HomeMy WebLinkAboutDTS-07-029 - Sportsworld Crossing - Urban Design GuidelinesREPORT
Report To: Development and Technical Services Committee
Date of Meeting: March 5, 2007
Submitted By: Jeff Willmer, Director of Planning X741-2325)
Prepared By: Cory Bluhm, Urban Investment Advisor (741-3400 ext. 3375)
Ward(s~ Involved: 3
Date of Report: February 27, 2007
Report No.: DTS-07-029
Subject: Sportsworld Crossing -Urban Design Guidelines
RECOMMENDATION:
That the "Sportsworld Crossing -Urban Design Guidelines" be endorsed by DTS Committee
and Council, as effective guidelines to establish the conceptual vision for the development, and
to inform the site plan review process.
BACKGROUND:
Staff from the City's Site Plan Review Committee helped Intermarket Developments and their
development team to prepare urban design guidelines for the Sportsworld lands. These
guidelines outline the conceptual vision for the site as well as key design objectives. This
document will provide direction for the review of the formal site plan submission and technical
analysis that is expected within the next few weeks. The conceptual maps included are subject
to change, based on the technical site plan review.
REPORT:
Staff enthusiastically support the proposed guidelines and the general development concept.
The proponents have demonstrated tremendous vision while emphasizing their intentions to see
only the highest quality development occur. They aspire to create a great multi purpose
employment, shopping and recreation hub. They intend to create a unique shopping and
working experience not found anywhere else in the region, and perhaps the province.
Bold architecture is planned along Highway 8, to serve as a defining gateway feature to the city.
The proponents' long-term aspirations to coordinate local, regional and provincial transit
services into a central mass transit hub are not just innovative, but they could reshape how
residents travel.
While creating a new regional destination, Sportsworld Crossing is equally conscious of its role
as the focal point of the Gateway/Pioneer Tower communities. A central green space will
provide a social focal point for the neighbourhood. Well designed street edges and the
incorporation of trail facilities will ensure a smooth integration and outstanding connectivity with
the existing neighbourhood fabric.
Clearly, this project will raise the bar for what urban intensification and commercial development
in Kitchener should be.
Consultation with Cites
These guidelines are the product of collaboration between the proponents and staff -notably
the members of the City's Site Plan Review Committee. Many iterations have occurred,
melding the proponents' vision with the aspirations of staff. The final product truly reflects a
joint, public-private, effort.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
COMMUNICATIONS:
None required. The applicants hosted a neighbourhood information session in January, where
the proposed development concept was generally well supported by local residents.
CONCLUSION:
The Municipal Plan does not require formal approval of these guidelines. However, as site plan
approval has been delegated to staff, the applicants welcome comments and feedback from
members of Committee and Council. Staff recommend "endorsement" of the urban design
guidelines as appropriate guidelines to inform the site plan review process.
Cory Bluhm, MCIP RPP
Urban Investment Advisor
Juliane von Westerholt
Senior Planner
Brian Page, CET OALA CSLA
Supervisor of Site Development
Jeff Willmer, MCIP RPP
Director of Planning
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