In the April Issue of 3008 we asked your opinion on whether getting the Wheel back in motion was enough to get Docklands back on track. (issue 55 / Will Wheel In Motion Get Docklands On Track) Charles (working at Site One) responded as follows:

'I am responding to your question 'is this enough to get Docklands on track' in the April 2011 issue of 3008docklands. It will take a lot, to take what I would call corrective action as the area needs a fresh approach. What we see today is the by-product of what in hindsight might be described as a land grab when the area was slated for 'repurposing'. It is not evident that people using the space was a matter of concern for the original planners.

There are several issues which the urban planners and developers would appear to have left up to the individual building and project developers to address. Unfortunately, only a 'grand plan' would have been able to correct
this, with the individual developers responsible for upholding the principles of the plan. What do I see as issues?

1) Docklands streets are wind tunnels. The prevailing winds are from the East with the harbour offering no natural wind break. Unfortunately the buildings & roads have been laid out to 'funnel' those winds, thereby amplifying the slightest breeze into strong gusts along the main (generally) east-west layout of the foreshore areas and streets.

2) Lack of green space. There are few parkland areas such as exist along St
Kilda Rd or street plantings as occur in Melbourne's suburbs. We therefore are restricted to 'concrete-scapes' or bay views.

3) Egress. All streets funnel vehicular traffic to one road north-south, which then serves to deliver vehicles to already overcrowded east-west routes at the northern and southern ends. The traffic problems will not ease (especially as the development continues and more people are brought to
the area by businesses) unless and until the north-south delivery road can also feed traffic beyond the bounds of Flinders St and Footscray Rd-Dudley St to the north.

Further considerations to improve Docklands - to make it more people friendly might include:
- A light rail system which does not intrude on the current surface traffic (cars and trams) via an elevated rail link (as in Chicago or perhaps a monorail system). This would provide mass transport which does not further congest the existing, limited street space nor pose a risk to pedestrians.
- Improving the 'pedestrian' access to cater for the physically disadvantaged amongst us. Especially for east-west accessibility on Bourke St and its pedestrian link, plus La Trobe & Collins Sts.
- A 'green barrier', which includes the planting of large trees, to create a dense park beside Piggot Street. The purpose of this being to green and also provide a wind break at street level.
- Remove significant portions of hard surface areas on the western side of Harbour Esplanade and replace this with trees and soft spaces. These last two items would make it more enjoyable to enjoy the environs as a pedestrian, with softer surfaces to walk on.
The comments I hear most distil to the fact that the area needs to be considerate of the needs of people living and working in the environs, not just corporations and sporting entities wanting a facility to house their employees and hold their games.

Do you agree with Charles, do you have suggestions to improve the precinct? Email editor@3008docklands.com.au with your comments or suggestions, you may remain anonymous if you wish.