The Hyde Park hamlet has the potential to be a focus of activity for the new community. The Business District land use designation allows for a range of uses including local retail and service space, offices, multi-unit housing, open space and community services. Residential density is centred around the hamlet to support new commercial uses and a possible transit route on Hyde Park Road. A small urban square/parkette in the hamlet would provide a focus for public open space.
Carefully designed development and streets in the hamlet can transform the hamlet into a more pedestrian-oriented commercial area. Creating a strong sense of place and character should guide the design for the hamlet. Pedestrian-orientation should be highlighted in the design by enhancing connections to other parts of the community and by providing enhanced intersection design at thecorner of Hyde Park Road and Gainsborough Road. An overall streetscape master plan should be prepared to guide infill building locations and street design in the hamlet.
The Business District designation encourages the location of building close to the street with parking located at the side or rear.Building design should allow flexibility in the ground floor space to provide for conversion from the initial uses such as residential to retail, service and office issues in the long term.
The built heritage of the hamlet was reviewed and recommendations are contained in teh Hyde Park Community Plan Archaeological Assessment. The conservation of significant older buildings provide links to the past and adds to the richness and diversity of Hyde Park.