KEILOR VILLAGE
VISION DOCUMENT
Creating Our Future, Preserving Our Past.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Brimbank City Council
RBA Architects & Conservation
Consultants
Keilor Historical Society
Bambou Design
Prepared by Brimbank Council
January 2012
Revised by Brimbank Council
April 2014
Revised by Brimbank Council
November 2015
Page 3
FOREWORD
The Keilor Village Vision Document
has been developed through
a public consultation process,
designed to reflect the aspirations
of local residents and their desire
for an attractive and sustainable
community. The plan guides any
new development within the
Keilor Village Activity Centre by
serving as a reference document
to Council. In order to create the
plan, consultation with the local
community took place in 2008, 2010
and 2011. The community have
informed the vision of this plan for
the next 20 years.
NO
TE: The capital works which are identified in this
document represent the aspirations of the community.
The projects which are identified in this document will
require evaluation through the yearly budgetary process
before Council allocate funds to capital works projects.
Page 4
CONTENTS
Introduction
Vision Statement
5
Background
6
Purpose
7
Objectives
7
Analysis
History of Keilor Village
8
Location
9
Setting
9
Existing Built Form
10
Public Realm
11
Landscape
11
Key Elements
12
Key Issues
14
Directions
Land Use Direction
16
New Works Direction
16
Shopfronts Direction
17
Signage Direction
18
Public Space Direction
18
Urban Infrastructure Direction
19
Landscape Direction
19
Paving Direction
20
Recommendations
Main (West) Group of Shops
20
Arabin Plaza
21
Keilor Hotels & Environs
22
East Group of Shops
22
South Side of the Old Calder Highway
23
Circulation Recommendations
24
Opportunity Sites
25
Implementation and Actions
26
Appendix
Sites of Heritage Significance
27
VISION STATEMENT
To create an attractive,
inviting and compact local
centre offering a broad range
of retail opportunities and
services, whilst preserving and
enhancing the distinctive
natural historic and semi-rural
character of the Keilor Village.
Page 6
BACKGROUND
The impetus to create the Keilor Village Vision Document
evolved out of a public consultation regarding the Keilor
Village held in 2008. At this consultation, one of the
key aspirations expressed was the desire of the local
residents to maintain the village character and create an
attractive and sustainable community.
Keilor Village is a unique example of a local urban
environment that has retained a semi-rural character over
the last 150 years, despite Melbourne’s growth around
it. This is primarily due to the low-scale development and
the strong landscape character created by significant
mature tree strands, which in combination have created
the much prized, intimate nature of the village.
Keilor Village Activity Centre currently contains a variety
of shops in proximity to several community services. It
is recognised however, that the public realm requires
an upgrade and some expansion of the centre may be
desirable. Any future plans for expansion will need to
maintain the integrity of the local character, which is
important to the community.
According to the Brimbank Activity Centre Strategy,
Keilor Village Activity Centre has been designated a
neighbourhood centre and also identified as an area that
could accommodate a moderate increase in density. It is
likely that the Keilor Village Vision Document will inform
change to the Brimbank Planning Scheme.
There are three main sections to the Keilor Village Vision
Document:
• A detailed analysis of the existing conditions,
highlighting the various issues affecting Keilor Village
Activity Centre;
• A section outlining future directions; and
• Some specific recommendations for various parts of
the Activity Centre.
Page 7
INTRODUCTION
Purpose
The purpose of the Keilor Village Vision Document
is to provide guidance for ongoing change for Keilor
Village Activity Centre and facilitate, where appropriate,
development that is both sustainable and respectful of
the area’s character and history.
The aim is to allow Keilor Village Activity Centre to
develop, building upon its strengths under the direction
of sound urban design principles that will reinforce its
particular sense of place and village character.
Objectives
The following objectives are derived from the public
consultation of 2008; an analysis of the study area
and continued consultation with stakeholders and the
community.
1. To define and preserve the existing qualities of
the centre that make it a valued local community
hub
2. To draft guidelines for future built form, including
heights, setbacks and additional design
requirements.
3. To define the main entry points of the village
to clearly announce arrival at the Keilor Village
Activity Centre.
4. To improve walkability within the study area for
pedestrians of all abilities, cyclists and drivers.
5. To enhance the pedestrian and cycling
environment.
6. To improve the appearance of the village and
maintain the amenity, comfort and aesthetic
qualities of the public environment including the
streetscape, parking areas, shop fronts, street
furniture and landscaping.
7. To facilitate opportunities to relax and meet
within Keilor Village Activity Centre through the
provision of additional high quality public spaces.
8. To encourage, where possible, environmentally
sustainable design initiatives.
9. To make recommendations regarding the retail
composition of the urban village, including
broadening the variety of commercial uses.
10. To identify under-utilised areas that could
accommodate further development.
11. To develop a vision for the future character of the
shopping centre as a guide for marketing and
promotional activities, along with public realm
upgrades.
.
Page 8
ANALYSIS
History of Keilor Village
The history of Keilor begins with the Wurundjeri people,
who inhabited the Keilor area for many millennia and
lived within a complex and rich society where the
Maribyrnong Valley was key to their culture and survival.
The post-Contact development of Keilor Village began
as a pastoral settlement from the mid-1830s to the
1850s. the first settlers to arrive in the area were looking
for the ‘beautiful sheep pasture’ that John Batman had
described in 1835. It was not until the 1850s gold rush
that the village of Keilor came to be established due to
its location along the Old Calder Highway, which was
the main route to the gold diggings. It was during this
time that some of Keilor Village’s most notable historic
buildings were constructed.
Two sites in the vicinity of the village centre serve
as historical focus points from this early period of
development: the Keilor Hotel/Galway Arms and the
former courthouse/Arts Centre. The original section of
the Keilor Hotel was built in 1848 and the courthouse in
1859.
For the next 100 years after the gold rush, Keilor
maintained a quiet existence as a rural area characterised
by orchards, market gardens and farmland. This changed
after World War Two when Australia underwent rapid
suburbanisation, and throughout the later part of the
20th century, residential development began to encroach
upon the landscape setting. These circumstances have
led to the Keilor of today – a diverse population within
a low-density suburb that still retains a connection with
the landscape and its village roots.
Since its inception as a stopping place, to today, with its
array of shops that cater to local needs, Keilor Village
Activity Centre has been the hub of community life.
Images (from top) -
Some sites of historic significance within Keilor Village:
Historic treescape along Old Calder Highway;
McFarlane Gates, Keilor Recreation Reserve;
Courthouse;
Keilor Hotel; and
Original Iron Bridge.
Location
Keilor Village is located within the City of Brimbank, approximately 15 kilometres northwest of central
Melbourne.
Keilor Village is comprised of the shopping areas fronting the Old Calder Highway from Kennedy Street
to Flora Street, and those to the rear in Arabin Plaza, as well as the various community and commercial
enterprises on the opposite (south) side of the Old Calder Highway.
Setting
The character of Keilor Village relates to its picturesque physical setting.
Nearby to the north and east is the river valley through which the Maribyrnong River flows, retaining much
vegetation. The town centre is located on the valley floor and to the north and south are the escarpments
of the plateaus above. The valley, with the neighbouring parkland to the west and east, and the wide
planted verges of the Old Calder Highway, create a unique, semi-rural setting.
Page 9
Page 10
Existing Built Form
The low-rise building form has contributed to the
establishment of the character of Keilor Village Activity
Centre.
The integrity of the few remaining heritage buildings
in, or near, the Keilor Village Activity Centre has been
somewhat overshadowed by more recent construction
(refer to the appendix for an overview of the nearby
heritage sites). The Keilor Public Library however is an
example of distinctive contemporary, yet sympathetic,
architecture because its design is responsive to the
adjacent and significant courthouse building.
The main (west) group of shops was constructed from
the 1950s to the 1970s and demonstrates a varying
yet uniformly unpretentious and functional expression
consisting of large windows and cantilevered canopies
with signage. Amongst this generally consistent row of
shops there are some minor departures including one
building with a large angled canopy and a few with a
parapet, one which obscures a second level to the rear.
A laneway extends behind the group of shops, opening
onto Arabin Plaza at the east end. The laneway is
narrow at the west end and is generally an uninviting
environment, though a few mid-20th century brick
privies at the east end are of some historical interest.
Arabin Plaza is a more homogeneous development that
was constructed in two phases – the southern portion
employs some typical Victorian detailing as compared to
the more generic northern section. The buildings have
parapets and verandahs and are indicative of a recent
tendency for new development to adopt an imitative
mode.
In addition to the Keilor Hotel and the petrol station,
there is another group of shops located at the eastern
end of the village. These shops were constructed during
the 1980s and are of a utilitarian style with cantilevered
canopies, brickwork and a large parapet clad in sheet
metal. There is currently a higher percentage of obscured
shopfronts in this section and they are partially hidden
from the highway by plantings and the service station.
Images (from top) -
Main group of shops, Old Calder Highway;
Arabin Plaza;
Laneway, opening into Arabin Plaza;
East group of shops;
Keilor Library.
Page 11
Public Realm
The public realm is varied and consists of hard paved
areas and more generous grassy verges which are tree
lined. Further observations regarding the current public
realm include:
• A range of paving materials and styles has been
used, which creates visual confusion. Some
of the paving is also set at difficult grades.
Inadequate separation from vehicles creates
a dangerous environment for pedestrians and
cyclists.
• Some fixed seating is available however it is not
sufficiently protected from inclement weather.
• The street furniture has recently been replaced
with a robust, contemporary type.
• The street lights are of a 19th century type at a
curious reduced scale. The period styling of the
light is at odds with the character of the shops.
• There is a medley of different trees, shrubs and
smaller plants throughout Keilor Village Activity
Centre. These include grasses, hedges and
small plants, some of which are under threat of
being trampled upon.
• There are many different bollard styles employed
that could benefit from standardisation.
• There is a lack of cycling facilities.
Landscape
The picturesque setting of the Keilor Village Activity
Centre is due to its topographical location, the views
from the centre, the significant strands of established
trees, proximity to the Maribyrnong River, and the
adjacent parkland.
The extensive plantings of mature trees provide an
attractive landscaped environment. The large sugar
gums that line the Old Calder Highway are historically
significant because some were planted as early as the
1850s gold rush as landscape markers to guide travellers
to the diggings by indicating the river crossing. Also in
the vicinity are several types of pine trees, including
Monterey and Canary Island, as well as Oaks and Elms.
The Keilor Recreation Reserve and the Lagoon Reserve
have an important relationship with Keilor Village Activity
Centre in that they partly define the extent of the village,
create ‘green’ bookends and are activity generators.
Images (from top) -
Existing period style lamp post;
Low shrubbery, under threat of being trampled upon;
Cyclists and cars share lanes on Old Calder Highway;
Existing street furniture;
Sugar gums line Old Calder Highway.
Page 12
N
Land Reserves
Buildings
Car Parking
Road Barriers
Bus Shelters
Kennedy Street
Rear Laneway
Macedon Street
Old Calder Highway
Kennedy Street
Arabin Street
Arabin Street
Hunter Street
Flora Street
Keilor Reserve
Lagoon Reserve
Keilor Library
Art Centre
Pedestrian
Crossing
Keilor
Hotel
Petrol
Station
Keilor
Motor Inn
Day Care
Offices
KEY ELEMENTS
Existing Conditions
Page 13
N
Land Reserves
Buildings
Car Parking
Road Barriers
Bus Shelters
Kennedy Street
Rear Laneway
Macedon Street
Old Calder Highway
Kennedy Street
Arabin Street
Arabin Street
Hunter Street
Flora Street
Keilor Reserve
Lagoon Reserve
Keilor Library
Art Centre
Pedestrian
Crossing
Keilor
Hotel
Petrol
Station
Keilor
Motor Inn
Day Care
Offices
Page 14
KEY ISSUES
Traffic and Transport
• The Old Calder Highway supports most of the
traffic in the area and provides another focal
point for the village. On the south side there is
a wide verge with mature trees, which provides
an important landscape element. However there
is a lack of adequate pedestrian crossing to link
uses on either side of the roadway.
• In some areas, vehicles intrude upon the
pedestrian environment or there is no defined
pedestrian zone (eg the rear lane), which creates
a safety issue.
• Public transport servicing Keilor Village Activity
Centre is limited to a bus route that links
Watergardens Town Centre and Hillside through
Essendon to Moonee Ponds. There are bus
stops at both the east and west end of the village
along the Old Calder Highway.
• Liaison with VicRoads will continue to ensure
the roadway and verges are maintained.
Built Form and Character
• The existing low scale development within and
around the commercial centre is the preferred
form of development and contributes to the
character of the area. Outside the study area,
particularly on the southern escarpment, large
and imposing structures feature, impacting the
integrity of the village landscape.
• The mature trees significantly contribute to
the character of the area. A succession plan
for replacement and revegetation has been
developed
• There are no guidelines for future development
within the Activity Centre.
Page 15
The Commercial Area
1. East Group of Shops (between Hunter and Flora
Streets)
• The
east group of
shops is isolated from the
main
group
of shops at the west end, in particular by
the
intermediate service station.
• The bus stop, located on the vegetated island to the
front of these shops, is also disconnected without
a
footpath to link it with the surrounding area.
• There is a footpath adjacent to the terrace housing to
the east of the framework area that ends abruptly at
the shop’s parking lot.
2.
Keilor Hotel & Environs
• The footpath along the Old Calder Highway to
the front of the Keilor Hotel is narrow and there is
insufficient
separation between the footpath and
the
parking area.
• The footpath and the verandah also do not relate to
each other
.
• Entrances are poorly defined.
3. Arabin Plaza
• Along Arabin Street the footpaths vary in quality and
width, materials and condition.
• Vehicles encroach into the pedestrian realm
throughout
the plaza and along the adjacent
narrow
laneway
behind the shops fronting the Old
Calder
Highway
.
• Lack of visibility of businesses within the plaza.
4. Main (West) Group of Shops (between Kennedy and
Arabin Streets)
• Jaywalking
is prevalent along this stretch of the Old
Calder
Highway, which is a symptom of weak
and
undefined
connections across the roadway.
This
condition
is especially notable between the
bus
stops.
• The footpath, to the front of the main group of shops,
slopes
at an awkward angle and, combined
with
the
paving, creates an uncomfortable
pedestrian
environment
which is also impractical for the
location
of street furniture and kerbside cafés.
• Traffic banks up at the entrance to the angled car
parking
area in front of the shops, causing the
blocking
of
access around and through the roundabout
and
into Kennedy Street.
• The street f
urniture is ‘tired’ and in poor repair
.
5.
Kennedy Street
• There is some conflict between pedestrians,
especially
those moving between the Keilor
Council
offices
and the village centre, and vehicles
accessing
the nearby school and crèche.
6.
South side of the Old Calder Highway
•
There are a range of services and some commercial
facilities
including: library, arts centre,
kindergarten,
several
medical centres and a motel which
are
disconnected
from the main commercial zone
on
the opposite side.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Page 16
DIRECTIONS
Land Use Direction
The current land use is commercial, however, there may
be pressure in the future to allow for a different mix.
1. Encourage a mix of uses that reflect local
needs while providing variety and choice (ie
convenience retail, office with some residential).
2. Investigate the potential to develop shoptop
housing and small office use.
3. Maintain sufficient areas of landscaping.
4. The area along the south side of the Old Calder
Highway can continue to house commercial
uses as long as they maintain a residential form.
5. Encourage an increase in community facilities
(such as a meeting room) in the village area.
New Works Direction
The following guidelines have been formulated to allow
for development within the village centre that will relate
and maintain the character of Keilor Village Activity
Centre.
General
1. New development should respect the village
character.
2. New development should provide active
frontages, natural surveillance and interest to
the streetscape.
3. A simple, uncluttered approach is recommended
for new buildings or alterations while still allowing
for individual, yet subtle, expression.
4. Overtly bold developments are generally not
considered appropriate as they could overwhelm
the understated village character.
5. Potential negative impacts resulting from the
loss of existing residential stock on the boundary
of the activity centre should be carefully
considered.
6. New structures at the edge of the activity centre
should respect the neighbouring residential
property’s scale and privacy.
7. Encourage the incorporation of environmentally
sustainable principles, both in materials and
technology, whenever possible.
8. New development should include a landscape
component.
A The use of natural materials specific to
the area will help to maintain the Village
character.
B
Restricted palettes of low key colours are
preferable for exteriors.
C
Roller shutters should be
replaced by cast
iron security screens.
D
Signage should not obscure
the form of the
parapet.
A
B
C
D
Page 17
Specific
1. Limit the scale of individual developments in
terms of height and footprint.
2. If a larger scale development occurs, encourage
a varied form and/or articulation to reduce the
potential impact of the scale.
3. Encourage the use of predominately single
storey forms.
4. Two-storey development could occur to the
rear of the existing shops. Some limited higher
development, up to three storeys, could occur in
the centre of the commercial area, located well
away from existing residential development and
open space areas, to reduce negative amenity
impacts on these uses.
5. Simple, cuboid forms are recommended.
6. Roofs should generally be flat or have a low
pitch.
7. The use of materials typical to the village is
recommended.
8. The use of traditional materials evident in some
of the heritage sites in the vicinity (such as the
brick, local stone, timber and corrugated iron) in
a contemporary, uncomplicated manner would
also be appropriate.
9. Exteriors should be of a restricted palette of low
key colours that reflect precedents in the village
Activity Centre.
Shopfronts Direction
A consistent approach to shopfronts is recommended
as follows:
1. Ensure a substantial amount of glazing to new/
altered shopfronts.
2. Limit the amount of obscuring/painting out of
windows.
3. Encourage the use of openable windows
to shopfronts where appropriate to assist in
activating the public realm.
4. Ensure the employment of either a cantilevered
canopy or a verandah.
5. Ensure the use of standard types and dimensions,
especially width, of canopies and verandahs.
6. Simple parapets could also be employed.
7. With any new development, ensure loading
areas are visually integrated and do not interfere
with active frontages.
8. Roller shutters should be prohibited.
9. Rooftop plant should be recessed or screened.
E The use of openable windows to shopfronts
is encouraged.
F Simple parapets and screened/recessed
rooftop plant is preferred.
G Laneway utilised for public use.
H
A consistent and neutral palette is
encouraged for urban infrastructure.
E
F
G
H
Page 18
Signage Direction
A uniform approach to signage is encouraged as follows:
1. Limit large areas of signage as much as possible.
2. Signage below the canopy should generally be
internally illuminated.
3. Generally, discourage the use of signage above
canopies and parapets.
4. Signage to parapets should follow the form of
the parapet.
5. A branding strategy is encouraged to both
formalise and convey the identity of Keilor Village
Activity Centre.
6. Discreet business signage is encouraged for
the multi-use area on the south side of the Old
Calder Highway.
Public Space Direction
Currently there are a limited number of general public
spaces. The provision of additional areas of public space
and enhancement of the existing areas will improve the
usability of the Keilor Village Activity Centre.
1. Any changes to the public realm should be
respectful of Keilor’s physical character and
landscape setting.
2. Incorporate Water Sensitive Urban Design
(WSUD) wherever possible to improve the
sustainability of the village centre and support
additional planting.
3. Facilitate the development of a shared-space
approach in the laneway at the rear of the
shops fronting the Old Calder Highway, so that
vehicles do not dominate other activities such
as pedestrian and bicycle usage and pedestrian
safety is improved.
4. Create stronger pedestrian connections to the
open spaces and parks within, or adjacent to
the village such as a more extensive, planted
median strip.
5. Preserve the integrity of the open spaces
surrounding the village centre.
6. Seek to create additional areas of public use –
preferably a combination of large and smaller
spaces.
7. A variety of public spaces, including some flexible
areas, should be created to allow for a range
of activities, from passive recreation to small
events/gatherings and include public amenities.
8. Public spaces should be designed in such a way
as to allow activity to take place unencumbered.
9. Public space should be overlooked by active
frontages.
I Simple, low maintenance street furniture.
J Contemporary lighting.
K Public Art, one option for marking gateways.
L An example of public art.
I
J
K
L
Page 19
Urban Infrastructure Direction
1. A consistent range of materials should be
employed throughout the public realm.
2. A consistent and neutral colour palette should
generally be used for urban infrastructure.
3. Street furniture should be of simple design
that can be easily maintained while still being
attractive and inviting to use.
4. Street furniture should be sited with some
weather protection if possible.
5. Ensure fixed and movable seats and tables
that are provided by traders, are placed in a
manner that enables comfortable passage for
pedestrians.
6. Street lighting should be well-designed,
contemporary, simple and functional ensuring
adequate lighting is provided without being
intrusive to nearby residences. Energy efficient/
solar powered options should be investigated.
7. Public art could be commissioned to mark
gateways and/or other points about the village.
Artworks should preferably have a local
significance and be developed with community
involvement.
8. A consistent form of way finding, signage and
linkages to other uses and activities should be
developed.
Landscape Direction
Historic and recent plantings already provide a valued
backdrop that distinguishes Keilor Village Activity
Centre, however, these elements can be augmented.
1. Planting should complement the significant
historical landscape elements, which is a mixture
of exotics and native vegetation.
2. Landscaping should be robust where possible
with new trees or shrubs planted in a coordinated
manner.
3. Existing trees are to be maintained and not
encroached upon. A succession plan for the
replanting and replacement of trees has been
developed to facilitate this.
4. An active management regime should be
developed to maintain existing trees.
5. Additional landscaping should be used to
strengthen the existing setting of the village.
6. Additional areas of landscaping could be used to
visually break up areas of car parking.
7. Planting can be used to create screened outdoor
spaces for dining and passive recreation.
8. An extended and planted median strip would
provide an opportunity to better integrate both
sides of the Old Calder Highway and improve
pedestrian safety.
9. Tree removal requires approval from Council.
M A planted median strip provides a
pedestrian friendly environment.
N
Planted seating area.
O Existing trees are to be maintained.
P
Consistent, simple, attractive
and low
maintenance paving is recommended.
M
N
O
P
Page 20
Paving Direction
1. A consistent approach to paving should be taken throughout
the Activity Centre as a means of visually linking the various
elements.
2. Ensure footpaths are at an appropriate grade and are
accessible to people of varying physical abilities.
3. Paving should be sympathetic to the local character in
terms of colour and material. A simple, utilitarian approach is
recommended, such as concrete.
4. The issue of furniture maintenance should be considered
when designing new paving.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1.
Main (West) Group of Shops
This area is the most prominent and well-used part of the village,
however, improvements are recommended as follows:
• Improve connectivity between both sides of the Old Calder
Highway.
• Improve the relationship with the library and
art
gallery, both important local assets, to
strengthen a sense of community. This could be
achieved by:
a. Improved signage.
b.
Commissioning public art.
c.
Another pedestrian crossing or relocating the
existing crossing across the Old Calder Highway.
• Strengthen pedestrian access to the bus stops. This is
especially important in the parking area to the front of the
shops where pedestrian visibility is poor
.
• A pedestrian treatment is recommended to the Keilor
Recreation Reserve across Kennedy Street.
• Maintain the parking facilities but improve the adjoining public
space by means of paving and landscaping.
• Provide more shared space in appropriate locations such as
the rear laneway
.
• The public spaces at either end of the front parking area
should
be enhanced through landscaping, signage and
street
furniture as a method of traffic calming.
• Consider the introduction of urban design treatments. Masonry
planter
boxes with perimeter seating at either end to
create
robust,
screened public areas offers a multi-purpose solution.
• Improve the grade of the paving in the front walkway facing
the Old Calder Highway
.
• Investigate ways of promoting the development of secondary
frontages to the laneway
, such as rear dining areas.
• Investigate ways of connecting the shops along the Old
Calder
Highway to Arabin Plaza, especially if the rear
laneway
is
upgraded to a secondary frontage. Investigate
possibility
for some shops to provide walk-through capacity
.
• Due to the depth of the blocks, there are opportunities for some
second
storey development to the rear, however they
should
be
well set back (at least 10 metres) from the Old
Calder
Highway so the existing low scale streetscape is retained.
• New development should be limited to two storeys fronting the Old Calder Highway Kennedy Street and
Arabin Street.
• Create strong pedestrian links to a tree median on the south side of Old Calder Highway and Lagoon
Reserve.
• Investigate a suitable location for the provision of public toilets to service the Activity Centre.
• Investigate the viability of making the laneway to the rear of the shops a ‘one-way’ traffic flow to improve
safety.
2. Arabin Plaza
This area is currently disconnected from the main activity zone along the Old Calder Highway.
• Improved signage and coordinated public space treatments would improve the connectivity with the
main group of shops along the Old Calder Highway.
• Investigate ways of linking Arabin Plaza through the main group of shops to the Old Calder Highway.
• Improvements to the laneway would help connect Arabin Plaza to the main shopping area. A shared
space approach, improved lighting and pavement treatment is advocated to create a more pedestrian
friendly and appealing environment and should be investigated further.
• Reduction in the amount of car parking should be considered to increase the areas of public space,
especially to facilitate outdoor eating areas if necessary.
• Encourage the use of public art along the blank walls, particularly along the laneway.
Page 21
Page 22
3.
Keilor Hotel & Environs
This is the central part of Keilor Village Activity Centre
but doe
s not provide sufficient public amenity or
connectivity between the eastern and western groups
of shops along the Old Calder Highway:
• Improvements to the hard paving, both dedicated
footpaths and car parking areas, is recommended
to establish a stronger relationship between the
separate groups of shops on either side of the
hotel.
• Provide greater separation along the Old
Calder Highway between parked vehicles
and pedestrians by means of raised footpath,
bollards or planting.
• Further develop the quality of existing public
open spaces through improvements to furniture,
fittings and facilities.
• Investigate the future development of the area
at the corner of the Old Calder Highway and
Arabin Street for the devlopment of a formal
public space, such as a small piazza.
4.
East group of shops
In an effort to better integrate the east part of Keilor
Village Activity Centre both visually and physically, a
number of interventions should be undertaken:
• Encourage shop owners to improve the shop
front presentation at this end.
• Improved visibility, directional cues and signage
would increase awareness of this group of
shops.
• A roundabout at Flora Street would help manage
traffic, serve as a bookend to the centre and
could function as a gateway feature.
• The bus stop should be connected by a footpath.
• Safe pedestrian connectivity with the Lagoon
Reserve should be provided, such as an
extension of the median strip at the western end,
contributing to the revitalisation of this area.
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5.South side of the Old Calder Highway
The area to the south side of the Old Calder Highway
currently serves as an ideal transition zone between the
low-scale residences to the south and village retail core.
• The residential scale of this area should be
maintained.
• It is recommended that the zoning remain
Residential 1 zone.
• Signage in the area should be kept at a
minimum, employ a subtle design and avoid any
illumination.
Page 24
CIRCULATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
The various shopping areas of the Keilor Village Activity
Centre are currently disjointed, there are difficulties for
pedestrians and there is a lack of bicycle infrastructure.
The following recommendations seek to improve these
circumstances:
Pedestrian
• Connectivity between the various parts of the
activity centre needs to be improved.
• Ensure the public footpaths are safe, accessible
and in good condition.
• Ensure there are sufficient pedestrian crossings
that are convenient, respect sight lines and are
not overly regulated with signage and barriers.
• Provide shared space areas where appropriate
(in particular the laneway behind the main group
of shops and in the hotel car park).
• If new crossings are proposed, ensure tree
planting is retained.
• Increase the extent of the median strip eastwards,
preferably to Flora Street.
• Preferably increase the width of the median strip
so as to allow for tree planting.
• Create pedestrian connections to Lagoon
Reserve and Keilor Recreation Reserve.
Bicycle
• Investigate ways in which bicycle lanes could be
introduced and connect to paths and lanes in the
surrounding area.
• Provide dedicated bicycle parking with the centre
–
as limited space is available on the street.
Vehicle
• Ensure there are sufficient parking facilities that
are easy to negotiate/access.
• Ensure the bus stops are adequate and meet
relevant standards.
• Consider seeking to reduce the speed limit in
the Keilor Village Activity Centre.
• Consider other traffic calming initiatives.
• Investigate measures to deal with the bank up of
traffic entering the car parking area fronting Old
Calder Highway.
• Liaise with Vic Roads regarding future traffic and
car parking issues.
Opportunity Sites
Though the scale and village character should be retained, there are some opportunities to expand with new
development and/or additional public spaces. With any future expansion/development of Keilor Village Activity
Centre, the integration with the public space treatments needs to be considered.
Site A
The residential or commercial development of this site could enhance the village centre by activating the
existing car park while providing additional uses in an area that suffers from a lack of visibility and pedestrian
traffic. Development here would extend the size of the centre and allow the existing parking area to form a
more active part of the village.
Site B
Land on the corner of Flora Street and the Old Calder Hwy can accommodate a higher scale of
development due to its location at a lower grade from the main centre and its relationship with the
neighbouring residences. Two to three storeys would correspond with the terrace housing to the east of
these shops. A mixture of uses – residential, retail and office, could be accommodated.
Site C
This location is a significant opportunity site, located in the centre of the village. This site has potential to
accommodate development and/or the creation of a small central plaza that can serve as a space for events,
such as markets and passive recreation.
Site D
A public space is encouraged in this location so as to link the library/art centre to the main group of shops and
to create a formal gateway. Improvements could include paving, seating areas, plantings, public art and bike
parking.
Site E
There is potential to create a public space here with seating and other elements, which would enhance this
under-utilised area. It would provide an opportunity for a complementary open space to link with the library/
art centre and establish a western gateway to the village. Connections with the Keilor Council offices further
west would also be reinforced.
Site F
In the future, this area may be considered for the expansion of the village centre. The area should only be
rezoned
from Residential 1 zone to a Business 1 zone when existing sites within the existing commercial
centre have been fully developed.
Any development within this area should address both the front and rear of the site and have regard to the
single storey built form and residential use in Kennedy Street. Additional levels up to a total of three storeys
could be permitted, ensuring that the majority of the massing was setback from neighbouring residences.
Some additional car parking could be accommodated in the existing wide nature strip
Page 25
Page 26
Implementation & Actions
All works and initiatives will be subject to future
budgetary processes.
Short Term (<2 years)
• Facilitate the development of an effective
planning scheme tool to implement the relevant
directions and recommendations of the Keilor
Village Vision Document.
• Support and facilitate the creation of a business
association or business improvement district.
• Create and implement a Keilor Village Activity
Centre marketing strategy.
• Repair and replace footpaths that are damaged,
too narrow or inappropriate with a simple and
consistent alternative.
• Commission and replace the street furniture in a
consistent, complementary and simple style.
• Investigate urban design treatments to improve
pedestrian safety across Kennedy Street.
• Investigate and implement a landscape plan.
• Support development that is appropriate and
maintains the village character.
• Investigate pedestrian treatments to safely and
clearly link Lagoon Reserve to the village centre.
• Implement a succession planting programme for
the replacement of significant trees.
Medium Term (2-5 years)
• Approach VicRoads about the creation of
another roundabout at the intersection of the
Old Calder Highway and Flora Street and also
a median along the length of the Old Calder
Highway to serve as a pedestrian refuge within
the village centre.
• Facilitate the creation of more public spaces
such as a plaza(s).
• Investigate ways of improving the presentation
and use of the laneway to the rear of the main
group of shops.
• Investigate the viability to facilitate the
establishment of a small supermarket in the
village.
• Investigate ways in which Water Sensitive Urban
Design (WSUD) could be incorporated into the
village character.
Long Term (>5 years)
• Review the Keilor Village Vision Document.
Page 27
Lagoon
Reserve
Lagoon
Reserve
Calder Highway
Kennedy Street
Flora Street
Hunter Street
Keilor Reserve
Arabin Street
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Keilor Reserve
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Appendix
Sites of Heritage Significance
1.
Cenotaph (HO96)
This cenotaph commemorates soldiers from the Keilor township and district who served in both world wars.
2.
Keilor Reserve (HO95)
The Keilor Recreational Reserve was created in the 1890 and serves as the sporting focal point for the area.
The pine trees that line the reserve along the Old Calder Highway are over 100 years old.
3.
McFarlane Gates (HO94)
These gates consist of basat pillars with decorative iron gates.
4.
Former Keilor Police Station (HO27)
The former police station is a single storey, basalt house that is largely obscured by a tall hedge.
5.
Former Shire Hall and Courthouse (HO49)
The original courthouse section was constructed in 1859 and the library was added in the 1980s. This is a
good example of how old and new can be sympathetically integrated as some detailing of the courthouse has
been employed on the library that is the distinctive arched windows.
6.
Christ Church Keilor (HO93)
Christ Church, a rendered brick building, incorporates Gothic details and was constructed to replace an earlier
corrugated iron building located further east in Bonfield Street.
7.
Keilor Hotel (HO12)
The original hotel was built in 1848 in a symmetrical Georgian style; it was constructed in rough courses of
basalt and later rendered. Over the years the original hotel has had many additions including:
• A small, timber infill section with a gable roof that links the original section with a later brick section;
• A brick section with a large parapet in a hybrid period style;
• A later 20th century bottle shop in a period manner; and
• Two rotundas and a covered walkway to the rear, as well as a verandah to the eat side, similar to the
original front verandah.
8.
Lagoon Reserve (HO131)
The reserve was developed in the 1860s via the expansion of an existing lagoon.This lagoon was later drained
in the 1970s. Historically, the Lagoon Reserve was a much admired space and today continues to be well
loved by the community with its mixture of exotic and native trees.
9.
Chisholm Shelter Shed Site (HO129)
Several buildings had been constructed on the site over the years, though all have been demolished.
1
For enquiries please call 9249 445
5
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
