Paynesville Town CentreDesign Guidelines

September 2009

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Introduction 3

Design Principles for the Private Realm 5

Design Principles for the Public Realm 12

Contents

Introduction

The Paynesville Town Centre The Paynesville town centre presents an integrated mix of residential development, commercial uses, tourism and leisure attractions. Paynesville should be recognised as a focus for culture, leisure, dining and recreation whilst being considerate to residents and locals.

In its current form, the town centre area presents a range of opportunities, from an underdeveloped retail centre to high end housing product.

The principal aim of these Design Guidelines is to create a coherent vision for both private and public sector development within the town centre.

The guidelines will assist public and private development proposals to consider the future design of all areas of the town centre. They will provide a ‘how to’ for achieving the desired streetscape character and theme for development within Paynesville, with each element contributing to achieving desired overall sense of and recognition of the community as distinctively ‘Paynesville’.

The physical setting of Paynesville provides a desirable framework to develop and

enhance Paynesville’s heritage and character. The calm and sheltered waters and a

river inlet into the lake provides a desirable setting for maritime settlement, and today’s

expectation of Paynesville is to provide mooring, recreation, tourism, and a cultural

experience and entertainment for both residents and visitors.

Throughout Paynesville’s town centre, consistency of approach in design is going to ensure that the centre maintains a strong image. For development on private land, it is important to ensure that guidance is provided to potential developers to help achieve this. The following elements provide key design principles that should be considered when designing any new development in the Paynesville Town Centre.

Design Principles for the Private Realm

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Building DesignThe overall theme for the Paynesville town centre is a maritime theme – inspired by the white or timber hulls of boats, and white sails, with decorative timber elements such as boat trimmings and boat interiors. These elements should inspire and guide new development with the town centre.

Key principles include:

1. Facades facing public spaces (including streets) should be a combination of white cladding with timber details, accompanied with large glazed shop fronts taking sun in whilst ensuring active frontage. Other colours from a maritime themed palette can also be used to include details on buildings.

•Retrofitted facades, extensions as well as new buildings should give the impression of modern simplicity and brightness. This can be achieved using elevated light awning structures that will allow sun light inside the shop front.

•Building height should be restricted to 2 storey along the foreshore edge (The Esplanade), with the opportunity to add a third storey at the rear (behind main frontage) or on key landmark sites.

2. Roofs and awnings should be generous in size and attractive as an architectural feature, to protect customers and pedestrians from the elements and harsh coastal winds.

3. Window openings can be bold, brave and geometric. Consider the use of maritime elements (ie. portholes).

•Maximise the use of locally produced and sourced materials, and those with low embodied energy (energy used to produce and transport material).

•Shop front upgrades can be implemented in stages, following simple style rules of white cladding elements with treated timber or timber look details, with maritime themed colours and features.

Example of possible streetscape outcomes.

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4. Windows and openings can have shutters to shelter the building at times from direct sun or elements.

•Roofs should provide access for the installation of solar panels.•Elements of modern architecture applicable to the Paynesville Town Centre5. Façade design should be of squarish proportions with simple geometric lines

tending towards horizontally.6. Walls should be of a rectilinear geometric shape•Where shop areas are under utilised, provide availability for additional retail

offerings with rear access

Example of possible streetscape outcomes.

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7. Occasional bold or curved elements inspired by a maritime theme should be used (but not overdone)

8. Wall to wall and floor to ceiling front windows should be encouraged. Glass should be used to maximise view opportunities.

•Rear access ways for buildings should be addressed with building openings including display of goods or illuminated elements for presentation

9. Introduce occasional small windows like portholes to reflect the maritime theme•White (or shades of white) should be the dominant colour used in building

materials. Colours other than white should be used in smaller areas, and colour choice should be from those identified in these guidelines.

Example of possible streetscape outcomes.

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Signage•Street signage should provide ease of navigation for all modes of transport - car,

bicycles and pedestrians.•All shop signage can be on or under the awnings. •Signage should be simple and informative, and not dominate the buildings or

public spaces within the town centre.•Colours derived from the Paynesville logo and theme can be utilised in

paved/ coloured areas at traffic slow points and street crossings, as well as in directional signage and way finding maps.

•Signage throughout the town centre should be consistent in theme, with consistent colours and shapes taken from the themes derived through the Structure Plan process.

•Provide clear street directions and information about current events. Information to be communicated through signage and flags, as well as town information boards.

Typical signage. Examples of colour usage on rubbish bins and flags.

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Awnings•Awnings can be made from suspended frames with predominantly timber

elements. •Awnings should be connected between buildings to provide thorough shelter for

users.•Awnings should have perforations or clear elements to allow greater sun light

access, particularly for south facing shop fronts.•Provide shaded seating areas where awnings are provided.

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Sustainable design•All new built form should be responsive to the most efficient green building

design elements. Buildings should respond to the best solar orientation, and ventilation opportunities.

•Provision for rainwater collection and additional insulation should be considered to facilitate minimal ongoing running expenses for development.

•Provision of specially designed awnings for shops facing south (refer to next page for sketch). These are to be positioned higher and on an angle inclusive of natural sunlight to reduce usage of indoor lights during the daylight hours

•Where possible provide openings to the shop front on the side walls along the pedestrian links to improve safety, appearance and sunlight access to the premises.

•Preserve and enhance the natural environment and where possible maximise street/footpath tree planting, portable planted pots, and parking area planting

•Use hardy drought tolerant indigenous and appropriate coastal species to help local fauna to flourish

•Provide recycling bins within the precinct.•Use locally sourced timber and other building material if available with low

embodied energy•Ensure access to sunlight for shopfronts and any balcony spaces wherever

possible.•Building design should consider cross ventilation and opportunities to benefit

from sea breezes through design.•Consider use of alternative energy sources in new building design.

Design Principles for the Public Realm

As well as providing strong guidance for outcomes of private development, a consistent approach is also needed for the public realm, to provide a framework for Council and other community groups to work with when wanting to implement capital works within the town centre public spaces. Following are the key elements of the public realm, and design principles and guidance that applies to works within the areas.

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LEGENDTown Centre boundaryPrecinct boundariesExisting buildingsPossible future buildingsSuggested awningsRoadsCar parkingPedestrian areas and footpathsExisting sea wallProposed pedestrian crossing/slow pointExisting trees to be retainedProposed tree planting & landscapingForeshore/beachProposed foreshore promenade areaPlaygroundLocation for market stalls

ConveniencePrecinct

CommunityPrecinct

MaritimeCommercial

PrecinctVisitor

Accommodation and Services

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GilsenanReserve

CommunityCentre

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Destination Markers and Sculptural Landmarks

1. “Welcome to Paynesville the heart of the Gippsland Lakes” directional signage2. Central booking place/ information centre or information board3. BBQ and picnic facilities34 Maritime adventure playground5. Launching and parking/long term parking limitation board6. Community services information and notice board for locals7. Yachting memorabilia8. Toonalook Square “Events, Foreshore Festivals and Fireworks”9. Boat restaurant and tourism hub10. Boating point of contact amenities and services11. Architectural elements to indicate entrance into the maritime precinct12. Tourist information board and ticket and booking facilities13. Ferry signage14. Monthly market stools15. Sensory gardens, revegetation program activities and dates16. Park story board, historic photos and way finding map17. Youth hub18. Way finding map19. Township map with direction signage and events list20. Gateway to the foreshore, walking/bike path, boardwalk with historical markers

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Movement NetworkImprovements to the movement network within the Paynesville town centre will ensure that traffic is more efficiently managed and controlled. Key objectives include:

1. Slow traffic along The Esplanade, to make it a more pedestrian friendly environment to cross, maximising accessibility to the foreshore.

2. Create safe crossing points for The Esplanade, using raised pavement or different paving treatments, to signify they are slow points.

3. Introduce new street alongside Gilsenan Reserve, with a one way access to allow for access from The Esplanade, with overflow boat trailer parking alongside the Reserve, allowing these parking spaces to be exited in a forward motion through to Victoria Street.

4. Close Fleischer Street at The Esplanade end, eliminating an unsafe access point, while maintaining access to the rear of the commercial properties that front The Esplanade.

5. Refocus parking areas to the rear of the precinct to reduce dominance of parking along The Esplanade.

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•Reduce the street with of The Esplanade within the Maritime Precinct, creating parallel parking with indented street tree planting along the eastern side of the street, creating a more pedestrian scale.

•Re-prioritise the intersection of Main Road and The Esplanade to give vehicles turning towards the town centre priority of movement.

The Esplanade: Maritime PrecinctPynesville Road/The Esplanade Intersection

Proposed improvement

Existing Condition

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StreetscapeThe low scale of the streetscape in Paynesville is its appeal, and is the first impression visitors have of the town. It is also importantly identified as one of the characteristics that residents of Paynesville like about their town. Good street environments come in many forms. Some are distinguished for their commercial bustle, others by their wide footpaths, and others by the quality of the architecture that frames them. Regardless of their shape and size, most good streets obtain their “friendliness” from their conditions – namely a safe and comfortable environment; a sense of human scale and a distinctive character, or sense of intimacy.

Key elements that contribute to this type of streetscape are street trees (shade), clear and accessible directional signage and identification of the place as accessible for people of all abilities.

“Intimacy” refers to the scale and collection of all streetscape elements that directly support pedestrian life and movement. To achieve this, as an example, where footpaths abut moving traffic, a safety barrier, such as a row of bollards or landscape strip can make a space feel more safe and intimate.

Street furniture elements, such as seating benches, bicycle racks, rubbish bins and recycling bins, screening from harsh winds, directional signage all contribute to making footpaths more intimate for pedestrians.

Elements of the streetscape that can contribute to creating a more pedestrian friendly, intimate streetscape environment within the Paynesville Town Centre include:

1. Awnings and shelters2. Outdoor seating and benches3. Landscaped nature strips and planter boxes 4. Street lighting and light fixtures•Street crossings enhanced with raised or detailed paving, incorporating tactile

paving and fully accessible crossing points to make them accessible for all.

5. Screening panels for wind protection where possible made from transparent panels

•Directional and information signage•Sense of place accomplished through use of consistent building elements (ie.

signage style, theme and decor and public art)•Protect and retain unobstructed views of the water.Following are key principles for some of these elements to assist with design of the public realm:

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Street furniture and signage•Street furniture and public art should together provide usable urban elements along

this commercial precinct. Eg. Seating can be created using timber from boats, and designed as an art piece as well as a functional piece of street furniture.

•Pedestrian crossings to be level to facilitate bike, mobility impaired and pedestrian ease of movement

•Consider locating directional signage on rubbish bins, or existing light poles, for example, to eliminate additional clutter of poles and posts on the street.

•Trees or landscaping to be placed in raised planter boxes, so the planter boxes can also serve a seating purpose.

•All street furniture should be designed and positioned to emphasise views to the water.

Examples of appropriate furniture design concepts

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•Street lighting should accommodate additional signage and flag locations to minimise number of poles and obstacles in the street.

•Provide shelter and outdoor seating areas adjoining food premises and in public areas.

•Public areas for congregating in the park and along the foreshore should be equipped with BBQ burners, shelter, seating, water and rubbish bins

•Children’s playground areas to be safe, and upgraded to ensure they meet current standards. These areas are to be also furnished with shades and seating areas for parents.

•An Information centre, information boards and way finding maps are to be located as shown in the Structure Plan, in easy to find locations accessible for all.

Possible concept for street furniture

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Foreshore•Proposed foreshore improvements should minimise the amount of hard seal

surfaces along the foreshore length, and provide for a variety of uses and activities for locals and tourists

•Provide informative signage on arrival to the foreshore area.•Upgrade the existing public toilets and link with the proposed beach houses as a

possible information centre for all visitors on arrival to Paynesville.•Protect and improve foreshore flora and fauna through the planting of

appropriate new species suitable for the coastal environment.•Provide safe water/entertainment area for children and families.•Connect all areas via walking paths.•Provide additional planting and land mounds to protect from floods and

prevailing winds.•Improve amenities and outdoor furniture, benches and rubbish bins•Where noted provide garden beds with the edges suitable for seating•Feature paving of the Toonoolook square to be sourced locally. At allocated

times events could be held at the square. Events such as fireworks, music festivals, concerts and NYE celebration could be accommodated in the square. At all other times Toonoolook Town square can be used for pedestrian links along the shore as well as parking for cars and boat trailers.

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LANGFORD PARADE

WELLINGTON STREET

THE ESPLANADE

COMMUNITYCENTRE

TOONALOOKSQUARE

YACHTCLUB

PUBLICTOILETS

PLAYGROUND

Not to Scale

Foreshore Perspective - Paynesville Town CentreEast Gippsland Shire Council

ref.:3420458date: 9 September 2009

rev.: Adrawn: DS/AP/MM

checked: MW

planning & urban designmelbourne - tel 9869 0800

© sm urban pty ltdabn 99 124 206 819

trading as smec urban

please note:This plan is based on preliminary information

only and may be subject to change as a result of formal Council/Authority advice, detailed site

investigations and confirmation by survey

•Design and install art pieces along the foreshore reserves. Art work should be from local artists and sourced locally.

•Provide the opportunity for tourist attractions such as a boat/floating restaurant as a destination marker at the bend of The Esplanade

•Any redevelopment of the Yacht Club should include facilities for the local community and visitors (eg. convention space, cafe and viewing areas) as well as enhanced facilities for the Yacht Club itself to continue to serve its members.

•Footpaths and walkways around the foreshore and Yacht club should be made more readily accessible, and be well lit for a safe environment at night.

•Within the Maritime precinct, the additional land available on the water side of The Esplanade by reducing the roadway width should be paved and landscaped to provide a pedestrian friendly promenade alongside the boat moorings.

•A location may need to be identified on the foreshore for discrete parking areas to allow convenient access to the jetty and related facilities.Perspective of the future foreshore.

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Example of possible play elements that could be incorporated into the foreshore playground.

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Community centreThe role of the community centre is to provide a focal point for community activity. Key design principles that will ensure the community centre interacts with it’s surrounds include:

1. Provide access and an edge to that interacts with Gilsenan Reserve.2. Provide a continuous footpath link and awning as a connection between the

two retail areas of The Esplanade.3. Facilitate use of the civic centre toilets for after hours access.

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Gilsenan Reserve•Facilitate a new design for Gilsenan Reserve that caters for easily run and

accessible stall locations for the Sunday markets.•Improve vegetation and planting throughout the Reserve, and plant with a

consistent theme throughout the reserve.•Provide connectivity to and from surrounding areas, with constructed footpaths

in high amenity pedestrian corridors.•Inform Paynesville visitors of the parks offerings through information signage in

designated locations.•Provide a sense of place to the Reserve with a gate entrance into the park

created through public art or planted forms.•Promote activities in the Reserve through information signage•Facilitate zones within the Reserve for different users and encourage local

ownership and responsibility for the park’s maintenance and upkeep through specialised planting or community planting opportunities.

•Add generous street tree planting along the new access street adjacent to Gilsenan Reserve and provide for parking for park users, users of the Maritime Commercial Precinct, as well as for overflow parking for cars with boat trailers.

•Add park benches, barbeques and seating areas for picnicking within the Reserve.

•Involve local schools and community groups to assist with planting of and care of new landscaping.

•Consider the inclusion of a design theme areas like a sensory garden, to create something ‘different’ as a feature for the Reserve.

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LandscapeTrees in streetscapes and reserves can help define and visually unify the local character, helping to create and enhance a town’s sense of identity, community and place. The benefits of trees in the urban environment are numerous, including environmental, functional, cultural and aesthetic values.

The tree species chosen as part of Paynesville’s town centre plan should be appropriate to the land capability, considerate to existing urban fauna, managed in a manner which ensures public safety, and considered in accordance with available maintenance resources. The plant list should include primarily indigenous and native species, as well as a careful selection of non-native species to serve specific design functions. Shrubs and groundcover species will be subsequently selected to complement the tree palette.

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Area 1: The WaterfrontThe Waterfront offers the potential to serve as a popular lakeside linear park. Planting can be used as key tool to define the waterfront area and to enhance its aquatic character. The planting scheme requires careful selection of coast-tolerant species, arranged to maintain views and sight lines through to the water.

A primary tree species planted at regular intervals along the waterfront would help to define the area and give it its own identity. For example, Norfolk Island Pine is a prominent and recognisable coastal tree species used throughout Western Victoria. This tree has been adopted for its reliability, structural stability, striking form, and consistency of growth in harsh coastal conditions and strong, salt-laden winds. Similarly, the Canary Island Pine excels as an avenue tree, forming an attractive upright canopy. Its strongly fissured red bark trunk could be used as successive columns along the waterfront for a strong visual affect.

Alternative species with comparable attributes are listed in the Suggested Species List for the waterfront area, including a variety of native and indigenous trees, as well as some suggestions for supplementary tree planting.

Suggested Species List

Area 1: Waterfront / Foreshore / PromenadeBotanical Name Common NameNative Tree spp Acacia maidenii Maiden’s WattleAllocasuarina littoralis* Black SheoakAngophora costata Smooth-barked AppleBanksia integrifolia* Coast BanksiaBanksia marginata* Silver BanksiaCasuarina equisetifolia Horsetail CasuarinaCorymbia citriodora Lemon Scented-gumCorymbia maculata* Spotted GumGrevillea banksii Banks GrevilleaMelaleuca armillaris* Bracelet Honey MyrtleTristianopsis laurina Kanooka / Water Gum(* denotes indigenous spp)Exotic Tree sppAraucaria heterophylla Norfolk Island PineAraucaria columnaria Cook Island PineCupressus macrocarpa Monterey CypressDracaena draco Dragon TreeFicus macrophylla Moreton Bay FigPinus canariensis Canary Island Pine

*Indigenous species

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Area 2: The Main PromenadeThe Esplanade in Paynesville presents an opportunity to transform a barren verge into a potentially high profile commercial area and tourist centre, by implementing a planting strategy to increase public enjoyment and the aesthetic appearance of the street.

As part of the overall design intent, the trees on The Esplanade will be planted in raised planter boxes. Species selection should therefore be considered with respect to the constraints of the growing conditions, and also in conjunction with the planting design along the waterfront. For example, if an evergreen species is chosen as the ‘key’ tree for the waterfront, a more colorful and ornamental species for the main street could provide contrast and ensure year-round visual interest. Species should be considered for their aesthetic appeal, medium size, tolerance of coastal and urban stresses and low water requirements (once established).

Suggested Species List

Area 2: Main Promenade/ Alfresco StripExotic Tree sppCinnamomum camphora Camphor LaurelFraxinus angustifolia ssp. angustifolia

Desert Ash

Fraxinus angustifolia ‘Raywood’ Claret AshLiquidambar styraciflua Sweet GumPrunus cerasifera ‘Nigra’ Purple-leaf Cherry PlumPlatanus x acerifolia London PlaneQuercus palustris Pin OakNative Tree sppAcacia melanoxylon BlackwoodAgonis flexuosa Willow MyrtleCorymbia ficifolia Red-flowering GumEucalyptus leucoxylon Yellow GumLophostemon confertus Queensland Brush BoxMelaleuca linarifolia Snow in SummerMelia azedarach White Cedar

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Area 3: The ReserveThe design brief for the reserve area is to maintain a large open space that can function as a public forum for markets and recreation. Therefore the reserve provides an ideal location to plant a variety of indigenous trees and shrubs. The East Gippsland Shire Council has lists of indigenous and native species that can be referred to as a planting guide.

Suggested Species List

Area 3: The Reserve Indigenous Tree spp Acacia implexa LighwoodAcacia melanoxylon BlackwoodAllocasuarina littoralis Black SheokeBanksia marginata Silver BanksiaBanksia serrata Saw banksiaEucalyptus bosistoana Coast Grey BoxEucalyptus botryoides Southern MahoganyEucalyptus ovata Swamp GumEucalyptus polyanthemos Red BoxEucalyptus sideroxylon Red IronbarkIndigenous Shrub spp Acacia genistifolia Spreading WattleAcacia terminalis Sunshine WattleCallistemon citrinus Crimson BottlebrushDodonaea viscosa Stick Hop-bushHakea sericea Bushy HakeaHymenanthera dentata Tree VioletLeptospermum laevigatum Prickly Tea-treeLeptospermum myrsinoides Heath Tea-treeIndigenous Groundcover spp Austrodanthonia spp. Wallaby GrassesAustrostipa spp. Spear GrassesHardenbergia violacea Purple Coral PeaLomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rushMicrolaena stipoides Weeping GrassPoa spp. Tussock GrassesRhagodia candolleana Seaberry Saltbush

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Area 4: The Sensory GardenIn response to community feedback, it has been proposed that a sensory garden be incorporated into the north-eastern corner of the reserve, in particular to provide a nature experience for the visually impaired.

Sensory gardens can be beautiful places to relax, reflect, meditate, contemplate and talk. Sensory gardens also have proven therapeutic value. People with disabilities, such as visual impairment or dementia, can enjoy nature in a safe and tactile environment. A sensory garden should primarily be designed to encourage interactivity.

The plant list should be compiled in accordance with an appropriate design lay-out, to include an array of species that appeal to touch, sight, sound and smell. For example, the plant palette could include nectar-producing plants to attract birds and butterflies; colorful, contrasting and unusual plants; plants clipped into interesting shapes; plants with different textures (hardy varieties that can cope with handling); plants which rustle or whistle in the wind, and scented plants.

Suggested Species List

Area 4: Sensory GardenTreesAcer Griseum Paperbark MapleAngophora costata Smooth-barked AngophoraAngophora floribunda Rough-barked AngophoraArbutus x andrachanoides Hybrid Strawberry TreeBetula pendula Silver BirchFraxinus ‘Aurea’ Golden AshPrunus serrula Birch-bark Cherry TreeRobinia pseudoacacia ‘Mop Top’ Mop Top RobiniaShrubsBamboo spp. BambooHeliotropium arborescens Cherry PieKniphofia spp. Red Hot PokerLavandular angustifolia LavendarMiscanthus sinensis Maiden GrassPelargonium tomentosum Peppermint GeraniumStachys byzantina Lamb’s EarsClimbers Clematis montana ClematisPandorea jasminoides Bower VineTrachelospermum jasminoides Star Jasmine

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Public Art•Public art, wherever appropriate, should at the same time be useable (ie. seating,

lightpoles etc.)•Drinking fountains, beach showers, street lights, footpath lights and seating

could all be unique art pieces.•Paynesville’s maritime history should be a prevailing theme throughout any public

art installed.•Where possible public art should be sourced locally.•Use of the adopted township logo and signage should appear at allocated

information places, to provide a consistent image for Paynesville.•Story telling boards should strategically be positioned throughout the town

centre to introduce visitors to the history of Paynesville.•Where possible, preserve the historical elements within the town, and encourage

their refurbishment.

East Gipplsand Shire Council

273 Main StBairnsdale VIC 3875

Phone: (03) 5153 9500

Fax: (03) 5153 9576