By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
THE Office of the Victorian Government Architect has backed the controversial sky rail design to remove Noble Park’s three level crossings.
In a statement, the OVGA stated the project “shows a serious commitment to design quality” and reflected “quality international benchmarks”.
The design features three elevated rail sections above nine level crossings between Caulfield and Dandenong, with linear tracts of public open space.
The OVGA stated it was critical it had a role in the next stages of the project to ensure its design excellence.
“The success of the project is contingent on a commitment to the quality, amenity and custodianship of the project as proposed in its entirety.”
The OVGA appears to have backtracked from its 2014 paper Level Crossing Removals: Lessons Learned, which warned of the “significant physical presence” of elevated road or rail structures.
“They often provide a cheaper solution but a poorer outcome and therefore a false economy,” the paper states.
“Only the most considered and integrated elevated structure that contributes to the form and network of the place is acceptable.”
In the paper, the office stated lowering rail under road was the “most supportable solution in most circumstances”.
It was generally a more “discreet intervention” and led to better social and economic outcomes.
In support of the project, the State Government touts the creation of 2000 jobs, removal of traffic snarls and train passenger capacity up 42 per cent.
Opponents, including its neighbours in Noble Park, have criticised its intrusiveness and perceived ugliness.
The OVGA’s self-described role is to provide strategic architectural and urban design advice to the State Government.
