Alternative Design Options A number of alternative design options exist for the location of the Melbourne Metro electricity substation. Substation options 1 and 2, located in the north and east of the proposed Arden precinct respectively, would avoid generating social impacts due to their location in an industrial area away from residences and facilities. Substation option 3 be located in proximity to an apartment block at 5 Anderson Street (which backs onto Laurens Street) and could present a concern to these residents. Early communication with households to explain what is proposed could reduce potential sensitivity to this impact. This impact would be further reduced given the industrial nature of the site and the lower level of amenity already experienced by users of the building when on balconies facing Laurens Street. Benefits and Opportunities Arden station would provide a catalyst for redevelopment of the Arden-Macaulay precinct. This would in turn lead to an increase in the range of services and facilities available to the community. The provision of the station would also ensure that future residential development in the area is integrated with the rest of the metropolitan transport network, providing good access to employment, services and wider social networks. Once operational, the provision of a station at Arden would also enhance access to the North Melbourne Recreation Reserve and Football Club by reducing the distance to the nearest train station (currently North Melbourne) from approximately 850m through an industrial area to less than 200m. The project would also improve the amenity of the surrounding residential area by moving industrial activities (such as concrete batching) to another area. This improvement in amenity is likely to come both from a cessation of industrial activities at the station site and from a reduction in heavy vehicle movements supporting these industrial activities. During construction, the introduction of the project workforce into the neighbourhood would improve passive surveillance and enhance public safety through the provision of better lighting, screening and monitoring around the Arden site. Key opportunities presented by the Arden precinct include: Linking the station and its surrounds to the North Melbourne community and its history Involving the community in reinstatement planning for the site Providing enhanced pedestrian links between existing stations and the North Melbourne Recreation Reserve during construction.
Alternative Design Options A number of alternative design options exist for the location of the Melbourne Metro electricity substation. Substation options 1 and 2, located in the north and east of the proposed Arden precinct respectively, would avoid generating social impacts due to their location in an industrial area away from residences and facilities. Substation option 3 be located in proximity to an apartment block at 5 Anderson Street (which backs onto Laurens Street) and could present a concern to these residents. Early communication with households to explain what is proposed could reduce potential sensitivity to this impact. This impact would be further reduced given the industrial nature of the site and the lower level of amenity already experienced by users of the building when on balconies facing Laurens Street. Benefits and Opportunities Arden station would provide a catalyst for redevelopment of the Arden-Macaulay precinct. This would in turn lead to an increase in the range of services and facilities available to the community. The provision of the station would also ensure that future residential development in the area is integrated with the rest of the metropolitan transport network, providing good access to employment, services and wider social networks. Once operational, the provision of a station at Arden would also enhance access to the North Melbourne Recreation Reserve and Football Club by reducing the distance to the nearest train station (currently North Melbourne) from approximately 850m through an industrial area to less than 200m. The project would also improve the amenity of the surrounding residential area by moving industrial activities (such as concrete batching) to another area. This improvement in amenity is likely to come both from a cessation of industrial activities at the station site and from a reduction in heavy vehicle movements supporting these industrial activities. During construction, the introduction of the project workforce into the neighbourhood would improve passive surveillance and enhance public safety through the provision of better lighting, screening and monitoring around the Arden site. Key opportunities presented by the Arden precinct include: Linking the station and its surrounds to the North Melbourne community and its history Involving the community in reinstatement planning for the site Providing enhanced pedestrian links between existing stations and the North Melbourne Recreation Reserve during construction.