Dunstone Grove / Linde Reserve Master Plan Summary Information
Dunstone Grove/Linde Reserve is the third largest reserve in the City of Norwood Payneham & St Petersone and one of this City's most precious open spaces. Occupying 2.8 hectares with Second Creek running through its centre, this significant open space area has been classified as a Regional Reserve within the Council's Open Space Strategy 2003. This key land management strategy guides the management of open space across our City.
Due to the regional significance of Dunstone Grove / Linde Reserve, the Council applied for and received a $15,000 grant from the State Government (in 2006) to complement funds which the Council allocated to upgrade the Reserve, linking it to the "Connecting St Peters Precinct Project".
What is the "Connecting St Peters Precinct" Project?
The Connecting St Peters Precinct Project involves a complete refurbishment of the iconic and State Heritage Listed St Peters Town Hall Complex into a 'community and cultural hub' for St Peters. The creation of this hub will see the integration of community groups, services and facilities into one major site to maximise their access and visibility within our community.
(For detailed information about the "Connecting St Peters Precinct Project" click here.
How does the upgrade of Dunstone Grove/ Linde Reserve fit into the Connecting St Peters Precint Project?
There has always been a strong relationship between Dunstone Grove/ Linde Reserve and St Peters Town Hall. The Master Plan is designed to take advantage of the Reserve's close proximity to the St Peters Precinct,
while maximising the other advantages it offers in terms of enhancing the integration between open space and facilities designed to encourage community 'connectedness'.
Who has prepared the Master Plan?
The Master Plan has been prepared for the Council by consultants QED Pty Ltd, Wallbridge & Gilbert, and Suter and Associates.
What Community Consultation has been undertaken to date?
Extensive consultation in relation to this Reserve commenced in 2003, when the Council prepared its Open Space Strategy. This was continued in 2004 through preparation of the Community Land Management Plan Report and again in 2005 and 2006 as part of the preparation of the Draft Master Plan. Consultation has included surveys, workshops and one-on-one meetings over this four (4) year period.
Consultation over the last 12 months has focussed mainly on the community groups which currently utilise the Reserve, including the Womens Community Centre, 3D Radio, Knee High Puppeteers, No Strings Attached and Club 68. In 2006, users of the Perriam Community Centre were also consulted as part of the St Peters Precinct Project.
The feedback which has been received has confirmed the Council's assessment that the Reserve is highly valued by the community, is extremely well utilised, providing 'a little oasis in a busy area', with an abundance of opportunities for recreational, cultural and leisure activities and events.
The Reserve's location within the Stepney Triangle, (bordered by Payneham Road, Magill Road and Nelson Street), contributes greatly to this value. Key features and facilities identified by the community include: "the village atmosphere; synergy between user groups; community activities; good surveillance; attractive open space; the relaxing environment the Reserve offers with trees and birds; its close proximity to surrounding facilities; easy access by public transport; parking facilities on-site; and close proximity to St Peters Library and The Avenues Shopping Centre."
What does the Draft Master Plan propose for the upgrade of Dunstone Grove / Linde Reserve?
A copy of the Reserve Map can be viewed by clicking here. The map illustrates the proposed changes outlined in the Draft Master Plan for Dunstone Grove / Linde Reserve. Refer to the letters for each section on the Reserve Map to see where they are proposed to be located on the Reserve.
The text corresponding to the Letters on the Map has been reproduced below for easy reference.
A: 'Naturalising' of Second Creek.
B: Improving access into Dunstone Grove / Linde Reserve from Nelson Street.
C: What is the Future of 48 Nelson Street?
E: Reassignment of the artificial bowling-green
F: Improved playground an d recreation facilities for children.
G: New public toilet an d recreation amenities
H: Improved Access and Connections
Overall Benefit to the Community
What is the history of Dunstone Grove /Linde Reserve?
Additional Council Documents associated with preparation of the Draft Master Plan
The key features of the Draft Master Plan for Dunstone Grove /Linde Reserve are:
A: 'Naturalising' of Second Creek. [Refer to 'A' on the Reserve Map]
Feedback from the community has identified that naturalising the banks of Second Creek, which runs through the centre of Dunstone Grove / Linde Reserve, is a high priority. Naturalising this section of Second Creek involves removing the concrete channel currently dividing the Reserve in two, with the banks of the eastern (Nelson St) side (only) to be 'laid back' to create a more natural creek-line.
In deciding how best to create a more natural creek-line, the Council considered a range of factors including:
- retaining the largest area of functional open space;
- requiring the least number of trees to be removed; and
- not having to relocate the electrical transformer.
The benefits of naturalising Second Creek include:
- re-establishment of the natural creek-line;
- improvement of the overall appearance of the Reserve;
- creation of more functional open space;
- creation of greater opportunities for enhancing biodiversity within the Reserve;
- creation of natural play areas for children; and
- creation of opportunities for incorporation of public artworks throughout the Reserve.
Naturalisation of the banks of Second Creek, can only be achieved by removal of the Perriam Centre, St Peters Youth Centre and the Scout Hall. These buildings, which have aged poorly and are well beyond their 'usefulness' in terms of providing adequate community facilities for users, are currently being used by a small number of community groups. These community groups will be accommodated in the refurbished St Peters Town Hall Complex in modern well-equipped facilities, thereby ensuring the continued provision of valuable services to the community.
The cost of renovating these buildings makes their retention non-viable. In order to create a more natural creek-line, it will also be necessary to remove fourteen (14) trees. Six (6) of these trees are classified as significant trees. Although the Council is disappointed about the need for their removal, the Master Plan proposal incorporates planting forty (40) new trees as well as retaining four (4) Red River Gums which are also classified as significant trees. The Red River Gum species will be promoted as part of the overall landscape design, with the planting of new native vegetation also including extensive native understorey planting (in line with the Council's Biodiversity Strategy 2005).
B: Improving access into Dunstone Grove / Linde Reserve from Nelson Street.
[Refer to 'B' on the Reserve Map]
Implementing plans for the naturalisation of Second Creek, leads to consideration of the appearance of and accessibility to the Reserve from Nelson Street. The Master Plan proposes that two (2) of the three (3) buildings located on Nelson Street, be removed, to open up accessibility to a newly established natural creek line. Removal of the buildings will enhance Second Creek's prominence within the Reserve, while simultaneously improving the appearance and accessibility from Nelson Street.
Removal of two (2) of the three (3) buildings will also allow for passive surveillance of the Reserve from people travelling along Nelson Street; a key Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CEPTD) principle, which has been demonstrated to create safer community environments.
Who is currently using the buildings on Nelson Street and how will they be affected?
The buildings on Nelson Street are currently being used by a number of highly valued community groups, which undertake important programs and services for the local community. To ensure that their programs and services can continue to benefit the community, preparation of the Draft Master Plan has involved one-on-one consultation to ensure suitable alternative accommodation can be found. This includes the option of the groups being accommodated within the refurbished St Peters Precinct (when complete) or within other suitable accommodation in the area.
The community groups affected by the removal of two of the buildings are the Womens Community Centre, Kneehigh Puppeteers, No Strings Attached and Club 68.
Given the importance of the Womens Community Centre remaining at the Reserve (communicated throughout the consultation process), it is proposed that the Centre remain at Dunstone Grove / Linde Reserve, but be relocated to 68 Nelson Street, which will be fully refurbished and designed to better meet the needs of the Centre. Council staff will continue to work with Kneehigh Puppeteers, No Strings Attached and Club 68, to find suitable alternative accommodation. In summary, the existing community groups will be provided with suitable accommodation so that they can continue to operate.
Are these buildings heritage listed?
64, 66 and 68 Nelson Street are not State or Local heritage listed buildings. These buildings have been assessed on two occasions as part of two separate Heritage Surveys undertaken in 1984 and 2002 and on both occasions, the buildings did not meet the statutory criteria required for Heritage Listing.
Of course, a building not being heritage listed does not mean it is targeted for demolition if the facilities it offers and the building's condition is able to be maintained at a cost considered reasonable for the whole community. In this respect, in September 2007 the Council considered a report detailing the structural engineering costs associated with the renovation and maintenance of the four buildings (including 48 Nelson Street) located on the Dunstone Grove / Linde Reserve site. Consultants who prepared the report, estimated these costs to be in the order of $1.06m over a 15 year period, with $366,900 required in the short term for works considered "urgent and at most risk."
Given the significant costs associated with the renovation and maintenance of these buildings, it is important to manage facilities without placing a long term financial burden on the community. The groups using these facilities on Nelson Street will not be disadvantaged as they will all be relocated to more suitable and appropriate facilities.
C: What is the Future of 48 Nelson Street? [Refer to 'C' on the Reserve Map]
Preparation of the Draft Master Plan has identified the property at 48 Nelson Street as a non-essential feature of Dunstone Grove / Linde Reserve. This has primarily been determined on the basis that the property is located on the edge of the Reserve and is dominated by building structures utilised for activities not necessarily need to be linked to the Reserve.
The Council has therefore decided to consider the possible sale of this property, with the income from the potential sale, to assist funding of the Connecting St Peters Precinct Project.
The Council has also undertaken to find suitable alternative accommodation, possibly within the St Peters Precinct, for the highly valued 3D Radio Station, currently operating from this building.
D: Increasing Open Space [Refer to 'D' on the Reserve Map]
In addition to increasing open space by naturalisation of Second Creek and improving access to the Reserve, it is proposed to reduce the number of bitumen car-parking spaces in the Nelson Street car park from 50 to 15, and in the Stepney Street car park, from 46 to 27.
This proposal is based on information gathered through a Parking Occupancy Survey undertaken by the Council in November 2007, which found that these car parks are not currently heavily utilised. The reclaimed open space will be incorporated into the Reserve.
The enhancement of the Reserve may over time attract a larger number of residents and visitors to Dunstone Grove / Linde Reserve, and as such the draft Master Plan provides for creation of an additional ten (10) car parking spaces in the Nelson Street car park, should they be required in the future.
E: Reassignment of the artificial bowling-green [Refer to 'E' on the Reserve Map]
A disused artificial bowling-green is located in the south western corner of the Reserve, adjacent to the St Peters Child Care Centre. During discussions with staff from the Child Care Centre, the ongoing issue of limited car-parking access for parents and carers dropping and collecting children along Henry Street, was identified.
In order to address this issue, the draft Master Plan proposes reassignment of the disused artificial bowling-green site behind the Centre, for use as ten (10) fenced and secured car parking spaces, accessible by Child Care Centre staff (only).
This will ease the parking congestion along Henry Street and allow easier access by parents and carers. The location of the proposed car park will provide a safe passage to and from cars for Child Care Centre staff, particularly after dark in the winter months.
The car parking spaces will not utilise the entire disused artificial bowling green site, with the remainder proposed to be used as a "land swap" for the section of rear yard which makes up the Child Care Centre currently. This area encroaches on the boundary of the Reserve, with the land swap effectively 'evening out' this corner of the Reserve to increase the amount of available open space for general community use.
F: Improved playground an d recreation facilities for children. [Refer to 'F' on the Reserve Map]
The draft Master Plan proposes a large open grassed area in the south western (Stepney Street) side of the Reserve (ie the former bowling club site). This area will be supplemented by a soccer goal and multi-purpose hard court (with basketball ring) with existing (hitting) wall to be retained. This location has been selected as it is not expected to create any conflicts with adjacent property owners.
The upgrade of an existing playground facility into two separate play-spaces to accommodate toddlers and young children, is also proposed.
Creating separate locations for two different age groups, will ensure each group can enjoy use of their particular play-space, without conflicting with the other. Thestate-of-the-art designs for the play-spaces will incorporate play opportunities for children with a disability (as identified in the Council's Playground Strategy 2006).
The newly naturalised creek surrounds will also provide unique exploratory and play opportunities for children of all ages, with safety issues fully considered and appropriate landscaping and signage undertaken.
G: New public toilet an d recreation amenities [Refer to 'G' on the Reserve Map]
Given the size of Dunstone Grove / Linde Reserve, public toilet amenities are required to be provided. Public toilet amenities are currently located at the southern end of the Perriam Centre, but following the removal of this building to facilitate naturalisation of Second Creek, a new toilet facility will be built.
This presents an ideal opportunity to relocate the toilets to a site selected on the basis of best practice Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. The new toilets are therefore, proposed to be situated on the eastern side of Dunstone Grove/Linde Reserve, adjacent to the access path and just east of where that path meets the Nelson Street footpath.
Barbeques and picnic facilities are also proposed for the Reserve, including installation of public lighting, offering opportunities for solar technology initiatives (as identified in the Council's State of the Environment Report 2005).
H: Improved Access and Connections (Refer J in Reserve Map)
Existing formal and informal paths have been utilised in the Draft Master Plan to create a network of pedestrian and cycle paths through the park. Pedestrian and cycle movement will be directed from Payneham Road in an easterly direction around the creek expansion through to Nelson Street at three locations; adjacent Cornish Street, alongside 64 Nelson Street and at 48 Nelson Street.
The pathway will also meander in a south-westerly direction over the bridge and around the large open grassed area and through to Stepney Street.
These connections will reinforce the strong east-west and north-south linkages, which already exist in the Reserve.
Additional Site Enhancements
The Draft Master Plan also proposes a number of formal recreation, leisure and site facility enhancements including:
- retaining the entrance gates from Payneham Road highlighting linkages to the St Peters Town Hall Complex and the St Peters Precinct generally;
- increasing open grassed areas;
- upgrading existing barbeque and picnic area facilities;
- upgrading outdoor seating; and
- introducing public art to enhance the Reserve generally.
These are in addition to the opportunities presented through the Draft Master Plan to naturalise the eastern side of Second Creek complemented by the layout and design of pathways, new tree plantings, understorey native vegetation, biodiversity enhancement and improved public toilet and recreation and leisure amenities. In addition, solar lighting will be strategically placed throughout the Reserve.
Art and Cultural Focus
An art and cultural focus for the playgrounds within the Reserve was identified in the Council's Playground Strategy and has been further developed in the Draft Master Plan for Dunstone Grove / Linde Reserve. Without necessarily becoming a designated arts park, the opportunity for an arts and culture focus will facilitate ongoing community interest and involvement.
The Draft Master Plan identifies a number of opportunities for the development and use of Public Art, including coloured or mosaic patterned pathways and focal art and sculpture pieces located throughout the Reserve. The use of heritage interpretive signage and using the Reserve for community and public art projects has also been identified.
Overall Benefit to the Community
The Community has identified the need to redevelop Dunstone Grove / Linde Reserve. The Council has responded to this challenge and has proposed a significant redevelopment which will improve accessability and usability of the Reserve and at the same time providing for the naturalisation of Second Creek and the removal of buildings which are beyond their useful life.
Overall the Draft Master Plan for Dunstone Grove / Linde Reserve promises significant benefit to the local and broader community with the changes proposed based on best practice environmental and urban landscaping design. Key to the project's, success is its relationship with the "Connecting St Peters Precinct Project".
Both projects have as their main objective, improving the quality of life and wellbeing of the community through balancing and embracing the social, economic, environment and cultural components of the area.
Creation of the community and cultural hub at the State Heritage Listed St Peters Town Hall, will be significantly enhanced through its close proximity to a refurbished Dunstone Grove / Linde Reserve with the vision of creating a community and cultural hub at this location, will be fully realised through the redevelopment of this significant open space.
What is the history of Dunstone Grove /Linde Reserve?
Dunstone Grove / Linde Reserve has been formed over many years through a gradual process of open space acquisition. The western part of the Reserve on the Stepney Street side was gifted to the Council in 1913 and had been previously owned by Haken Linde, (hence the associated reserve name). Hanken Linde was a leading member of the German community, which had settled in the area after migrating to South Australia (from old Europe) between 1830 and 1860.
From the 1850s, Linde owned most the land from Henry Street to Payneham Road. Additional land in the south western corner of the Reserve (the current location of the disused artifical bowling green) was acquired by the Council in 1920 and extended in 1957. In 1936, the Council acquired the land which straddles Second Creek, including the Scout Hall site. The section of Dunstone Grove from Payneham Road to the Scout Hall site was acquired in 1945. Between 1965 and 1980, the remainder of the properties fronting Nelson Street and 45 Stepney Street were also acquired.
Additional Council Documents relating to preparation of the Draft Master Plan
To ensure that the community is fully informed in relation to this matter, the Council is also providing a range of other documents which relate to the development of the Draft Dunstone Grove/Linde Reserve Master Plan. The relevant documents are listed below and copies are attached.
- Council Report 21 January 2008 - Dunstone Grove/Linde Reserve Master Plan"
- Notice of Motion 21 January 2008 - History of Cottages 64, 66 and 68 Nelson Street, Stepney
- Cultural Heritage Research - Site History of 64, 66 and 68 Nelson Street, Stepney
- Conserving Our City's Heritage
- Recommendation: Local Heritage Place - 48 Nelson Street, Stepney
- Council Report 8 October 2007 - "Petition - Club 68"
- Council Report 3 September 2007 - Building Maintenance Issues - 48, 64,66 and 68 Nelson Street, Stepney
- Council Report 2 July 2007 - St Peters & Norwood Libraries Redevelopment Project
- Community Land Management Plan - Dunstone Grove/Linde Reserve 2004
Further Information
Further information about the redevelopment of Dunstone Grove/ Linde Reserve can be obtained by contacting the Council's Customer Service staff on 8366 4555 in the first instance or email townhall@npsp.sa.gov.au
