The Ultimo Creative and Education Precinct has a wide variety of people that enter and use the precinct in a variety of ways. Most of these people, however, only utilise the area for one reason. ‘The Road Less Ridden’ is a two-tiered strategy that addresses the need for people to be easily moved, oriented and navigated around the site, and takes up the opportunity to provide things to entice people to see more and do more within the precinct. The strategy is consistent in its architectural approach and in its aesthetic to ensure a recognised identity.
‘The Road Less Ridden’ is a cycling network that allows public bikes to be used as a way of exploring and using the Ultimo Creative and Education Precinct in an effective and medium paced way. People can see more and travel further on a bike than walking, however the pace is slower than that of a car, allowing a more accessible and relaxed medium of transport. At various points around the precinct there will be docking stations, where users can pick up their bike for a small price and where they can deposit them after use and have their money returned. The paths to be used as bike paths are to be a revitalization of the lesser used roads and lanes within the precinct.
The second level of the strategy is providing programmes around the site that people will utilise while in the precinct. At selected bike and docking stations there will be additional programmes to explore. Some will have bike stations as opposed to docking stations, which provide the same service as the docking stations, plus they will allow those using there own bikes to store them for a day or as a permanent storage (for locals). At these stations there will also be showers, coffee and internet access.
In addition to bicycle facilities, these stations will have further programmes divided into different areas based on the existing programmes and strengths of the area such as creative industries, education, and residential. At one station, there could be a green grocer, butcher and bakery to allow locals to do their grocery shopping conveniently and allow students to ride a short way to have access to fresh food while at their educational institution. At another station, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation can have a public link, to local tourists, international tourists and students where these occupants can interact with multimedia. Art and performing arts studios available for minimal rent could be located at another station, with exhibitions at others. Green space will also be provided at selected stations to allow people to linger, sit outside and get a coffee, and to assist in the sustainability of the area.
These stations of activity will draw people to more places within the precinct. In moving between these stations, the paths will be reinvigorated with public art, outdoor exhibition spaces and temporal programmes to provide further interest in the area.
