 m2

Eastwood

Heights

Public Public

Lincoln

Street Eastwood 2.22 ha 337 Students 66 m2

Eastwood

Public Public Rowe St Eastwood 2.32 ha 690 Students 34 m2

Ermington

Public Public

Winbourne

St West Ryde 2.12 ha 465 Students 46 m2

Gladesville

Public Public Victoria Rd Gladesville 2.90 ha 391 Students 74 m2

Meadowbank

Public Public

Thistle

Street Ryde 3.37 ha 159 Students 212 m2

Putney

Public Public

193

Morrison

Road Putney 1.80 ha 405 Students 44 m2




SCHOOL

CURRENT

ENROLMENTS

CURRENT SQM PER

STUDENT

West Ryde

Public Public

6 Endeavour

Street West Ryde 1.63 ha 313 Students 52 m2

Boronia Park

Public School Public

113

Pittwater Rd Hunters Hill 0.79 ha 376 Students 21 m2

Mowbray

Public School Public

635

Mowbray

Road Lane Cove 4.0 ha 304 Students 131m2

Lane Cove

West Public

School Public

80 Avalon

Avenue Lane Cove 1.7ha 435 Students 40m2

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Holy Cross

Catholic

College

Non-

government

517 Victoria

Road Ryde 11.20 ha 546 Students 205 m2

Marist

College

Eastwood

Non-

government

44 Hillview


Epping Boys

High Public

213 Vimiera


Marsden

High Public

22a

Winbourne

St West Ryde 8.51 ha 747 Students 114 m2

Ryde

Secondary

College Public

5 Malvina

Street Ryde 4.04 ha 938 Students 43 m2

Arden

Anglican

Senior

School

Non-

government

50 Oxford

St, Epping 9869 2644 2.22 ha 659 Students 34 m2


Further, Table 18 below shows the average enrolments for primary and secondary non-government and public schools within Ryde LGA.

TABLE 18 – CURRENT SCHOOLS IN CATCHMENT SUMMARY

SCHOOLS TOTAL ENROLED AVERAGE ENROLMENT

Total primary schools 22 8341 379

Non-government 7 2281 326

Public 15 6060 404

Total sec. schools 6 4709 785

Non-government 3 1910 637

Public 3 2799 933

Grand total 28 13050 466

Table 19 below illustrates the new school demand to 2031 for the different catchments based upon DoPI population projections.

TABLE 19 – PROJECTED DEMAND SCHOOL ENROLMENTS - 2013

NEW DEMAND BY

2031 (BASED ON

DOPI)

WALKING (1.6KM) POTENTIAL

ENROLMENTS

DRIVING (3.2KM) POTENTIAL

ENROLMENTS

RYDE LGA

POTENTIAL

ENROLMENTS

Age 5-11 Primary 45 305 1443

Age 12-17 Secondary 39 261 1236

Subtotal 84 566 2678

NEW DEMAND BY

2031 (FROM NEW

DEVELOPMENT IN

CATCHMENT)

WALKING (1.6KM) DRIVING (3.2KM) RYDE LGA

Age 5-11 Primary 464 911 942

Age 12-17 Secondary 397 781 807

Subtotal 861 1692 1749

TOTAL DEMAND WALKING (1.6KM) DRIVING (3.2KM) RYDE LGA

Age 5-11 Primary 509 1216 2384

Age 12-17 Secondary 436 1042 2043

Total 945 2258 4427



Table 20 illustrates that with the use of the Ryde benchmark there is potential capacity within the local schools (1.6km radius) to accommodate an additional 134 primary school students.

TABLE 20 – STANDARDS OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS WITHIN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE SITE (1.6KM)

NAME ADDRESS AREA

SQM

CURRENT

ENROLMENTS

CURRENT

SQM PER

STUDENT

POTENTIAL

CAPACITY

FROM

STANDARDS

CURRENTLY

OVER OR

UNDER

Holy Spirit

Primary

School

195 Coxs

Rd

35,837

m2 605 Students 59 m

2 527 -78

Over

Standard

East Ryde

Primary

School

12-14 Twin

Rd

35,126


2 517 103

Under

Standard

North Ryde

Public

School Cox's Road

24,082


2 354 106

Under

Standard

Truscott

Street Public

School Truscott St

20,990


2 309 4

Under

Standard

Total of

potential

capacity 134

Figure 11 and Figure 12 illustrate the comparison between enrolments and capacity at schools within the Ryde LGA. The size of the circle indicates the number of students enrolled – the larger the circle, the higher the number of school students. The lighter the colour of the circle, the more capacity the school has.


FIGURE 11 – RYDE LGA PRIMARY SCHOOLS



FIGURE 12 – RYDE LGA SECONDARY SCHOOLS

URBIS SOCIAL_IMPACT_ASSESSMENT_FINAL_22 NOVEMBER 2012.DOCX EXISTING SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE 47

6.4 TERTIARY EDUCATION

There are a total of four key tertiary education institutions within Ryde LGA. These include:

Macquarie University

Ryde TAFE - Northern Sydney Institute

Meadowbank TAFE - Northern Sydney Institute

Morling Theological College

Figure 13 overleaf shows the location of these institutions in relation to the NRSPP site.

The major tertiary institution in Ryde LGA is Macquarie University, one of New South Wales‟ leading Universities. Macquarie University offers a range of courses including general arts and science degrees as well as law, economics and commerce, information technology (IT), education, medicine, allied health, engineering, social sciences, environmental sciences and planning. Students are understood to attend from both the Ryde area and the greater Sydney population. Macquarie University is accessible by train and bus for both local and regional students. The university also has a number of on-site student accommodation areas. According to the City of Ryde, Macquarie University currently holds 32,500 staff and students which are projected to increase to 55,000 by 2031

2.

Meadowbank TAFE located near Meadowbank railway station offers a range of trades and engineering courses, visual arts courses, business and accounting, community services courses, IT, allied health and fitness, and occupational health and safety (OH&S).

Ryde TAFE offers a range of courses in the hospitality industry; horticulture, land management and garden design; floristry; and events and tourism.

Morling Theological College is a Baptist College offering Bachelor‟s degrees and Certificate qualifications in a range of theological and ministry studies.

UTS Ku-ring-gai Campus (not located in Figure 13), while outside the Ryde LGA is accessible from Ryde via bus and connects with trains from Chatswood station. It is approximately 3.8 km from North Ryde Station. Its faculties include arts and social sciences; business; tourism, design, architecture and building; engineering; law; nursing; and science. The UTS Ku-ring-gai Campus and Macquarie University are located within close proximity to the NRSPP site. The universities provide local residents with a broad choice of course options within close proximity to where they live.

2 Ryde City Council, Community Facilities: Future Directions, p. 39


SOCIAL_IMPACT_ASSESSMENT_FINAL_22 NOVEMBER 2012.DOCX

FIGURE 13 – TERTIARY EDUCATION WITHIN RYDE LGA


6.5 PRESCHOOLS AND CHILDCARE CENTRES

There are 34 childcare centres and 10 preschools within Ryde LGA. There are a high proportion of long day care centres and preschools within the suburb of North Ryde, with nine childcare/long day care centres and two preschools. Others are located in the suburbs of Ryde, East Ryde, West Ryde, Gladesville, Meadowbank and Macquarie Park. Figure 14 overleaf shows the location of childcare services and preschools within Ryde LGA.

As part of the social infrastructure audit, telephone interviews were undertaken with a number of childcare centres and preschool operators. A total of nine telephone interviews were conducted, with five of these being undertaken with Directors at centres in North Ryde.

Of the nine centres interviewed, seven were operating at capacity, and two were operating almost at capacity i.e. they had limited vacancies on one day of the week only. All interviewees cited a high demand in the Ryde area for child care, in particular in the suburb of North Ryde. Further, research was conducted of the data available on the Care for Kids Online Website

3. This website provides vacancy

rates within childcare centres across NSW. It was determined that 20/34 (59%) childcare centres and 2/10 (20%) preschools currently have some vacancies within Ryde LGA

3 Care for kids online, Australia‟s online childcare resource, childcare centre search, 2011, viewed at:

http://www.careforkids.com.au/search/regions.asp?stateID=1&ct=&ut=4&ctype=



FIGURE 14 – CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS WITHIN RYDE LGA


6.6 LIBRARIES

There are a total of five libraries located within the Ryde LGA shown at Figure 15 below. They include Main Library – Ryde, Gladesville Library, North Ryde Library, Eastwood Library and West Ryde Library.

All five libraries are owned and run by the City of Ryde Council and it is understood that the City of Ryde intends to continue to maintain libraries in the LGA, with no plans to privatise services.

Library branches in the LGA are well used and valued by the community. All branches are well serviced and are fairly advanced in their use of technology (e.g. Wi-Fi). Programs are available for children, young people, the elderly and multicultural groups (e.g. story reading, bilingual story reading, home library service for older residents). There is a major Chinese book and resource collection, as well as smaller Korean and Tamil collections.



FIGURE 15 – LIBRARIES WITHIN RYDE LGA


6.7 COMMUNITY FACILITIES

According to the City of Ryde‟s Community Facilities: Future Directions4 document, there are over 60

Council-run community buildings throughout the Ryde LGA. These buildings range from small meeting rooms to halls and tennis centres, and include 14 community halls, four meeting rooms and seven community facilities. Many of these facilities are open to hire and can accommodate a range of public uses. There are two senior citizen facilities (the Eastwood Senior Citizens Centre and the Eastwood Woman‟s Rest Centre) in Ryde, as well as two art facilities and venues (Willandra House/Gallery and Argyle Theatre).

There are a further two community halls located in Lane Cove and two located in Epping.

In addition to Council run community facilities, the Ryde LGA contains a number of privately operated facilities and services. Some of these services include; New Horizons Enterprises, Northern Sydney Carer Support Service, the Multicultural Community Advisory Service and Catholic Community Services. These services provide support, activities, education opportunities and accommodation to young people, families, people with disability, older people, and people from non-English speaking backgrounds.

Figure 16 overleaf provides the location of the community halls, facilities and meeting rooms within Ryde LGA.

Facilities specifically provided for young people in Ryde LGA are generally limited to clubs and halls. There are very few youth centres located within Ryde LGA, other than the North Ryde RSL „Youth Club‟ that offers a range of sporting and fitness activities. Anecdotally, evidence suggests that this facility is at capacity and the next closest youth centre is located in Epping. It should be noted that the City of Ryde Community Facilities Plan and consultation with City of Ryde open space planners both identify gaps in provision of facilities and services for young people. Possible facilities listed within the Section 94 Contributions Plan identified to meet this demand include skate parks, a youth centre and multi-purpose arts centre. The use of school halls by the broader community as required for those funded by the Building Education Revolution Funding has increased supply, however City of Ryde Council reports continuing under provision.

Within the Ryde LGA there are 20 community centres providing before and after school care, with some also providing vacation care. Four of these centres are located within North Ryde, and operate from the following locations: Holy Spirit Primary School; Ryde East Primary School; North Ryde Public School; and Truscott Street Public School. The four facilities located within the suburb of North Ryde were contacted by phone. All indicated that they had some capacity on some days of the week, although noting that they are at capacity on other days.

4 City of Ryde, 2010, Community Facilities: Future Directions



FIGURE 16 – COMMUNITY HALLS, COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND MEETING ROOMS


6.8 MEDICAL CENTRES AND HOSPITALS

There are five hospitals, 15 medical centres and over 25 speciality medical services available within the Ryde LGA. Figure 17 overleaf shows the location of these hospitals as well as local medical centres, relative to the NRSPP site.

6.8.1 HOSPITALS

The Ryde LGA is well serviced for hospitals, with five located in the Ryde LGA and the Royal North Shore Hospital located approximately 5.5km south east of the NRSPP site. All of the hospitals in Ryde LGA fall within the Northern Sydney Local Health District. Some of the services available at these hospitals are discussed below.

Ryde Hospital and Community Health Services are located approximately 7.5 km from the NRSPP site. The hospital provides inpatient and community services, including emergency department and intensive care, elective surgery and day surgery, maternity, orthopaedics, and cardiac services and mental health. Community Health Services include dental, aged care, rehabilitation, diabetes, child, adolescent and family health, mental health, drug and alcohol and health promotion.

Macquarie University Hospital is less than 5km from the site. It is a private hospital providing surgery and specialists, cancer care, allied health, imaging, pathology and sports injury treatment.

Royal North Shore Hospital is a major post graduate teaching and research hospital. It has an emergency department with a major trauma centre and intensive care support, pain management, cardiology unit, a burns unit, oncology and neonatal intensive care. The hospital is currently undergoing a major upgrade. North Shore Private Hospital, on the Royal North Shore site provides a range of clinical services and general surgical services including cardiography, maternity, oncology, intensive care and rehabilitation.

The Royal Rehabilitation Centre located in Ryde provides rehabilitation services for adults with disabilities arising from spinal cord injury, occupational injury, orthopaedic injury, amputations, age related illness, neurological illness and traumatic brain injury. Some of these services are being moved off site and some redevelopment of the current site is taking place.

6.8.2 MEDICAL CENTRES AND SPECIALITY SERVICES

There are approximately 15 medical centres within Ryde LGA, as well as over 25 speciality medical services and allied health services. Speciality and allied health services provide radiology, physiotherapy, speech pathology, hearing services, podiatry, pain management and urology and gynaecology assistance.

Four general practitioners and medical centres are located in North Ryde. Consultation undertaken with the managers of these practices indicated that services have some capacity to take on new patients.



FIGURE 17 – HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL CENTRES LOCATED WITHIN RYDE LGA


6.9 AGED CARE

There are 45 aged care services and facilities operating in the Ryde LGA, including high and low care residential services, retirement villages, day cares, social groups and specialist medical services. Figure 18 below shows the location of aged care facilities and services within the Ryde LGA.

There are 24 residential services available (refer Table 21 and Figure 18) including high care facilities, low care housing (including hostels and serviced apartments) and self-care/independent living units (ILUs). Organisations providing aged care services within the North Ryde area include Baptist Care Services – Care Centre Northern Sydney, KinCare and Catholic Care Services. Interviews with some key community based support providers suggest that these services are well used by the greater Ryde community.

It is noted that there is one residential aged care facility within the suburb of North Ryde, namely the New Horizons Aged Care Facility that provides 78 high care beds.

TABLE 21 – AGED CARE FACILITIES IN RYDE LGA

NAME SUBURB DESCRIPTION

New Horizons Aged Care facility North Ryde High level care. 78 beds

BCS Cooinda Court Hostel Marsfield Low care hostel accommodation for 67

BCS Care Centre Northern Suburbs. Short Term Care Support

Marsfield Short term (6 week) care program

Dorothy Henderson Lodge Marsfield Hostel accommodation for 79 residents of which 13 are in a secure unit.

BCS Shalom Centre Marsfield High care facility including a high care dementia specific unit.

BCS Willandra Village Marsfield Independent living units, low care accommodation and high care facility

Presbyterian Aged Care - Eastwood (Woolway)

Marsfield 23 independent living units

Southern Cross Village Marsfield 72 independent living units and 40 residential care apartments.

San Antonio da Padova Protettore Di Poggioreale Sydney Nursing Home Ltd

Ryde 40 high care places, 10 dementia specific low care.

Rotherham Nursing Home Ryde 40 place high care

Mary Potter Nursing Home Ryde 63 bed high care, 21 dementia specific

Marian Hostel Ryde 48 low care places

Clermont Nursing Home Ryde 55 high care places

Thomas Bowden Retirement Village Ryde Retirement village (ILUs) plus 47 low care/ assisted living places.

Dalton Gardens Ryde Independent living units

Ashburn House Aged Care Gladesville 23 low care, 84 high care places

Warrigal Care Gladesville Gladesville 36 low care places, 1 respite

Fernleigh Nursing Home West Ryde 72 high care places

St Catherine's Aged Care Services Ltd Eastwood Combination of high care, low care, rehabilitation and day care.

Vimiera Village Eastwood 92 self-care, 52 assisted living

Living Choice Leisure Lea Eastwood 112 independent living units, 25 assisted care

Bethany Nursing Home/ Hostel Eastwood High care and low care

Ann Maria Aged Care Facility Gladesville High care



FIGURE 18 – AGED CARE FACILITIES AND SERVICES


Eight telephone interviews were undertaken with service providers to discuss trends in service usage, current capacity and plans for expansion. In regard to the make-up of aged care service users, as well as incoming populations, services indicate that the majority of people within residential aged care facilities (including self-care, low care and high care) generally move to these facilities from within the Ryde LGA, including North Ryde, or have family in the local area. Facilities consulted with identified some need for additional aged care services in the LGA, in particular dementia specific, high care and low care places. A current lack of promotion for community based wellness programs (e.g. stroke prevention) was also identified.

With regard to vacancies in aged care facilities, the New Horizons Aged Care facility in Ryde is currently at capacity. While there are no plans to provide additional aged care services in future, six assisted living units are planned for young people with disability. Consultation undertaken with other service providers, as well as a review of relevant literature and policy, indicates that many of these facilities and services are also at or nearing capacity, however waiting periods are reportedly fairly short. A number of services also indicated plans to expand services in coming years.

These findings regarding capacity were confirmed by further research undertaken using the DPS „Guide to Aged Care‟ website

5, that provides an overview of current vacancy rates within key aged care services

across Australia. Two facilities in Ryde suburb (Pindari Village and Thomas Bowden Village) and one facility in Eastwood (St Catherine‟s Aged Care Services) indicated they had vacancies.

5 DPS Guide to Aged Care, 2006 – 2011, viewed at: http://www.agedcareguide.com.au/

60 SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE ASSESSMENT URBIS


7 Social Infrastructure Assessment

7.1 SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS

Urbis Public Policy undertook a social infrastructure audit and needs assessment in respect of the NRSPP in order to inform the design phase of the project. The assessment considered the need for social infrastructure and services within the NRSPP in light of the local policy context, available standards and benchmarks, current and projected demographic characteristics and existing local infrastructure and services.

The Infrastructure Needs Analysis included the following key tasks:

Review of relevant local and state government documents relating to provision of infrastructure – standards and benchmarks.

Analysis of local demographic characteristics and population projections (as described in Sections 4 and 5 of this report).

Audit of existing local infrastructure including GIS mapping.

Evaluation of the capacity of these facilities based on discussions with the City of Ryde Council, a limited number of informal telephone interviews with service providers to identify capacity, vacancies, trends and usage (described in Section 6).

Analysis of the likely future demand for social infrastructure drawing on the application of benchmarks to population estimates, stakeholder views and participation trends.

7.2 BENCHMARKS

The following provides a high level overview of some available benchmarks for the provision of infrastructure within Ryde LGA. These benchmarks have been drawn from a variety of sources, including guidelines for new release areas (Growth Centres Commission, (GCC)) and Ryde City Councils Section 94 Development Contributions Plan.

It is important to note that while benchmarks provide a guide to the provision required, there are many contextual factors also influencing the facilities that may be required. For instance, the application of benchmarks must also consider what facilities and services are currently available, how these facilities are used and whether there are vacancies or capacity in these services. The characteristics of the incoming population, including how the population is expected to evolve, are also an important consideration.

It is also noted that some benchmarks, despite being used as a guide by a variety of consent authorities, are many years old and subsequently may no longer be realistic for modern developments and densities. Subsequently, benchmarks have not been the determining factor for the provision of social infrastructure within the NRSPP.

7.2.1 SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE BENCHMARKS

Table 22 overleaf illustrates the recognised standards and benchmarks for the provision of social infrastructure and services. Benchmarks can provide an evidence base for provision requirements; however the exact built form and scale of recommended facilities should be determined at the Structure Planning and design phases and with regard for policy directions for social infrastructure provision. This includes co-location of facilities or multipurpose centres, which provide efficiencies in terms of infrastructure costs and required land take. Further, in applying existing benchmarks and formulas in relation schools, it is important to consider the size/land take of existing schools as inner urban schools generally have a smaller footprint than in greenfield sites, which is often the basis of current benchmarks.

URBIS ADP – 1207 – SOC-0001-SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT NOVEMBER 2012 SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE ASSESSMENT 61

TABLE 22 – STANDARDS AND BENCHMARKS FOR SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

FACILITY/ SERVICE STANDARD SOURCE LAND REQUIREMENT

Community centre GCC standard – 1: 6,000 people (local)

GCC standard – 1: 20,000 people

(district)

City of Ryde S.94 – 1 per 7,000 –

10,000 people

GCC standard[1]

City of Ryde S.94[2]

600-800m2

Youth centre City of Ryde S.94 – 1 per 20,000 people

or 1 per 3,000 13-19 year olds


300-400m2

Seniors centre 1 per 30,000 people City of Ryde S.94[4]

1,000-2000m2

Library GCC standard 1: 33,000 people

(branch);

GCC standard 1: 40,000 people

(district)

GCC standard 1:30,000 people

City of Ryde S.94 1 per 5,000 people

(branch)

City of Ryde S.94 1 per 30,000 people

(district)

GCC standard[5]


Branch: 600m2 –

2,400m2

District: 1,000m2 –

2,400m2

Arts/cultural centre:

0.24 – 8 ha

Hospital GCC standard – 2 beds: 1,000 people GCC standard[7]

-

Child care GCC standard 1: 5 children (0-4 years) GCC standard[8]

-

Outside school

hours care

and vacation care

GCC standard 1 place: 25 children 5-12

years

GCC standard[9]

-

Primary school 1.6km walking radius (DEC)

GCC standard approx. 1: 1,500 new

dwellings

DEC standard[10]

GCC standard[11]

3ha / 2.3 (if joint use)

[1] Growth Centres Commission, 2006, Development Code: Precinct Development Parameters.

[2] City of Ryde Council, Section 94 Development Contributions Plan, December 2007.








[10] Bankstown LEP 2001 AND Bankstown DCP 2005, Issues Paper, Review of planning requirements for schools in the City of

Bankstown, 2009, p. 12. [11]

Growth Centres Commission, 2006, Development Code: Precinct Development Parameters.



FACILITY/ SERVICE STANDARD SOURCE LAND REQUIREMENT

Secondary school 3.2km driving radius (Urbis)

GCC standard approx. 1: 4,500 new

dwellings

Urbis approximation

standard (based on

DEC 1.6km

walkable

standard)[12]

GCC standard[13]

6ha or 10ha if combined

K-12 + special needs

school facilities

Aged care facilities DoHA standard: 88 high and low care

RAC places per 1,000 population aged

70+

GCC standard: Aged care housing –

1:10,000 centre

GCC standard: High care (Nursing

Home) – 40 beds: 1,000 people 70+

years

GCC standard: Low care (Hostel) – 48

places: 1,000 people 70+ years

Department of Health

and Ageing

(DoHA)[14]

GCC standard[15]

GCC standard[16]

GCC standard[17]

-

7.3 SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Table 23 below assesses the provision of social infrastructure in the NRSPP against relevant benchmarks, and in consideration of the influencing factors described above including local context, population characteristics and the nature of the development as a TOD.

TABLE 23 – ASSESSMENT OF SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

ELEMENT EVALUATION

Public transport The NRSPP by its very nature as a TOD aims to capitalise upon existing, established

transport infrastructure. As discussed previously, the site is well serviced by a range

of public transport that provides access to surrounding suburbs, services and key

commercial and business districts. This is significant as residents within an area will

often travel beyond their immediate surrounds to access district and regional services

and facilities, for example Secondary schools.

In this respect, the NRSPP is considered well placed for a true TOD, taking

advantage of its location within walking distance of two railway stations and a variety

of high frequency bus services.

The improved connections to these transport services, as proposed by the NRSPP

will encourage greater public transport usage from both the development itself and

[12] Urbis, 2011


[14] Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) (2007a) 2007 Aged Care Approvals Round: Essential Guide.





ELEMENT EVALUATION

surrounding areas with a subsequent reduction in demand for travel via private

vehicle. The NRSPP also adopts lower than standard car parking rates for the area,

further driving the mode shift.

Schools – primary and

secondary

Section 6.3 of the report identifies schools within a walkable catchment of the NRSPP

and assesses their capacity to take additional students. It can be seen that there are

a number of small to medium sized schools located within close proximity to the

NRSPP, of which some have capacity. Medium to large schools by enrolment are

located further from the site and are closer to capacity.

In 2006 there were 14,459 school age students in Ryde LGA. The enrolment in all

schools in 2011 in Ryde LGA was 11,652. This shows an existing potential shortfall of

2,807 however this could be contributed to secondary students attending schools

outside the Ryde LGA, most likely private or other government schools.

There is potential demand to 2031 for an additional six primary schools and two

secondary schools within the Ryde LGA to cater for a predicted new school age

population of 4,427 children. Some capacity has been identified within some of the

existing schools which have a low ratio of students per square metre of school site

area. Some of these are within close proximity to the NRSPP site.

There is expected to be an additional 945 and 2,258 school aged students within the

1.6km and 3.2km school catchments respectively by 2031. This creates the demand

for three new primary schools and one new secondary school within these catchment

areas.

A number of the primary schools within a close proximity to the NRSPP site have a

high number of square metres per student and therefore potential capacity for

expansion; this was also suggested by the DEC. The four primary schools within the

1.6km radius of the site have potential capacity considering the sizes of the school‟s

land area and the number of currently enrolled students. Based upon the use of the

Ryde benchmark there is potential capacity within these schools (1.6km radius) to

accommodate an additional 134 primary school students.

As stated earlier in this report, TfNSW met with the DEC to discuss educational

implications associated with the NRSPP site. It was agreed that given access

constraints, the NRSPP site is not an ideal strategic location for a new school and

that an additional school on the site may only cater for the local future population. The

possibility of upgrading current local schools to cater for increases in population was

instead suggested. This was confirmed in a letter from DEC to the DP&I (Appendix A)

Tertiary education Additional tertiary education institutions are unlikely to be needed as a result of new

developments within the area. The City of Ryde‟s Community Facilities: Future

Directions6 acknowledged however that provision of social infrastructure for the large

number of students travelling through the Ryde LGA is a key challenge in service

provision. The additional services and facilities provided through the NRSPP, such as

retail services, the community centre and additional open space would also be

6 Ryde City Council, Community Facilities: Future Directions, p. 40



ELEMENT EVALUATION

available to service the student community as needed.

Preschools and childcare

centres

Population growth resulting from the NRSPP is anticipated to generate demand for

additional childcare services in the local area. For instance, applying the City of Ryde

Council standard for provision of long day care of one place per 11 children between

0 and 4 years, an additional 223 children within this age group (as determined at

Section 5 above) will generate demand for an additional 20 places. Consideration

may therefore be given to the provision of a purpose built childcare facility at the

NRSPP site, however it is acknowledged this will be addressed commercially at later

stages of development as demand arises. Provision for a community centre has been

made within the planning for the precinct and this provides an opportunity for the

incorporation of child care if deemed appropriate.

Medical centres and

hospitals

Based on consultation with service providers and the large number of hospitals

available in the LGA and further afield, there is not deemed to be a need for

additional medical facilities to be provided within the NRSPP, however it would be

expected that there would be demand for commercial space for medical and allied

heath related activities. The NRSPP provides opportunities for conveniently located

commercial/retail floorspace which could accommodate these types of services.

Aged care and independent

living units

There is a projected cumulative increase in population of 15,000 from proposed

developments in the area. Based on the benchmark threshold adopted by SGS

Economics and Planning (1 aged care facility per 60,000 people)7, the provision of

aged care services is not a priority for this locale. This conclusion is also reached

using the benchmark standard for aged care facilities outlined in the Ryde City

Council Section 94 Development Contributions Plan (1 aged care facility per 30,000

people)8.

Previous research undertaken by Urbis for UnitingCare Ageing within the Northern

Sydney Health Region used the NSW Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA)

benchmark of 88 high and low care Residential Aged Care (RAC) places per 1,000

population aged 70+(DoHA, 2007a9). At the time of the research (2007) it was

predicted that by 2011 Ryde LGA‟s ratio of RAC places would be 10.9 places per

person aged 70+. It is noted that there is a move underway to separate care and

accommodation and there may be a subsequent need for Independent Living Units

(ILUs) in some areas. The City of Ryde Council Affordable Housing Strategy Stage 1

Final Background Report similarly acknowledges that, while ILUs are currently well

supplied in Ryde LGA, there is an expected shortfall towards 2031.

As stated previously, a number of stakeholder interviews were undertaken with aged

care providers in the Ryde LGA. Through anecdotal evidence there may be scope to

provide ILUs within the NRSPP at later stages on the project site but it is considered

unnecessary at this point.

7 SGS Economics and Planning, M2/Delhi Road Land Use Assessment Draft Report, November 2010

8 City of Ryde Council, Section 94 Development Contributions Plan, December 2007

9 Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) (2007a) 2007 Aged Care Approvals Round: Essential Guide


ELEMENT EVALUATION

Libraries The current provision of five libraries meets the base standard for 150,000 population

(Council standard of 1 library per 30,000 people). There is currently no need for an

additional library within Ryde LGA. However, with a predicted additional 48,000

people to 2031 within Ryde LGA overall, there may be a need to consider a new

library facility in the future, outside the scope of the NRSPP.

Community facilities In order to meet the Council standard of one community centre per 10,000 people,

five community centres are required in the Ryde LGA (based on a 2006 population of

100,900 people). Furthermore, the NSW DP&I have projected Ryde‟s population to

increase to 148,000 by 2031, which coupled with population increase generated by

new developments in the area, will almost certainly create demand for these

additional community centres.

To meet this need a community centre and associated half basketball court and open

space is recommended on the western edge of the M2 site as part of the NRSPP.

The provision of this facility will be confirmed as part of the ongoing consultation that

will be undertaken with Council regarding Section 94 contributions for the site.

Provision of a community facility would align with the suggestion of Council‟s

Community Facilities: Future Directions document that iconic community facilities can

be provided in major development projects, such as those in the MPC, Ryde Town

Centre and West Ryde.

The Community Facilities: Future Directions document identifies multi-purpose

spaces as a key gap in the provision of community facilities in the LGA. The co-

location of facilities, in centres where people naturally congregate are all City of Ryde

identified best-practice principles able to be adhered to by providing a multi-purpose

within the NRSPP. Council also suggests the co-location of community facilities with

key destinations such as parks, recreation centres, shops, transport nodes, and

health care providers.

For reference, a number of best-practice case studies of multi-purpose community

centres were considered in the design process for the NRSPP and the analysis

revealed that a multi-purpose centre should provide flexible spaces, capable of

accommodating the diverse and changing needs of the community.

The co-location of the community facilities and open space is representative of the

best practice principles described above. The community centre proposed as part of

the NRSPP is well located, close to the major allocation of open space, with a high

level of pedestrian connectivity, particularly from the south due to the existing

pedestrian bridge which links the existing residential areas of North Ryde. This not

only makes the NRSPP site attractive for future residents but enables access for

current residents of North Ryde.

The multi-purpose design of the facility including active recreational facilities e.g. a

basketball court responds to identified needs in the existing community. Assuming the

proposed community centre will cater for the broader community beyond the

incoming residents, an approximate area of over 2,000 square metres for this facility

was considered appropriate, and a total area of approximately 2,500 square metres

has been provided for.



ELEMENT EVALUATION

The DCP provides guidance for the design of public open space to be provided on

the site. This includes a playground, a BBQ area, outdoor gym circuit and opportunity

for a café adjoining Blenheim Park. The passive open space areas across the

NRSPP will be enhanced by these embellishments and will introduce places for local

and neighbouring residents to gather and form relationships with the new precinct.

URBIS ADP – 1207 – SOC-0001-SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT NOVEMBER 2012 EXISTING OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION FACILITIES 67

8 Existing Open Space and Recreation Facilities

8.1 OVERALL OPEN SPACE

According to the City of Ryde‟s Parks on Track for People 2025 document, there are 355 hectares of parkland in the Ryde LGA. There are a total of 207 parks, 98 of which include playground equipment. There are also a number of smaller pocket parks in the LGA, however these have been omitted for the purposes of this audit.

A desktop audit identified 42 Council managed parks and open spaces in the Ryde LGA (excluding pocket parks), 27 of which include sports fields and ovals. Six of these open spaces are in North Ryde, including the newly opened sports complex at the ELS Hall Park. These parks and sports fields are listed in Table 24 and more detail about parks and open space in the vicinity of the NRSPP is provided in the following sections.

TABLE 24 – COUNCIL MANAGED OPEN SPACE IN THE RYDE LGA

SUBURB NAME ADDRESS

North Ryde ELS Hall Park and sports centre Kent Rd, North Ryde

North Ryde Common Wicks Rd, North Ryde

Blenheim Park Blenheim Rd, North Ryde

North Ryde Park Cressy Rd, North Ryde

Field of Mars Reserve Pittwater Rd, North Ryde

Yinnell Reserve Gilda St, North Ryde

Marsfield Dunbar Park Sobraon Road, Marsfield

Marsfield Park Vimiera Road , Marsfield

Pioneer Park Balaclava Road, Marsfield

Waterloo Park Waterloo Road, Marsfield

Macquarie Park Christie Park Christie Road, Macquarie Park

Fontenoy Park Fontenoy Road, Macquarie Park

Tuckwell Park Tuckwell Place, Macquarie Park

Wilga Reserve Cottonwood Cres, Macquarie Park

East Ryde Magdala Park Magdala Rd, East Ryde

Ryde Santa Rosa Park Bridge Rd, Ryde

Anderson Park Belmore Street, Ryde

Bennelong Park Waterview Street, Ryde

Gannan Park Buna Street, Ryde

68 EXISTING OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION FACILITIES URBIS


SUBURB NAME ADDRESS

Helene Park 33 Blaxland Road, Ryde

Pidding Park Pidding Road, Ryde

Ryde Park Blaxland Road, Ryde

Yamble Reserve Quarry Road, Ryde

West Ryde Anzac Park Wattle Street, West Ryde

Darvall Park Chatham Road, West Ryde

Lions Park Victoria Road, West Ryde

Gladesville Banjo Paterson Park Punt Road, Gladesville

Bremner Park Morrison Road, Gladesville

Monash Park Ryde Road, Gladesville

Peel Park Stanbury Street, Gladesville

Tyagarah Park Tyagarah Street, Gladesville

Westminster Park Westminster Road, Gladesville

Eastwood Brush Farm Park Lawson Street, Eastwood

Eastwood Park Lakeside Road, Eastwood

Forrestor Park Vimiera Road, Eastwood

Glen Reserve Glen Street, Eastwood

Meadowbank Meadowbank Park Constitution Road, Meadowbank

Memorial Park Meadow Crescent, Meadowbank

Putney Cleves Park Douglas Street, Putney

Kissing Point Park Waterview Street, Putney

Morrison Bay Park Frances Road, Putney

Putney Park Pellisier Road, Putney

Open space has been identified as being in short supply relative to existing demand. Both passive and active open spaces are by traditional standards

10, undersupplied in the Ryde LGA. If areas of passive

recreation, garden areas, paved areas and parklands such as the Lane Cove National Park are accumulated, the City of Ryde almost meets the National Playing Fields Association Standard for outdoor play, games, sport and other physical recreation of 2.4ha per 1,000 people. Table 25 below outlines this shortfall.

10 Parks on Track for People 2025


TABLE 25 – TAKEN FROM CITY OF RYDE 2006, PARKS ON TRACK FOR PEOPLE 2025

NATIONAL PLAYING FIELDS

ASSOCIATION STANDARD

(PER 1,000 MEMBERS OF THE

COMMUNITY)

CITY OF RYDE

(PER 1,000 MEMBERS OF THE

COMMUNITY)

Total outdoor sports areas 1.6 Ha 0.64 Ha

As playing fields 1.2 Ha 0.62Ha

Area for children‟s play 0.8 Ha 0.51 Ha

8.2 NATURAL AREAS

There are a number of natural areas in the vicinity of the NRSPP. These natural areas vary in size and accessibility and include walking trails, reserves and National Parks. Table 26 provides more detail.

TABLE 26 – NATURAL AREAS IN THE VICINITY OF THE NRSPP

SUBURB NAME ADDRESS

Chatswood West Lane Cove National Park Lady Game Dr, near Fullers Bridge

Mowbray Park Avian Cres

Ryde Canon Walk Argyle St

Lane Cove West Blackman Park Lloyd Rees Dr

Lane Cove Stringybark Reserve Murray St

8.3 BLENHEIM PARK

Blenheim Park in North Ryde is approximately 20,000 square metres in area and includes picnic and BBQ facilities with covered seating, a grassed area and a variety of playground equipment in clusters suitable to varying age groups. A native landscaped cycle/walking track links the different uses. A fenced area for walking dogs off-leash is provided separated from the more family-oriented areas. Car parking is provided within the park for 40 vehicles, in addition to a 12-space car park in the street and some additional on-street parking.

8.4 WATERLOO PARK

Waterloo Park in Marsfield was referenced by the City of Ryde as a good example of a reasonably sized, flexible and successful open space. The City of Ryde indicated that the provision of an open space similar to Waterloo Park, particularly in composition would be valuable at the NRSPP.

Waterloo Park hosts a baseball diamond/sports field, a walking track dotted with fitness stations at intervals, younger children‟s playground equipment, older children‟s climbing equipment, picnic and BBQ facilities, and a half sized basketball court. Waterloo Park has parking for approximately 32 cars, with additional parking at the nearby small shopping centre and on street. The area of the park is approximately 24,000 square metres.



8.5 ELS HALL PARK

The ELS Hall Park in North Ryde contains three sports fields, playground equipment for older and younger children, a walking/cycle track, fitness stations, picnic and BBQ facilities and a newly opened indoor sports complex. The sports complex is a multi-purpose facility containing two indoor courts for basketball, netball, soccer, badminton and volleyball.

ELS Hall Park is approximately 80,000 m2 with car parking for approximately 125 vehicles. ELS Hall Park

is connected via a walking track along a creek corridor to Santa Rosa Park.

8.6 SANTA ROSA PARK

Santa Rosa Park provides an example of connectivity between open spaces, with a walking/cycle track from ELS Hall Park. A native landscaped walking track follows the creek line through the Park to a soccer field and children‟s playground beyond. An additional walking/cycling track is located along the edge of the reserve.

8.7 RYDE PARK

Despite being too large to reasonably be replicated in the NRSPP (60,000m2), Ryde Park provides a

good example of an integrated multi use park. It houses a cricket oval and a football field on the eastern side, with walking/cycle tracks linking these to a grassed area with picnic tables and BBQs, a bocci pitch, children‟s playground and café towards the western side. The café is located next to the playground and has outdoor seating.

8.8 MEADOWBANK PARK AND MEMORIAL PARK

Meadowbank and Memorial Parks are located adjacent to one another. Meadowbank Park accommodates a complex of sporting/soccer fields and adjoins a tennis complex. Memorial Park, on the banks of the Parramatta River and linked to Meadowbank Park by cycle and walking tracks, has playground equipment and BBQs.

8.9 RECREATION FACILITIES

Eighteen other sports hubs, swimming pools, gymnasiums and tennis courts have been identified in the Ryde LGA including:

The Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre which includes facilities for water and swimming activities, water polo, netball, soccer, basketball, badminton, indoor soccer and hockey.

North Ryde RSL Community Club Ltd which hosts on site cricket, baseball, tennis, a gymnasium and indoor soccer.

Macquarie University Sport and Aquatic Centre and the university sports fields which are open to the public and hire out fields for clubs. University facilities include a 50m and 25m pool, gymnasium, squash courts, badminton courts and basketball court in addition to sports fields which provide valuable local active recreation facilities.

Gladesville Indoor Sports Centre which includes indoor cricket facilities, practice nets, netball and indoor soccer courts.

Macquarie Ice Rink, located in the Macquarie Centre.

North Ryde Golf Club on Twin Road.

In addition, there are a number of privately operated gyms and tennis courts in the Ryde LGA including four in North Ryde. There are a range of regional, district and local facilities outside the LGA, but nearby. These include:


Sydney Olympic Park which houses a wide range of active and passive recreational opportunities.

Olympic Park, which is less than 5km from Ryde and approximately 8km from the proposed site.

Lane Cove Aquatic Centre, less than 5km from the site, which includes a 25 m indoor pool, a 50 metre outdoor pool, a leisure pool, warm water pool, sauna, steam room, spa, fitness and weights area, café and a crèche.

Rotary Memorial Athletics Field, located at the western end of Mowbray Rd in Lane Cove North approximately 2km from the site, accommodates a district size athletics field with nearby BBQ and picnic facilities, a boardwalk and walking track along the Lane Cove River linking to other bushland areas, and a canoe launching jetty.

University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Ku-ring-gai Sports Centre at the UTS Lindfield campus, approximately 4km by road from the North Ryde Station Precinct site, has a gymnasium, badminton, squash, tennis facilities and an oval. Membership is open to the general public. There is train access from North Ryde to the UTS site.

National Parks and walking tracks include the Lane Cove National Park, Canon Walk, Blackman Park, Stringybark Reserve, Mowbray Park and the Field of Mars.

TABLE 27 – OTHER EXISTING OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION FACILITIES

TYPE OF FACILITY

NAME ADDRESS

Regional Sydney Olympic Park Off Homebush Bay Drive,

Rotary Field Mowbray Rd West, Lane Cove North

Swimming pools,

gymnasiums,

sports facilities etc.

Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre 504 Victoria Road, Ryde

North Ryde RSL Youth Club Cnr Pittwater & Magdala Rds, North Ryde

NSW 2113

North Ryde RSL Community Club Ltd Cnr Pittwater & Magdala Rds, North Ryde

NSW 2114

North Ryde Golf Club Ltd Twin Rd, North Ryde NSW 2113

Upper Limits Gym Stamford Grand Hotel, Cnr Epping & Herring

Rds, North Ryde NSW 2113

Active Health Club Lower Level, The Conference Centre, 7

Talavera Rd, North Ryde NSW 2113

Tennis World 16-18 Epping Rd, North Ryde NSW 2113

Ryde East Public School courts and facilities 12 Twin Rd, North Ryde NSW 2113

Ryde Parramatta Golf Club Ltd 1156 Victoria Rd, West Ryde NSW 2114

Geoff Pollard Tennis Centre. Macquarie

University Tennis Courts

Cnr Talavera & Culloden Rds, Marsfield NSW

Macquarie University Sport and Aquatic

Centre

No 2 Gate, Gymnasium Rd (enter off

Culloden Rd), Marsfield NSW 2122



TYPE OF FACILITY

NAME ADDRESS

M.A.A.S.H. Sports & Fitness Trafalgar Place, Marsfield NSW 2122

Abuklea Road Tennis Courts 87 Abuklea Rd, Marsfield NSW 2122

Moore Tennis - Tennis School Community Tennis Courts, Kings Park, Salter

Cres, Denistone East NSW 2112

AJH Tennis & Sports Centre 54 Agincourt Rd, Marsfield NSW 2122

Gladesville Indoor Sports 39A Frederick St, Ryde NSW 2112

UTS Kuring-gai Sports Centre Eton Rd, Lindfield NSW 2070

Next Generation Ryde 504a Victoria Rd, Ryde NSW 2112

North Shore Squash Centre Lane Cove 29 Birdwood Av, Lane Cove NSW 2066

Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club - The Fitness

Edge

117 Ryedale Rd, West Ryde NSW 2114

URBIS ADP – 1207 – SOC-0001-SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT NOVEMBER 2012 OPEN SPACE ASSESSMENT 73

9 Open Space Assessment

9.1 OVERVIEW

Urbis conducted an open space and recreation analysis in respect of the NRSPP to inform the proposed rezoning and DCP. The analysis assessed existing supply and demand for open space and recreation facilities in the local area based on document review, an audit of existing facilities, population analysis and stakeholder consultation. The following tasks were undertaken in completing this Open Space and Recreation analysis:

Review of relevant local and state government documents relating to provision of open space and sporting facilities standards and benchmarks

High level assessment of demographics and population projections to gauge impact on existing facilities and the need for new facilities

Audit of existing open space and sporting facilities

Investigation of the usage trends and capacity of these facilities based on discussions with the City of Ryde Council and a limited number of informal telephone interviews with providers

Assessment of the likely future demand for open space and sporting facilities, drawing on available benchmarks, population estimates, stakeholder views, participation trends, best practice and City of Ryde policies.

The following is noted about this assessment:

The majority of data, services and facilities reviewed are located within the Ryde LGA. This served a practical purpose of providing a distinct boundary for the audit. The LGA is fairly large and much of the external population anticipated to use the NRSPP will come from this 41km

2 catchment.

It is understood that a new Integrated Open Space Plan will shortly supersede the existing Parks and Track for People 2025 document. While some elements of the Integrated Open Space Plan were provided to Urbis in the preparation of this study, not all were made available or were incomplete at the time of writing. The Integrated Open Space Plan has therefore not been considered in full as part of the assessment.

9.1.1 CONSULTATION

Telephone consultations were conducted with representatives from six sporting and recreational facilities including:

the North Ryde RSL Community Club

the Macquarie University Sport and Aquatic Centre

Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre

North Ryde Golf Club Ltd

Upper Limits Gym

AHJ Tennis and Sports Centre.

There were a range of views expressed about the capacity of current facilities. Key findings include:

The North Ryde RSL Community Club indicated that their facilities are operating at capacity, and as they field a number of sporting teams using Council facilities, they indicated that these were also operating beyond capacity. The RSL would ideally like to be able to expand their facilities, and suggested the provision of additional indoor soccer training facilities would relieve some pressure

74 OPEN SPACE ASSESSMENT URBIS


from outdoor fields. The new ELS sports complex was suggested as going some way to addressing this.

Macquarie University Sport and Aquatic Centre indicated that there is additional capacity at all their facilities‟ including their sports fields.

There is some capacity within privately operated tennis facilities and gyms.

North Ryde Aquatic Centre reported capacity, particularly over winter months.

The North Ryde Golf Club is at capacity for men‟s and women‟s competitions however they have some capacity for social games.

In addition, consultation was undertaken with City of Ryde Council who raised the following key issues in relation to open space and recreation in the LGA:

Parks and active spaces in the Ryde area and North Ryde (e.g. Blenheim Park) are heavily used, some beyond capacity.

There is a lack of space to the South of Epping Road. This information is confirmed by Clouston Associates

11 mapping of accessibility and connectivity of open space which shows impediments to

access to open space for residents in some areas of North Ryde due to the presence of major roads such as Epping Road and Lane Cove Road.

There is a lack of facilities for youth in the area.

Council‟s priority for the site is for additional active open spaces, particularly in higher density residential development.

A multi-purpose area is desirable, to cater for a range of uses. Flexibility is required to meeting changing needs of the community over time.

Walkability is key priority. The open space needs to cater for the needs of the high proportion of residents from Asian countries and provide opportunities for walking and activities such as Tai Chi and table tennis. This could be done with a multi-purpose area. The increasing number of workers in the area also needs to be provided for.

There is a trend towards „parent sport‟, in particular soccer. There is a need for open space to provide children a place to play while parents‟ play sport. Sites need to cater for multiple age groups e.g. fenced play equipment, open park/ovals, nets for cricket/hoops, exercise equipment.

Environmental considerations are important, particularly in the area of the site. There is significant community interest in this. Magdala Park is of importance to the community.

The co-location of sporting facilities with community facilities is generally supported. The new sports/recreation complex at ELS Hall Park was cited as a good example.

A district park is suggested as a minimum. This requires good connectivity via walking and cycle ways to other bushland or open space (green fingers).

Waterloo Park, which includes a sports field, walking circuit, playgrounds and basketball court was cited as a possible model for an open area on site. Ryde Park was thought to be a good example of a multi-purpose open space area, but it is recognized it is too big for the North Ryde Station Precinct.

Smaller pocket parks are generally not favoured by Council, due to difficulties in making them useful for community uses and ongoing maintenance costs. Larger, better quality facilities are favoured.

11 Clouston Associates, 2011, Accessibility and Connective of Open Space


It was thought that there is not a need for additional swimming pools, and facilities such as gyms and tennis courts are likely to be provided on a commercial basis by private operators.

9.1.2 BENCHMARKS

There are a number of open space and recreation facility standards that can be applied to establish the open space and recreational facilities required to service the population of the NRSPP and surrounding catchment. The following section outlines some of these benchmarks, including guidelines for new release areas (GCC) and Ryde City Council‟s Section 94 Development Contributions Plan.

It is important to note that while benchmarks provide a guide to the provision requires, there are many contextual factors also influencing the amount of open space and recreation facilities that may be required. For instance, the application of benchmarks must also consider what facilities and services are currently available, how these facilities are used and whether there are vacancies or capacity in these services. The characteristics of the incoming population, including how the population is expected to evolve, are also an important consideration.

It is also noted that some benchmarks, despite being used as a guide by a variety of consent authorities, are many years old and subsequently may no longer be realistic for modern developments and densities. Subsequently, benchmarks have not been the determining factor for the provision of open space and recreation facilities within the NRSPP.

9.1.2.1 OPEN SPACE STANDARDS

Table 28 outlines available open space standards that may be used to assess the provision of open space in the City of Ryde and more specifically, at the NRSPP.

TABLE 28 – STANDARDS FOR OPEN SPACE

TYPE OF OPEN SPACE STANDARD SOURCE LAND

REQUIREMENT

General 2.83 hectares per 1,000 head of

population benchmark

City of Ryde Section 94

Contributions Plan12

-

GCC standard13

Local Park 1 local park per 4,000 people Local Government and Shires

Association14

0.4 – 1.5 hectare

District Park 1 district park per 10,000 Local Government and Shires

Association15

2 – 5 hectares

1 district park per 100,000

people

GCC standard16

Of particular note, is the standard of 2.38 hectares of open space per 1,000 people, which is identified in both the City of Ryde‟s Section 94 Contributions Plan

17 and the Growth Centres Commission

12 City of Ryde, 2007, Section 94 Contributions Plan.

13 Growth Centres Commission, 2006, Development Code: Precinct Development Parameters.

14 LGSA, 1999, Open space and sports facility standards

15 LGSA, 1999, Open space and sports facility standards


17 City of Ryde, 2007, Sections 94 Contributions Plan



Development Code18

. While this standard is commonly referred to in open space planning, the NSW Department of Planning‟s Recreation and Open Space Guidelines

19 acknowledges that the standard may

be unrealistic in more densely populated areas of the Sydney Metropolitan region. This is likely to be the case for the Ryde LGA, particularly for the higher density proposals associated with the North Ryde Station Precinct.

9.1.2.2 RECREATION FACILITY STANDARDS

The following provides an overview of some available benchmarks for the provision of recreational facilities.

TABLE 29 – STANDARDS FOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

TYPE OF FACILITY STANDARD / INDICATIVE

POPULATION

THRESHOLD

SOURCE INDICATIVE LAND

SIZE

Sports field – local 1 per 10,000 people GCC standard20

Small: 100 x 70 metres

Large: 120 x 80 metres

Sports field – district 1 per 30,000 people GCC standard21

5 – 8 hectares

Cricket oval 2,500 people Department of Planning

200922

2 hectares

Soccer field 3,000 people Department of Planning

200923

1 hectare

Netball courts 1 per 1,000 – 2,000 people City of Ryde Section 94


1 – 2 hectares

3,000 people Department of Planning

200925

1 per 10,000 people GCC standard26

Basketball courts 1,800 people Department of Planning

200927

1 – 2 hectares

Tennis centre / courts –

local

1 per 1,000 – 1,500 people City of Ryde Section 94


1 hectare


19 NSW Department of Planning, 2010, Recreation and Open Space Guidelines for Local Government.



22 NSW Department of Planning, 2009, Draft local development contributions guidelines








TYPE OF FACILITY STANDARD / INDICATIVE

POPULATION

THRESHOLD

SOURCE INDICATIVE LAND

SIZE


Tennis centre – district 1 per 30,000 people GCC standard30

2 hectares (8 – 12

courts)

Swimming pool or

aquatic centre – district

1 per 20,000 – 50,000 City of Ryde Section 94


1 hectare


Gymnasiums Research suggests that gyms

become profitable with 500 plus

members.

Urbis Property Economics The most successful

gyms are those with an

area of at least

1,000m² and

membership of 1,500 -

2,000 members. This

equates to between

0.5m² and 0.67m² of

gym floor space per

member.

9.2 OPEN SPACE IN THE NRSPP

The key principles which have informed open space planning for the NRSPP are:

Diversity: The full spectrum of open space should be represented in the NRSPP, including passive open space, active open space and bushland with ecological value.

Connectivity: There must be strong connectivity and walkability between the main park in the precinct and other open space, both within the NRSPP and to areas beyond.

Mixed-use: Open space must by flexible and able to accommodate a variety of uses. The diverse needs of different age groups and cultures must also be catered to.

Critical mass: There should be at least one major allocation of open space that allows for a range of activities in one place (walking, running, play equipment, picnicking, ball sports, exercise, etc.).

Attractive: Open space on site (in particular the main park) should attract the broader community to the Precinct.

Three distinct options for the provision and distribution of open space across the precinct were considered, being:

Option 1: Linear Park – a green corridor running the length of the Precinct.







Option 2: Central Park – a large central open space in each site within the Precinct.

Option 3: Stepped Spaces – smaller and more widely distributed open spaces to spread open space evenly throughout the Precinct.

Upon evaluation, Option 3 (Stepped Spaces), (see Figure 19) was chosen as the most appropriate design for the NRSPP as it:

Optimises the attributes of all development sites.

Spreads the open space through the sites.

Creates distinct neighbourhoods around a number of „green hearts‟

Can be staged to deliver „complete‟ stages

Provides café spaces on parks oriented to the afternoon sun.

Includes a community centre used to define west edge of M2 Site.

Provides north-south development with have good solar access.

Achieves the lowest area of site road coverage and highest area of development plots.

Maximises open space frontage and north facing facades.

Includes potential for informal sporting use of open space.


FIGURE 19 – STEPPED SPACES OPTION



The „Stepped Spaces‟ option produced the following key areas of open space – summarised in Table 30 below and shown in Figure 20.

TABLE 30 – OPEN SPACE PROVISION IN THE NRSPP

OPEN SPACE ELEMENT SIZE REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS SPACE UNDER THE DCP

M2 Site - Central Open Space

(proposed to be zoned Public Open

Space RE1)

6,290m² Includes 2,000m² lawn for informal ball games and active play

Children‟s playground with equipment for children 2-8 years

Park will interface with the retail and commercial buildings to

the south

Includes BBQ and picnic facilities

Outdoor gym circuit

Bike parking provided on urban edge

Adjacent road to the south to be a raised surface to create a

shared zone and increase permeability between the retail and

park edge.

Public art, comprising a totemic element marking the main

open space.

Provides the pedestrian bridge landing area

M2 Site - Northern Bushland Park


Space RE1)

4,040m² A natural landscape of restored bushland

Environmental playground for children 2-8 years

Pedestrian connection to Wicks Road to be located on the

eastern side of the park and bridged over Porters Creek.

Public art comprising a naturalistic piece relating to the creek

and trees.

M2 Site - Community Park

(Permissible under the proposed

High Density Residential Zone R4. A

park of this size, open to the public,

in this general location is a

requirement under the DCP)

1,895m² Designed as a passive recreation place including a retail

dining area

Detention capability

Footpath to be located between the adjacent building and the

park to connect the M2 edge road to the Spine Road.

Public art comprising a small, informal element.

M2 Site - Community Centre

(Permissible under the proposed

Public Open Space zone RE1 zone.

The provision of the community

centre in this general location is a

requirement of the DCP)

2,500m²

(Total site)

1,665 m² of

this is

Community

Centre

open

Multi-purpose community centre site

Building to open onto landscaped open space

Open space to include half basketball court

Playground for small children 0-6 years

Includes bike parking and community car park.


OPEN SPACE ELEMENT SIZE REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS SPACE UNDER THE DCP

space

OSL Site – Open Space


Space RE1)

2,175m² Open space along southern boundary to provide an addition to

Blenheim Park

Includes footpath connection from Blenheim Park to Epping

Road.

Includes provision for café.

Public art comprising an informal piece relating to the Blue

Gum High Forest.

The overall provision and distribution of open space within the NRSPP was also influenced by a number of key factors:

The identity of the proposal as a TOD requiring the achievement of a certain density to make it feasible and successful in activating surrounding transport infrastructure.

The access constraints of the site (particularly the M2 site) making it unsuitable for larger regional or district open space provision.

The proximity of the site to large areas of regional and local open space such as the Lane Cove National Park, Blenheim Park and Bundarra Reserve and the ability of the future community to access this space.

The constraints of the site in relation to the presence of rail infrastructure and the Epping-Chatswood Rail Corridor bisecting the site.

In summary open space provision across the NRSPP is proposed as follows

Of the 21,000m2 of land proposed to be zoned Public Recreation RE1, the DCP controls requires the

provision of 16,065m2 of open space areas as follows:

- M2 Site - Central Open Space (6,290 m2)

- M2 Site - Northern Bushland Park (4,040m²)

- OSL Site – Open Space (2,175m²)

- Open space area associated with the community centre (approximately 1,665m2)

The remainder of the land zoned RE1 is required for the necessary road connections through the site and land

required for the community centre.

In addition, the DCP requires a community park be provided in the High Density Residential Zone (M2 site) providing a further 1,895m² of land for open space. The DCP also requires the provision of other public domain areas such as urban plazas around the potential retail land uses and the station entrance.



FIGURE 20 – OPEN SPACE TYPOLOGIES


9.3 OPEN SPACE ASSESSMENT

The following table provides an assessment of the adequacy of the open spaces proposed to be provided within the North Ryde Station Precinct.

OPEN SPACE /

RECREATION ELEMENT

EVALUATION

Open Space Provision within

the NRSPP

Based upon the open space benchmarks cited previously in this report, the

anticipated population growth associated with the NRSPP justifies the provision of

regional scale open space. However, it is acknowledged that the provision of such

open space is unfeasible given site constraints such as access, parking and the

higher density required of a TOD. It is noted that the standard of 2.38 hectares of

open space per 1,000 people, identified in both the City of Ryde‟s Section 94


and the Growth Centres Commission Development Code34

is

acknowledged to be unrealistic in more densely populated areas of the Sydney

Metropolitan region as proposed under the NRSPP.

A district scale park, demonstrating best practice principles such as colocation of a

variety of multi-purpose facilities and spaces catering to diverse community needs

is considered more reasonable and achievable within the NRSPP.

Good connectivity and mixed-use capabilities are particularly important in the

context of the NRSPP which has the potential for the establishment of good links to

regional open space such as Lane Cove National Park. The opportunity to provide

pedestrian links from the site to the National Park has been given consideration

and whilst beyond the scope of the NRSPP to provide, it is recommended that

future opportunities to establish these connections be investigated.

The main open space area on the NRSPP is approximately 6,290m² and is

centrally located on the M2 Site in proximity to the proposed multi-purpose

community centre. The park provides a lawn area of 2,000m² to facilitate active

play, along with a playground and passive recreation spaces.

The provision of formal sporting fields was considered during the design process

for the NRSPP, however the access and parking constraints of the M2 Site

precluding an efficient and functional design for the incorporation of such facilities.

Half-court basketball courts are planned for the site, to be provided on the site of

the community centre, along with potential indoor sports facilities within the centre

itself.

Fitness stations are also proposed in the main open space area to provide

residents with opportunities for active recreation and exercise.

Improved pedestrian and cycleways will also be provided throughout the precinct to

better connect existing and future residents with surrounding facilities.

Overall, in comparison to other high density and TODs, the NRSPP provides a

higher than average rate of open space per resident and has one of the highest

33 City of Ryde, 2007, Sections 94 Contributions Plan




OPEN SPACE /

RECREATION ELEMENT

EVALUATION

proportions of open space across the development of the seven developments

considered.

It is also noted that, unlike many developments, the NRSPP proposes the delivery

of open spaces up front at Stage 1 of the development, making these spaces

available to the existing and future community up front.

Playgrounds Regarding children‟s playgrounds, the City of Ryde adopts a high standard of 0.5

hectares of play area per 1,000 people. Applying this standard to the NRSPP,

approximately 2.5 hectares of play areas would be required in addition to other

open space areas. This standard is considered excessive for densely populated

areas and, despite the application of this benchmark in Ryde in the past, it is not

anticipated that this scale of provision will be necessary. Council has

acknowledged no shortage of play grounds in the LGA.

Recent good practice in relation to the provision of playgrounds suggests they can

utilise small areas and as long as there is a variety of equipment provided, they do

not need to use of large tracts of land.

Four children‟s playgrounds are proposed within the NRSPP, located within the

main open space area on the M2 Site, co-located with the community facility, within

the community park on the M2 Site and within the northern bushland park on the

M2 Site.

Active Recreation Facilities The assessment has determined that formal recreation facilities, in particular tennis

courts, gymnasiums and swimming pools, are adequately provided for within the

LGA. Based on consultation with some providers, it has been determined that there

is also sufficient capacity within formal recreation facilities to accommodate

additional patronage.

Consultation with Council and a desktop review of existing facilities indicate that

regional scale facilities (such as tennis courts, swimming pools and gymnasiums)

currently service the area well and there is not a pressing need for additional

facilities to be provided. Subsequently it is concluded that there is no need to

incorporate regional scale facilities into the NRSPP. At present, many regional

scale facilities are provided by the commercial sector (pools, tennis courts etc.) and

it considered that similar arrangements will suffice for the NRSPP should the

demand for additional regional facilities arise at a later stage.

Bearing in mind the known shortfall in active recreation opportunities in the local

area, the NRSPP has planned for the inclusion of some local scale active

opportunities such as half-court basketball courts, exercise stations and potential

indoor courts within the community centre.

Impacts upon Blenheim Park Blenheim Park is located directly south of the OSL Site.

A visit to Blenheim Park on a weekday morning undertaken as part of the open

space needs assessment found that all areas of the park were in use. During

consultation Council also noted through consultation that Blenheim Park was a


OPEN SPACE /

RECREATION ELEMENT

EVALUATION

well-used and popular open space within the LGA.

In order to minimise the potential impacts of increased demand on this space, the

proposal aims to provide an integration of open space, community facilities, parking

and connectivity between the OSL Site and Blenheim Park. The proposal provides

an additional 2,175 square metres of public open space that connects directly to

the north-western edge of Blenheim Park and has been incorporated into the

planning framework as an extension to the Park to be dedicated to Council. In

addition a free standing café is proposed to be included in this additional open

space to improve retail amenity for the existing and future users of the park. It is

envisaged that the open space area (and possibly the café) adjoining Blenheim

Park would be subdivided into a separate superlot which would be vested to

Council at a later stage for the benefit of existing and future residents of the area.

It is also noted that Blenheim Park is principally used by families with young

children, with play equipment generally designed for children under 12. The

proposed NRSPP is expected to attract a future population which is dominated by

professional couples without children therefore the likely usage patterns of the

future community of the NRSPP will be different to those currently utilising

Blenheim Park. Further as the development of the NRSPP will occur in a staged

manner, over a 15 year period, any increased demand on Blenheim Park would be

experienced incrementally and gradually over time providing ample opportunity for

the staged management of potential impacts.

Couples with no children and a working population will be more likely to access

Blenheim Park during afternoons and evenings as well as on weekends, rather

than during weekdays when families with children under 5 would generally visit. It

is acknowledged that there is likely to be some additional demand for the park

during weekends, however, the bulk of the future population of the NRSPP will

reside on the M2 site where more conveniently located open space areas east of

Epping Road will service some of this increased demand. It will be important to

ensure the appropriate management and maintenance of the park continues,

particularly during high usage periods.

It is understood that the existing trees along the western edge of the OSL Site will

also be maintained, as will the green link through the site between Epping Road

and Blenheim Park.

The proposed built form on the OSL Site is of a scale which preserves the context

and setting of Blenheim Park and nearby residences and significant trees along the

western boundary of the OSL Site are also retained under the proposal to form a

natural buffer. The proposed development outcome aims to maintain the amenity of

the existing residential dwellings and minimises overshadowing impacts on

Blenheim Park.



9.4 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The City of Ryde has identified shortfalls in active open space provision, both during consultation and in Council planning documents. For instance, Council‟s Parks on Track for People 2025 document recognises a need for Council to provide more opportunities for women and youth to be engaged in active recreation. The North Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils

35 (NSROC) has also identified similar

shortfalls, particularly around the availability of sportsgrounds in the NSROC region (which includes the City of Ryde). Sportsgrounds in the area are in poor condition, are overused and are unable to accommodate expressed demand or projected future demand.

Key principles adopted for open space planning at the NRSPP include:

Recognising the diverse and changing nature of the population of the Ryde LGA and catering for a variety of needs in terms of active and passive recreation opportunities.

Flexible and appropriate open space and recreation provision to accommodate a broad cross section of the community, including the use of multi-purpose spaces which are more efficient in delivering a range of services, particularly on constrained sites.

Improving connectivity between open spaces and recreation facilities, including public transport, walking tracks and bike paths. Connectivity is a key priority for the NRSPP generally and has permeated the philosophy of open space provision.

Maximise opportunities for social interaction and engagement throughout the day and the night through the co-location of community facilities and open space.

Active recreation opportunities provided alongside traditional passive recreation facilities.

The provision of open space and recreation facilities within the NRSPP must be considered in the context of the development as a TOD and the higher densities associated with this form of development. Inherent site constraints, such as accessibility and parking also limit the suitability of the site for regional scale open space which might attract patronage from the broader community. The NRSPP provides open space and recreation facilities to primarily serve the future community of the precinct, but also embellishes existing open spaces such as Blenheim Park through the addition of some 2,175m² of additional land to the park along with provision for retail opportunities to enhance the amenity for users of the park.

Importantly, the NRSPP is located in proximity to high quality regional open space through the Lane Cove National Park. Improved linkages to the park would benefit the future community of the development greatly and, whilst beyond the immediate scope of the NRSPP, all opportunities for the establishment of these linkages should be explored. The additional demand placed on open space facilities provided elsewhere in the Ryde will be addressed through the requirement to pay Section 94 Contributions and will be assessed at future DA stage.

35 North Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils, 2011, Draft NSROC Regional Sportsground Management Strategy

URBIS ADP – 1207 – SOC-0001-SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT NOVEMBER 2012 SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 87

10 Social Impact Assessment

10.1 POTENTIAL SOCIAL ISSUES AND IMPACTS

This section provides an assessment of other potential social impacts of the proposed NRSPP. It details likely positive and negative impacts in the immediate vicinity and the local community based on the background research undertaken (document review, current and future Census-based demographic profiling, audit of existing and proposed social infrastructure and open space) and the outcomes of the stakeholder and community consultation activities undertaken to date.

The proposed NRSPP will result in substantial change to the site as it currently exists. There will be inevitable impacts on the local and regional community immediately and into the future as the development progresses. The planning controls proposed for the precinct aim to ensure that a high quality development results which meets the needs and respects the current and future populations.

The local, regional and global strategic significance of the NRSPP is considerable. The project will support the envisaged growth of Ryde and the MPC as Major Centres and strengthen the role of Macquarie Park in Sydney‟s „global arc‟. The proposed development will be an iconic landmark in the region and will activate and compliment regional land uses and assets including the North Ryde Railway Station, the Macquarie Business Park, Macquarie University and major education and health services.

The NRSPP integrates with surrounding residential and business land uses and provides opportunities for people to live, work and study in the area. Further, it will provide greater activation of the North Ryde Railway Station and increased patronage for the train station to capitalise on the State Government‟s investment in this important transport infrastructure. The NRSPP will allow people to live close to employment and education infrastructure as well as provide access to a number of different transport options.

The following sections seek to provide an understanding of the social impacts of the proposal, including:

the potential impacts of the proposed land use and built form;

connectivity and accessibility;

sustainability;

impacts upon surrounding features such as Lane Cove National Park and the Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium;

housing affordability; and

safety and security.

Note that these potential impacts should be considered in addition to the assessment of social impacts considered at Section 7 for social infrastructure and Section 9 for open space and recreation facilities.

10.2 LAND USE

The NRSPP proposes a mix of new land uses across the Precinct including residential, commercial, retail and community uses. The mix of land uses proposed is not incompatible with the existing surrounding land use character and has been designed to create a new community with a distinct identity. It is recognised that the proposed land uses are located to reflect opportunities created by access to local transport hubs, including North Ryde Railway Station and express bus stops on Waterloo and Epping Road. The two key principles that underpin the land use arrangement are:

employment uses within 500 metres of the station; and

residential within 800 metres of the station.

88 SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT URBIS


In this way, the NRSPP maximizes opportunities for residents to access public transport and improve the overall sustainability of the development in line with TOD principles. The proposed land use mix is not expected to result in adverse social impact or land use conflict.

10.3 BUILT FORM

Whilst the built form proposed is different in scale to that of established surrounding areas, it is recognised that the NRSPP will be a distinct neighbourhood with its own character which will evolve over the life of the development. The built form therefore responds to the desired future character of the precinct and is expected to integrate well with the type of development set to emerge in Macquarie Park over the next decade.

Due to the proposed densities of the NRSPP the design response is especially important to creating a high quality environment, particularly at street level. Consideration has been given in the development of built form controls to creating a human scale and activating ground planes including front gardens and front doors onto the street at ground level. The proposed built form controls have been developed to minimize negative impacts upon surrounding development in terms of visual impact and solar access, optimise roads and open space and to provide high quality sites for future development.

The proposed built form and building heights have been designed to respond to a number of principles, including:

Defining streets with low scale buildings.

Locating towers on the edges of sites away from existing residential areas.

Locating towers off axis to minimise visual impact.

Provision of increased heights to the road away from Epping Road.

Lower development to the north side of perimeter blocks for solar access to courtyards.

Avoiding long uninterrupted facades.

Avoiding towers on axes.

High rise blocks orientated to maximise city and green views.

The „high rise‟ buildings have been strategically positioned on the M2, Station North and Station South Sites, along major arterial roads, away from low scale residential development and adjacent to commercial development. These buildings justify and reflect the TOD principles of high density located within close proximity to transport hubs. In addition the higher towers are located to minimise the potential for overshadowing, preserve amenity for open space areas, and maintain identified view corridors within and between sites. It is noted that the proposed design attempts to minimise the impact of the project on surrounding development, particularly the low rise residential development to the south of the OSL Site. Buildings located adjacent to residential development and open space are „stepped back‟ allowing for reduced physical impact. For example low rise buildings located on the OSL Site (four storeys) are located along the passive open space buffer on the western edge of the site. Building heights of up to six storeys on the OSL Site are located along Epping Road, away from current residential dwellings to the south of the site.

The proposed planning framework aims to minimise the impact of overshadowing on current land uses adjacent to the NRSPP site including existing and proposed open spaces. The following highlights key findings from the solar access studies and the overshadowing assessment:

Indicative building envelopes achieve no overshadowing of adjacent residential properties after 10:30am on the shortest day of the year (21 June). This is above the standard requirement of the Ryde DCP 2010 for two hours minimum sunlight between 9:00am and 3:00pm.


Approximately 14 residential properties will experience overshadowing at some point from 9am until 10:30am.

The location and design of buildings also maximises the lunch time sun on the new open spaces within the NRSPP.

It is noted, that overshadowing may have some impact on the proposed open space, predominately during winter months. However, the DCP prepared for the NRSPP will require future development applications to demonstrate that the proposed open space and landscaping is well designed to ensure acceptable levels of solar access are achieved and the amenity of these spaces is preserved.

10.4 PUBLIC ART

The DCP includes requirements for public art across the NRSPP site. The provisions aim to encourage a narrative consistent with the history, built and natural forms and location of the artworks. The inclusion of public art work within the community will provide an extension of place and ownership for residents. It will be important to include current and potential future community members in the design of the public artwork to reflect the cultural diversity of the likely future residents.

10.5 CONNECTIVITY AND ACCESSIBILITY

The North Ryde Station Precinct comprises five separate parcels of land, currently fragmented and isolated from each other and local services and facilities as a result of major arterial roads. A key outcome of the NRSPP will be improved connections between these sites and importantly, improved connections for future residents to public transport, employment, retail services and open space.

The ultimate redevelopment of the precinct as envisaged by the rezoning proposal and DCP emphasises public transport, pedestrian and cycle access. The proposed cycle ways and pedestrian path ways will connect the NRSPP site with the wider North Ryde suburb as well as key transport infrastructure, including the North Ryde Train Station. These connections will encourage new residents to access existing and new built and natural infrastructure by foot and bike. This will influence transport choices and reduce the reliance of future residents on private vehicles.

It is noted however that there will be a need to manage on site vehicular movement due to the location of the site within close proximity to major arterial roads and existing traffic conditions on the surrounding road network. The area currently experiences a constrained traffic environment. Extensive traffic studies were undertaken in the preliminary and assessment phases of the project to identify and quantify the potential traffic and access constraints of the precinct (Parsons Brinckerhoff, August 2012). As a result of these studies and in response to the nature of the project as a TOD, a reduced rate of car parking has been proposed across the site to further drive a mode shift towards public and active transport. In addition, road upgrades and improvements will also be implemented to support the proposed development.

The DCP for the precinct proposes a spine road through the M2 Site from Waterloo Road to Epping Road for primary vehicular circulation through the site. Appropriate pedestrian and cycle safety measures will be implemented along this road to maximise safe movements and interfaces. Local roads and one way streets located within the Precinct have been designed to discourage high vehicle speeds and allow for cycles to share carriageway.

The NRSPP reflects the key principles of a TOD by encouraging and providing pedestrian and cycleway access and mobility throughout the site and adjoining land uses. Connection between the different parcels of land is evident with pedestrian walk ways, footpaths and a universally accessible pedestrian and cycle bridge. The pedestrian bridge will be an integral part of bringing the NRSPP together and it will be important that the design and function of the bridge is iconic, promotes a sense of ownership and is easily accessible for all population groups.

Overall there is a strong sense of permeability in the DCP structure plan, encouraging internal and external accessibility for future residents to the North Ryde Railway Station, open space, community facilities and proposed commercial premises.



With regard to regional connectivity, the DCP reflects the objective of the Macquarie Park Town Centre Strategy for Character Area 3 (Waterloo Road) by ensuring Waterloo Road (the main street of the Corridor) between Macquarie University and the Riverside Corporate Park, supports and links Macquarie University to the Riverside Corporate Park.

10.6 SUSTAINABILITY

The NRSPP adopts a holistic approach to sustainability, embedding sustainable initiatives into the planning framework for the precinct. As part of the development of the project, a project specific sustainability strategy has been prepared which provides targets to be adopted through the design, construction and future operation of the NRSPP.

The sustainability targets include; water minimisation, energy and carbon reduction, waste minimisation and materials selection, ecology, community, car dependency and TOD. These targets will be implemented through a variety of mechanisms including inherent design principles, installation through early infrastructure works, sustainability requirements for planning approvals, the site specific development control plan and potentially through contracts of sale.

These initiatives will be implemented throughout the design, construction and completion phases of the NRSPP to ensure that the project represents best practice or above in sustainable development.

10.7 LANE COVE NATIONAL PARK

The NRSPP benefits from its close proximity to regional open space in the Lane Cove National Park, located just east of the precinct. Despite its close proximity, the existing isolated nature of the North Ryde Station Precinct sites limits the connectivity to this important open space area for future residents. The improved connections between sites, including the proposed pedestrian bridge will greatly improve access to the National Park.

Through the project development phase potential future direct pedestrian links to the LCNP (indicative only) were identified at the northern point of the M2 Site and to the east of the Station North Site. These links could provide greater access to the National Park for local residents of the NRSPP as well as residents of the wider Ryde LGA. These access points may connect to existing pedestrian paths as well as proposed connections throughout the NRSPP creating a potential new walking circuit. It is noted that the delivery of these connections is not in the control of the proponent and therefore outside of the scope of the NRSPP to deliver. However, consideration of the establishment of these links in the future, subject to agreement with landowners would benefit the existing and future community.

Any potential links should consider the following factors:

Providing access to residents from both east and west sides of the cemetery.

Providing access to existing facilities within the park.

Minimising impacts on private lands.

Providing a „whole of government‟ solution by using public lands where possible.

Avoiding steepest gradients to minimise earthworks and required site improvements.

Taking advantage of existing paths and roadways.

Providing potential for a „loop‟ circuit through the park.

10.8 MACQUARIE PARK CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM

The NRSPP is located adjacent to the Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium (MACCEM), a large, open lawn cemetery. As part of the social impact assessment, consultation was undertaken with the MACCEM to establish any issues or concerns in relation to the proposed development.


As part of this consultation, use of MACCEM‟s open space areas as pedestrian links to Lane Cove National Park and for passive uses was discussed. Overall, MACCEM support the proposal for activation of the precinct. Further details of this meeting are provided within the Urbis Public Policy Consultation Report 2012. MACCEM has also recently prepared a master plan for the cemetery but this document was not available for review at the time of writing this report.

The DCP for the NRSPP suggests potential pedestrian links along the southern boundary of the cemetery with an existing light crossing (signalised) located between the Station North Site and the cemetery. Proposed access links between the NRSPP site and cemetery site, including the LCNP should be considered in context with the operation hours of the cemetery (7am and 6pm, 7 days a week). It is understood that a link from Wicks Road to the NRSPP site is proposed and supported. Connectivity between these three distinct areas is encouraged as it will provide current and future North Ryde residents and visitors with opportunities of accessing a variety of community based services, transport and bushland.

10.9 HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

The City of Ryde Affordable Housing Strategy36

prepared by Judith Stubbs and Associates investigated the matter of housing affordability in the Ryde LGA in 2008. The Strategy identified that there is some need for additional affordable housing in the Ryde LGA, as is the case across much of Sydney. The report found that there are “constraints for low to moderate-income households in either purchasing or renting affordably in the LGA”. University students, young working singles and couples, families with children and older residents receiving the aged pension are most affected.

While there is always a need for affordable housing, the NRSPP is not considered ideally suited for the provision of public housing. However, a 4% affordable housing component is proposed as part of the NRSPP to be delivered partly through housing stock (2%) and partly through monetary contribution (2%). This is considered to adequately address the need for affordable housing within the precinct and has been agreed with the Department of Housing.

The demand for affordable housing will be further alleviated by the proposal through the increase in housing supply that will result from the NRSPP, as well as the provision of lower-cost housing stock driven through smaller unit sizes and lower car parking rates as proposed.

Judith Stubbs and Associates identify a current oversupply of Independent Living Units (ILUs) in the Ryde LGA, though a shortfall is expected to occur towards 2021. The provision of “an adequate amount of high density development close to services and transport that is adaptable and accessible” was identified as a partial response to this shortfall and the NRSPP responds to this need.

10.10 SAFETY AND SECURITY

The proposed design for the NRSPP considers and addresses the principles of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) which is based upon four key principles:

Territorial reinforcement

Surveillance

Access Control

Activity Management

The public domain elements of the design guiding the future development of the NRSPP have been assessed against these principles in the table below:

36 Judith Stubbs and Associates, 2008, City of Ryde Affordable Housing Strategy.



TABLE 31 – PUBLIC DOMAIN CPTED CONSIDERATIONS

PUBLIC DOMAIN CPTED CONSIDERATIONS M2 SITE OSL SITE RMS SITE STATION

SITE

TERRITORIAL REINFORCEMENT

Ensure block road widths and building setbacks contribute to

human scale

Yes Yes NA Yes

Use of high quality finishes to encourage pride and sense of

ownership

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Select materials to resist vandalism Yes Yes Yes Yes

Select materials and planting to facilitate ongoing

maintenance

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Limit private activities to private areas Yes Yes Yes Yes

SURVEILLANCE

Design streets to increase pedestrian and bicycle traffic Yes Yes NA Yes

Open spaces to be overlooked by people in adjacent

buildings

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Provide unimpeded sight lines, particularly along pedestrian

pathways

Yes Yes NA Yes

Planting to protect sightlines Yes Yes Yes Yes

Public domain to be lit to Australian standards Yes Yes Yes Yes

Ensure that the faces of the people in open spaces are lit Yes Yes Yes Yes

ACCESS CONTROL

Use clearly identifiable points of entry to open spaces Yes Yes NA Yes

Open spaces to have more than two egress points Yes Yes NA Yes

Limit depth of dead end streets/ensure viability Yes Yes NA Yes

ACTIVITY MANAGEMENT

Create a mix of uses which open at night and after hours

that promote round-the-clock surveillance and are

compatible with neighbouring uses such as residential areas

Yes Yes NA Yes

Locate retail and commercial activities adjacent to open Yes Yes NA Yes


PUBLIC DOMAIN CPTED CONSIDERATIONS M2 SITE OSL SITE RMS SITE STATION

SITE

space

Manage block length to manage scale and facilitate

walking/cycling

Yes Yes NA Yes

Locate amenities such as seating or refreshments in

common areas to attract desired users.

Yes Yes NA Yes

Community centre to have publicly accessible uses and

activities

Yes NA NA NA

The table above demonstrates the compliance of the NRSPP with the principles of CPTED.

94 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS URBIS


11 Conclusion and Recommendations

Overall, the NRSPP has been planned and designed to contribute positively to the local and regional community of North Ryde and the broader Ryde LGA. The proposal offers a unique opportunity to achieve a TOD in an under developed Precinct that has access to a new railway station. The project has been informed by TOD principles and seeks to achieve an integrated land and transport oriented hub, with improved connectivity to North Ryde Station and access for future residents to open space and recreational facilities, including the LCNP.

This SIA has demonstrated the potential positive and negative social impacts of the NRSPP and areas for management as part of future development stages. The review of current and future demographic profiles, review of local and state planning policies, the social infrastructure audit and stakeholder consultation carried out to date have demonstrated the likely need and demand for services and facilities within the NRSPP. A range of issues were raised during these studies and consultation and these have been considered and responded to as appropriate within the NRSPP. The following outlines key matters to be considered and implemented where appropriate in relation to the NRSPP:

Ongoing community consultation should be implemented throughout future stages of the development process. The proponent has demonstrated a commitment to meaningful engagement through a wide range of community and stakeholder consultation undertaken to date.

The NRSPP will generate a future population which triggers the need for additional school enrolments. However, the isolated nature of the site makes it unsuitable for a new school location (as agreed with the DEC). Rather, the additional demand for school places should be addressed through the upgrade of existing schools in the area which have the capacity for additional enrolments.

The provision of open space within the NRSPP must be considered in the context of the nature of the project as a TOD, its isolated nature and inability to accommodate significant parking associated with larger areas of open space and the applicability of standard benchmarks to modern, higher density developments.

The implementation of proposed pedestrian and cycle ways within the NRSPP is critical to achieve the full connectivity benefits promised by the NRSPP. The proposed DCP demonstrates high quality pedestrian and cycle links across the site and also establishes regional connections. It will be important to ensure that these connections are clearly defined, easily accessible and appropriately landscaped. This will ensure residents and visitors are able to navigate around the NRSPP, access transport hubs, including the North Ryde Station as well as access regional open space, including Blenheim Park and the LCNP.

Whilst beyond the immediate scope of the NRSPP, it would be of benefit to consider ways of achieving future connections to the LCNP to expand open space and recreation opportunities for existing and future residents through the creation of a potential new walking track.

The provision of additional space to expand Blenheim Park is a positive outcome for the community. In order to counter any additional pressures on this parkland as a result of development and growth in the area, it is important to ensure the appropriate management and maintenance of the park continues, particularly during high usage periods.

The management of potential overshadowing of open space as a result of the NRSPP is critical to preserving the amenity of proposed open space areas, particularly during winter months. Proposed open space embellishment and landscaping must be designed to ensure maximum light to ensure that these spaces are inviting and encourage residents and visitors into the space.

The proposed multi-purpose community facility is considered adequate for the NRSPP site. It will be important that this facility is accessible and inviting for current and future residents. It is recommended that the internal and external uses associated with the facility cater for active recreation activities.

There is a need for childcare services within the Ryde LGA generally. The projected incoming population is expected to be predominately couple families with no children. However, there may be

URBIS ADP – 1207 – SOC-0001-SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT NOVEMBER 2012 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 95

an opportunity to provide some sort of childcare or after school service as part of the multi-purpose facility.

The appropriate management of these issues and the security of delivery of the various open spaces and community facilities proposed under the NRSPP will ensure that the project maximises its potential positive social impacts for the existing and future community

96 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS URBIS


URBIS ADP – 1207 – SOC-0001-SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT NOVEMBER 2012 APPENDICES

Appendix A Correspondence from NSW Department of Education and Communities

APPENDICES URBIS


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