CHINATOWN PRECINCT

University of Technology Sydney

Master of Planning
19 June 2017

Ana Ramdani Sari

15222 URBAN DESIGN

Source: domain.com.au

URBAN DESIGN STRATEGY

ASSIGNMENT 3
Executive Summary

The Chinatown Precinct is located within City of Sydney council

area, adjacent to Pier Street and Goulburn Street on the north;
Darling Dr, Quay Street and George Street on the East; Regent
Street and Devonshire Street on the South; and Crown Street on
the West. Divided by Elizabeth Street and Central Station, the
precinct has different characteristics on East and West Side due to
different land-use and allocation. The precinct as a whole has a
strong sense of cultural and heritage aspects; high accessibility and
use, and located close to the future Sydney Metro Station; making
it possesses a great potential to be developed.

The precinct is to be developed based on the selected resilient

city urban design principles as follow:
1. Density, diversity, and mix 5. Complete communities
2. Pedestrian first 6. Integrated natural system
3. Transit supportive 7. Engaged communities
4. Placemaking

"To create Chinatown precinct as resilient and vibrant urban living that
VISION

promotes sustainability while perceiving strong sense of cultural

identity.”
• Perceiving cultural identity
•
OBJECTIVES

Promoting environmental, social, and economic sustainability

• Creating meaningful public spaces with vibrant activities
• Promoting healthy active lifestyle
• Reducing energy use and greenhouse gasses
• Creating connected and complete urban living
• Creating strong and engaging community

Site and SWOT Analysis

In this report, the site’s strengths and weaknesses will be identified based on specific aspects while
the opportunities and threats will be analyzed as a whole.

Land Use Allocation and Open Spaces

Strengths Weaknesses
• Mixed and variety of land uses, including • Very dense on the eastern side
commercial, residential and services; leading to • Open spaces not within the walking
strong economics aspect catchment from residential areas
• Large Communal open space and pocket parks
 Chinatown precinct has distinct characteristics of land use allocation. The eastern side of the
Central Station is zoned as a metropolitan center (City of Sydney LEP, 2014) and primarily used as a
commercial area with few buildings that serve as mix-used apartment and retail. It also includes a
zone of Darling Harbour Development Plan No.1 on the northeast side. The area mostly comprises of
café, restaurants and small shops, especially along the pedestrian path, and huge shopping centers
such as Market City and Paddy’s Market. On the western side of the precinct is zoned mostly as general
residential and mixed-use area and it has an entirely different character from the other side. It mostly
comprises of townhouses, apartment, Victorian houses and local shops.

There are notable green spaces in the precinct, such as Belmore Park, Harmony Park, and few
other pocket parks. Theses green open spaces enable the recreational use of the residents and users
and act as a communal space for interaction. However, some of the areas are not within the walking
catchment to the park, especially in the residential area in Strawberry Hills which is important to build
the sense of community among residents.

Connectivity (transport network, accessibility, pedestrian path)

Strengths Weaknesses
• Highly Accessible • Not connected open spaces
• Good Public transport network • congestion
• Existing pedestrian path
• Public transport within walking distance
 Generally, the precinct is highly
accessible due to the location of the precinct
itself. The Central Station, which is a major
transportation infrastructure, is located
within the precinct. It is also highly accessible
by automobile as it has a good transport
network. However, congestion often occurs
in few spots, such as in Ultimo, Hay Street
and other primary roads during peak hours.

Another transport mode, such as bus

and light rail, are also available throughout
the area. The eastern side, more specifically,
is provided with more public transport such
as bus stops and more pedestrian-friendly.
The area is mostly within the walking
catchment from the public transport mode,
which makes the walkability of the area
adequate. It has designated enclosed road
for pedestrians, such as in Dixon Street and
George Street. However, there are also some
areas which appear run-down due to the high
activities and retail frontage along the road.

On the western side, as it is mostly

residential, the area is significantly less
crowded and busy. It is provided with bus
stops, but only on the primary roads. There is no enclosed road for the pedestrian. However, some of
the roads have a wide pedestrian path with foreshadowing from the trees. However, not all areas are
within the walking catchment as seen in the picture above.

Built Form Typologies

 Strengths Weaknesses
• distinct characteristics of built form • Little room for new development
• proper density around transport mode • Unutilised buildings
• Less varied on the western side

On the eastern side, the built form mostly comprises on medium-rise and high-rise density. Most
of the buildings maintain heritage façade even though the function of the building might evolve over
time. The bulk of the building is also controlled by the setback and above-setback to avoid over-mass.
There are few new developments on the site with more modern design, however, overall, it maintains
the old façade.

On the western side, townhouses and Victorian houses dominate the built form typology of the
area. As the area is zoned as heritage conservation area, it is equitable that there are a vast number
of Victorian houses. Some of the newer developments adopt more modern design, and most of them
serve as a medium to high density residential and mix-used residential-commercial. Unlike the eastern
side, the building typology in the area shows the medium density with less variation of the building
aside from the Victorian houses.

Public Realm

Strengths Weaknesses
• Strong cultural • Fewer activities on
characteristics the western side
• Diverse activities and • Rundown street
uses • Lack of street
• Number of furniture
infrastructures and
activities

In terms of activities and uses, the precinct also has distinct characteristics on each side. As the
eastern side is zoned as a metropolitan center, which where commercial, retail, and high-rise mixed-
use residential-retail building located; the activities happen there are more diverse and active. People
who do not reside in the area still come and go shopping, eat out or spend their time in the public
spaces. The area itself is strongly associated with Asian culture; indicated by many Asian shops and
restaurants, and Chinese design elements in few places; which distinguishes the area and gives the
identity of place. However, even though the area is highly used, the streetscape appears not to be
very attractive and lacks street furniture. There are also a number of underutilized buildings which has
to be addressed to improve the overall public realm. The public domain is mainly formed by the
restaurant's frontage that spills to the pedestrian path and the enclosed pedestrian path. It is also
provided by major infrastructures and amenities, such as train station, bus stops, grocery stores,
parking spaces and educational institutions.

On the other side, the western side is mainly zoned as residential and mixed-use. The activities
are less varied, and human interaction mainly happens in the local cafes or parks that are located in
few places of the area. The area itself has adequate facilities such as school, bus stops, and police
station. Victorian houses also create a unique experience which enhances the sense of place, however,
other than that; the site lacks public open space where people interact.

Green Infrastructure

Strengths Weaknesses
• BASIX Scheme on Building • Not enough trees for
level pedestrian shading
• Renewable energy • Parks do not encourage
measures active and healthy
activities

Vegetation, as the part of the green infrastructure, is

important in the public domain to create more attractive
and comfortable public spaces. In the overall site, trees
were planted along the pedestrian path according to the
hierarchy of roads. Despite being highly used by a
pedestrian, major roads, such as Pitt Street and Reservoir
Street is not provided by enough vegetation to create tree
canopy. Moreover, even though there are parks within the
area, there is no amenity to encourage more active and
healthy activities in the park.

In terms of energy efficiency, City of Sydney DCP stated that every development must comply
with BASIX scheme, which indicates energy efficiency measure at the building level. It includes the
design requirements to reduce greenhouse gases and energy use by enabling passive design measure.
Photovoltaic solar panels and wind turbines are also the alternatives to generate renewable energy as
stated in the City of Sydney DCP.

Opportunities and Threats of The Overall Precinct

Opportunities Threats
• Redevelopment scenarios • The resistance of development
• New Metro Station close to by the community
the precinct • Demolition of few historical
buildings

As the site is located close to the new proposed Sydney Metro Station, it will bring more
opportunities to be developed and bring in more investment to the site. However, the
tendency of the resistance of the local community can be a threat that needs to be
addressed properly by engaging the community in the early stage to provide the community
needs so that development can be done properly. Other than that, the demolition of few
historical building for the construction of Sydney Metro can also harm the historical
significance of the area.
Belmore Park Precinct Urban Design Strategy
Belmore Park precinct is located in the north of Central
Station and adjacent to Castlereagh Street, George Street
and Goulburn Street on the west, east and north
respectively. As it is provided by infrastructures and mix of
building use, Belmore Park has a lot potential to be
developed.

Vision
In the long run, Belmore Park Precinct will be a vibrant,
connected and complete urban community that embraces
cultural identity while promoting the healthy active lifestyle
and meaningful public space.

Applicable objectives and principles

Belmore Park located close to Chinatown center, and
there are many Asian shops and restaurants. It is also
reflected in few buildings’ design. Moreover, most of
Perceive cultural identity of the precinct
the building in the precinct maintain heritage façade
Placemaking
despite being developed for different uses. It is a
strength that should be maintained to create a good
placemaking strategy.
With many shops, commercial building,
entertainment hub and residential use, Belmore Park
have achieved mix and diversity of uses. It also has a
proper density, reflected by high-rise apartments in
Create meaningful public spaces with
the area. However, it also has to be provided with
vibrant activities
public spaces where human interaction can occur.
Density, diversity, and mix
Belmore Park as the communal open space has the
Placemaking
potential to be developed as more meaningful public
spaces which also enables vibrant activities in the
precinct.

As it is provided by public transport infrastructures,

the precinct has met transit supportive principles. The
transport nodes are also located within walking
catchment which makes the area walkable and can be
Promote healthy active lifestyle
provided by more pedestrian friendly path. The
Pedestrian first
objective also can be met by enabling Belmore Park to
Transit supportive
be more supportive of an active lifestyle by adding
facilities that stimulate people willingness to do
outdoor activities.
Conceptual Plan
The area comprises of various
uses. As most of the building has
been built and already promoted
mix and diversity of use, the land-
use allocation will be maintained
with a minor change. The area
between city parking and Asian
contemporary art, which
previously is parking space, will be
changed to be a pocket park which
also serves as art display area.

The changes also include a

pedestrian path between Hay
Street and Campbell Street, and
public art display in the
intersection of Pitt Street, Hay
Street, and Campbell Street. As the
area is also a place for tourist’s
accommodation, it will be an
attraction for the tourist and local
communities alike.

In terms of connectivity, the precinct already has

provided with a good transport network and
public transport infrastructures. However, as the
streetscape does not appear attractive, a
number of improvement will be applied. Parker
Street and the lane from the residential area to
Belmore Park will be designed as a pedestrian
path to allow connectivity between open spaces.
Bicycle paths also will be provided improve the
quality of life of the community, especially
around the residential area.

Moreover, Belmore Park as the communal Open

Space will be re-designed to promote a number
of activities within the area. It includes a family
park with playground, an amphitheater for
public activities, a public art which displays local
cultural characteristics as the landmark, fitness
facilities and park benches and tables for various
activities. It will allow people from different age
group to interact in the park and create vibrant
activities.
 Sustainable Design Measures

Garbage Banking
As the activities in the precinct are high, the number of
garbage in the area can be high as well. Garbage
Banking allows waste management to be done in the
more effective manner while promoting sustainability.
The recyclable waste will be collected and managed to
produce a new product for selling, while the other
waste will be produced as compost. The profit will be
used for the management and for collecting more
waste as an exchange for the money that is given to
the community.

Green Roof and Solar Panels

In the proposed planning control, the new building
will be required to install a green roof for passive
energy saving and to improve the quality of urban
living; and to install solar panel for energy supply. The
requirements itself depends on the scale of the
development and the amount of sunlight access to
the building.

Solar-cell Public Art

The Solar-cell public art not only can serve as an
attraction but also can generate power by absorbing
solar energy and save it in the generator. It is
possible Belmore Park as green open space has
enough space to accommodate the use of solar-cell
Public Art

Silicon Forest in USA

source: cleantechnica.com