A UDF was prepared for Kyneton in 2008. This UDF was not adopted by Council, but formed part of the background to the 2013 Kyneton Structure Plan. The improvements set out in the 2008 UDF were not implemented.

With Kyneton designated as a Regional Centre in state and local planning policy, it is important that the town centre is safe and functional for residents and visitors, while ensuring that we preserve and enhance its valued character.

Formal adoption of the plan by Council will be sought so that recognition is given to priority projects, and to support any future planning scheme amendments.

The draft Kyneton UDF is a separate - but complementary - document to the Kyneton Movement Network Plan, endorsed at the June 2024 Council Meeting.

You can find out more about the history of this project on Council's website.

During the July-August 2024 consultation, a few topics received the most community feedback. This feedback has been reflected in the updated draft, with changes made where needed:

• The draft UDF does not recommend removing parking on High, Mollison or Piper streets to provide wider bike lanes. This idea was tested as part of the consultation and it is clear from the feedback that parking on these streets is important and should remain. The community strongly supported the proposal in the draft UDF; that is, to use Kyneton’s side streets to create a connected bicycle network.
• Wording in relation to the Lions Club building in the Kyneton Mechanics Reserve has been changed. While it is still considered important to improve the visual links through the reserve, the draft UDF recommends ongoing community access to a flexible stall space within the precinct. The building’s function and central location will be retained, either in its current setting or elsewhere in the reserve. Any changes to the Mechanics Reserve and the location of the Lions Club building will be subject to further community consultation.
• Recommendations around speed limits are consistent with the adopted Kyneton Movement Network Plan 2024. The earlier draft UDF suggested reducing the speed limits of the three main streets to 30km/h. This has now been updated to refer to 30km/h or 40km/h, which is consistent with Council’s recently adopted Kyneton Movement Network Plan 2024. Any changes to the speed limit will be subject to approval by the Department of Transport and Planning.
• More information is included on future community consultation opportunities. Next steps for each of the key projects listed in the draft UDF have been clarified – this will include opportunities for community feedback on the detailed design of streetscape and open space improvements.

Below is a summary of the changes we made, now shown in the updated draft (dated September 2024).

General changes

Updates to the document layout and background information:

• Introduction amended to include:
  • A summary of relevant Council policies
  • An updated consultation summary encompassing Phase 1 and 2.
• Implementation plan amended to:
  • Consolidate the action plan in one table
  • Refine the list of projects
  • Improve project descriptions and note further opportunities for consultation with community and affected stakeholders for each project (as relevant).

Open space and streetscape proposals

Changes relating to the wording and scope of particular urban design upgrades:

• Town square and Woolworths car park / Faheys Lane:
  • A new precinct plan has been inserted to illustrate the relationship between these project areas and surrounding uses, including the Old Kyneton Primary School site. The plan shows key connections and notes important considerations for the future design of this area as a significant public space.
  • Woolworths site – concept plan amended to note that any change to the Baynton Street closure area will depend on a number of factors including impact on parking and the road network as well as open space benefits.
  • Wording in Chapter 8 relating to the implementation of these projects has been amended to provide for further community and stakeholder consultation at the detailed design phase, to ensure that the variety of voices and preferences for these spaces are considered in resolving the final layout and features.
  • Wording relating to the Lions Club kiosk has been amended to ensure that the function of kiosk is retained for community benefit while providing flexibility as to its future location within the precinct.
• Town Hall Plaza: design amended to provide for retention of 'Minogue's rest' seat and clarify number of car spaces to be used for footpath expansion.
• Kerb outstands: concept illustration amended to clarify misconceptions that emerged during consultation regarding design, noting that these will still allow for two-way vehicle movements.
• Public art: amendments to map and text to indicate broader opportunities for the inclusion of public art and creative elements in the design of streetscape improvements.
• Street trees: text amended to note that oak species may be appropriate where there is space for a larger canopy tree and correct a naming error in a photo caption.
• Public toilets: opportunity noted for new public toilet alongside upgrade of car park at corner of Yaldwyn and Ebden streets.

Movement network proposals

Changes relating to the wording and scope of key movement network projects, including for consistency with the adopted KMNP:

• Disability access: wording of ‘People first’ principle amended to better highlight access for all as a priority, is clearly stated as a key priority for upgrades, with access for all as a baseline. The document also notes actions contained in the adopted KMNP to increase the supply of accessible (disabled) parking in the town centre.
• Bicycle lanes and routes: the community response to the options included for discussion as part of the consultation strongly favoured the proposal already contained in the draft UDF, i.e. to create a connected bicycle network via side streets in line with the adopted KMNP. Wording in the draft document has been amended to more clearly state this as the preferred approach.
• Speed limits: reduction of speed limits to 30 or 40kmh in the Kyneton town centre is Council’s adopted policy under the KMNP, ranked #1 in terms of priority. Wording has been updated in the draft UDF to reflect this and provide flexibility. The KMNP also proposes a 40kmh speed zone for the area bounded by Piper/Mair, Victoria, Donnithorne/Bodkin and Wedge streets for 40kmh.

More information about these changes is available in the 'Summary of submissions and Council responses' - see the documents below, available for download.

Projects to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility:

• New pedestrian crossings on side streets and across main roads give pedestrians greater priority, make people easier to see and provide a continuous path of travel with fewer level changes.
• Reduced speed limits for vehicles.
• Improved pedestrian access through major car parks.

New features to improve the appearance and amenity of streets:

• Landscaping to introduce greenery to streetscapes.
• New street trees to provide shade, cooling and aesthetic value.
• Expanded footpath areas (kerb outstands) to provide places for people to sit, rest and interact.
• Consistent seating, fixtures, and paving.

Upgrades to make it easier to get around:

• Maintain parking availability and improve parking areas.
• Introduce wayfinding signage to important destinations.
• Improved cycling infrastructure.
• More easily access businesses on both sides of main streets.

Improve the design of new buildings:

• Guidelines for the design of new buildings including heights, setbacks, appearance and activation.
• Provide guidance on appropriate signage placement.
• Support affordable housing at upper level/s of buildings in the study area.