Open Space (Streetscape and Reserve) Elements Guide

High quality streetscape and reserve elements offer a range of benefits to residents and other users, including increased safety and accessibility, an improved balance between natural ecosystems and built environments, improved mental and physical health for residents and visitors, spaces for passive and active recreation, places for neighbours to interact, increased civic pride, economic growth and increased property values.

The City of Burnside has developed the Open Space (Streetscape and Reserve) Elements Guide that includes the Guiding Principles, Selection Criteria and Palette Principles to assist Council in the cohesive development of our high quality, sustainable and functional streetscape that celebrates and respects the heritage and character of the City.

The Guiding Principles, Selection Criteria and Palette Principles are used in conjunction with the Streetscape Policy(PDF, 121KB) to guide the selection of materials to be used in the City’s streets, parks and reserves.

Guiding Principles

Step 1.Heritage and Distinctive Character

Streetscapes will reflect the distinctive character and history of the City of Burnside, including the conservation of heritage areas.
To preserve and enhance the City of Burnside’s reputation for leafy green suburbs and the Urban Forest, street trees will be a core consideration in the design and functionality of any streetscape. Street tree species will be selected and planted in locations in line with the Urban Tree Management Policy(PDF, 470KB).

Step 2.Connected Streets

Streets will be considered as part of a coherent network that creates a distinctive City streetscape, and consideration will be given to design aspects which encourage greater safety, accessibility and civility, while allowing the safe and convenient passage of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
Streetscape upgrades will consider the importance of a network that allows for safe and convenient access to key destinations such as parks and reserves, community centres, schools and shopping centres.
All components of the streetscape will be co-ordinated as far as possible, taking into consideration the history and sense of place of a neighbourhood, as well as how people use the streets. Designs will aim to create a clutter-free public domain, allowing free movement as far as possible for people with all ranges of abilities.

Step 3.Activated Streets

Streets will be considered an extension of the City’s network of parks and reserves, in order to maximise the amount of open space available for use by members of the community.
Streets will be designed to create vibrant and activated spaces that consider the particular needs of an area, such as identity of place, safety, shade, travel and seating.
Streetscape designs will aim to encourage inclusive and accessible community activity such as cycling, walking, pram and mobility aid use, and incidental social interaction.
Attention will be given to the multiple uses and functions of streets to create integrated, cool, green, coherent streetscapes which are both functional and engaging.

Step 4.Sustainability

Streetscapes will be designed and managed in an environmentally sustainable manner and consider opportunities for Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD), strategies to mitigate urban heating and support greener travel options.
When upgrading or renewing a streetscape, material selections will take into account whole-of-life considerations, including financial, environmental and social aspects. Opportunities to reduce emissions, conserve resources and reduce stormwater pollution and run-off will also be considered.
Streetscapes will be well-designed and feature low-maintenance, long-life solutions.

Selection Criteria

When comparing and selecting materials for use in streetscapes and reserves, Council considers these overarching criteria that apply to all elements:

Step 1.Cost

Upfront cost, cost of installation/maintenance and product lifespan are considered. Where possible Council chooses the most cost-effective option that also meets the additional criteria and principles.

Step 2.Environment

Council considers the long-term sustainability of each element as well as the environmental impact of the manufacturing process of materials. Recycled and recyclable materials will be used wherever possible. Products with an extended use of life are preferred. Frequent market research will ensure that Council’s selections keep up with the ever-growing market of sustainable options.

Step 3.Maintenance and Installation

Due to specialised services/trades some elements require external contractors for installation and maintenance. Where possible Council selects streetscape and reserve elements that can be installed and maintained by our internal teams to minimise cost and wait times. When selecting materials, the cost of installation and maintenance is considered as well as the safety of the installation and maintenance team. All elements must be robust and vandal resistant.

Step 4.Accessibility

Elements must be accessible to all users, comfortable and easy to use. Where applicable, Council selects elements that follow DDA requirements and Australian Standards. Council seeks regular input from our Access and Inclusion Panel (AIP) and undergoes frequent market research to ensure that Council’s selections keep up with accessibility recommendations.

Palette Principles

Some elements within the streetscape and reserve amenities group have specific principles that relate to the individual use of the element . These ‘Palette Principles’ are considered when selecting specific elements.

Element	Principles
Paving	Path width to accommodate comfortable movement, and wider around activity areas such as schools Selected to consider specific character and pedestrian frequency of location Consider tree root systems where applicable Consider if the pavers will be regularly driven over (eg within parks by maintenance vehicles)
Bus and Sports Shelters	Provide shelter from rain and sun Provide seating Consider safety elements Adhere to disability access requirements.
Bike Racks	Easily accessible from the road / bike path In a location that minimises disruption of pedestrian and vehicle flow Visible to assist with safety and security bikes
Signage	Functional Easy to read Consistent Contribute to the City of Burnside’s identity and branding Appropriate for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists Obvious, but not clutter the streetscape. Consolidated where possible
Lighting	Quality illumination levels that are correct for the type of road/park Meeting Australian Standards where possible Energy efficiency Safety of users Coordination with other public realm elements, including trees and furniture Appropriate use of fittings that limit light spill into private properties.
Seating	Provided in appropriate areas Have arms and backrest Be comfortable Placed in shade where possible Accessible for people of all ages and abilities When in streetscapes, a safe distance from the road.
Rubbish bins	Accessible for use by public Incorporate a rain shroud to prevent water entering Located as to be easy for rubbish collection (ie on the edge of a reserve, rather than in the middle)
Fencing and Gates	The appropriate type of safety feature that the area requires (eg barrier to crossing a busy road; at the edge of a pedestrian crossing; separating a path from a creek)
Bollards	Consider if bollards are to be used for protective or delineation purposes Protective traffic impact bollards must be of the correct type and installed as per specifications in order to be effective

Glossary

Streetscape: Streetscapes consist of street furniture, signage, landscaping including street trees, fencing, traffic treatments, paths, driveways, street surfaces and utility services.

Reserve Elements: Hard Landscaping elements of reserves such as footpaths, lighting, seating, rubbish bins, fencing, drinking fountains, etc. Toilets are excluded from this guide.

Guiding Principles: Overarching principles that guide the vision of our streetscape and reserves.

Selection Criteria: Criteria that is used to compare materials and assist Council to choose the most appropriate option that aligns with the strategic vision.

Palette Principles: Specific requirements that apply to individual elements.

Contact Us

Phone

8366 4200

Email

burnside@burnside.sa.gov.au

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