ML Traffic Engineers: Driving Successful Urban Transformations
At ML Traffic Engineers, we excel in providing expert traffic and parking assessments that facilitate seamless planning approvals for adaptive reuse projects, ensuring compliance, safety, and minimal community disruption. Our work on the proposed change of use from shop to restaurant at 668 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn, demonstrates our commitment to supporting innovative developments in high-traffic urban environments.
Commissioned by Kokoro Sushi c/o MNE Architects, we conducted a comprehensive car parking impact assessment for this 435m² site in a Commercial 1 Zone, incorporating liquor sales and consumption under various overlays (Transport Zone, Design and Development, Parking, Heritage). With zero on-site spaces, our analysis focused on demonstrating that the proposal would not overburden surrounding infrastructure. Key contributions included:
- Car Parking Demand Assessment: Under Clause 52.06 of the Boroondara Planning Scheme (PPTN zone, Column B rates), we calculated requirements at 3.5 spaces per 100m² for both existing shop and proposed restaurant uses. This resulted in no net increase (7 spaces each), with a carried-forward credit for daytime operations. We justified an evening shortfall of 7 spaces (post-5pm to 11:30pm, 7 days a week) by highlighting off-site accommodation in nearby streets and public lots.
- Parking Surveys and Capacity Analysis: Surveys during peak lunch and dinner periods (weekday/weekend) revealed ample spare capacity—minimum 66 vacant spaces within 200m during weekdays (rising to over 100 evenings), including council car parks near Glenferrie Railway Station and private lots above Woolworths. We noted lower daytime demand due to multi-purpose trips and take-away focus, with higher evenings offset by shop closures and opportunistic spaces.
- Public Transport Integration: Emphasized the site’s prime PPTN location, with Glenferrie Railway Station “within doorsteps” (Alamein, Lilydale, Belgrave lines) and Tram 16 offering frequent services (10-20 minute intervals), reducing car dependency.
- Clause 52.06-7 Response: Addressed all required matters in a structured table, covering multi-purpose trips (high daytime likelihood from shoppers/workers, moderate evenings from cinema/bar visits), demand variations (lower lunch, higher dinner), short/long-stay needs, excellent pedestrian/cyclist access, and non-relevance of other factors.
Our evidence-based report concluded no adverse parking or traffic impacts, enabling the applicant to seek dispensation confidently. This project highlights our ability to navigate complex zones and overlays, drawing on empirical surveys and regulatory expertise to turn visions into viable realities.
From retail conversions to hospitality activations, ML Traffic Engineers, led by Principal Michael Lee, delivers tailored solutions for Melbourne’s evolving landscapes. Reach out at 0413 295 325 or traffic@mltraffic.com.au to explore how we can advance your project. Visit www.mltraffic.com.au for more insights.
