An interconnected trail network across seven Melbourne local government areas has been recognised with an Australian Urban Design Award (AUDA).
The Eastern Regional Trails Strategy was developed by Fitzgerald Frisby Landscape Architecture and the cities of Boroondara, Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse, and Yarra Ranges.
Judges said the strategy addressed significant impediments to achieving high quality and connected active transport routes in large cities: multiple responsibilities, lack of coordination and varying standards.
“The strategy involved extensive engagement with a wide range of stakeholders and authorities, research, and detailed site analysis that has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in process,” judges said.
“The outcome is a realistic and practical framework that will enable fundamental changes to active transport movement … [and] an outstanding example to other regions and cities of how we might achieve major urban design improvements to access and movement, recreation and community health.
Another Melbourne project, Transforming Southbank Boulevard, jointly won the Leadership, Advocacy and Research – Local and Neighbourhood Scale category with the ANU Acton Campus Master Plan and Design Guide (ACT).
The Transforming Southbank Boulevard project, developed by the Melbourne City Council and City Design Studio, turned a wide multi-laned road in the CBD into a two-lane street flanked by a linear park and a tree-lined walkway and cycle path.
Judges said it “is not only an improvement to city liveability and street space but also a reminder to keep pushing for change and thinking differently about the uses of our land”.
Click here for more details on the winning AUDA projects.