Community informs updates to Barkly Village
Published on 23 August 2023
We’re moving forward with improvements to Barkly Street in West Footscray and creating a permanent park at Clarke Street to meet community needs.
Informed by more than 500 comments received during conversations with local residents, Council has further refined the Streetscape Improvement Plan for Barkly Village to include:
- level pedestrian crossings on the north side of Barkly Street
- a new pedestrian operated signal and crossing between Russell St and Blandford Street
- modifying the existing bicycle lanes between Summerhill Road and Warleigh Road to protected bicycle lanes
- new and improved accessible parking bays
- kerb extensions for in-lane bus stops
- benches and seating
- increased greenery and trees
The improved streetscape will also encourage slower traffic movement and provide additional space for pedestrians and foliage.
The refinements reflect the top priorities identified during engagement by residents for greenery and trees, safer walking and protected bike lanes, and places to sit and relax.
The design for a permanent park at Clarke Street - in place of the trial Pop-Up-Park installed during COVID - also incorporates a larger area, and additional trees and seating, as sought by the community.
Council sought feedback around establishing Clarke Street Park as a permanent fixture including which elements of the park work and what, if any, features could be improved. 99 per cent of over 600 people responded to the quick poll with a resounding ‘yes!’ when asked whether the park should be made permanent.
As well as this vote of approval, there were requests for Council to make the park bigger and to provide more shade, plants, trees and seating to improve the space. The final design reflects these desires.
You can read the Barkly Village Streetscape Improvement Plan, view the Clarke Street Park design, and share your comments online at yourcityyourvoice.com.au/BarklyStreet or yourcityyourvoice.com.au/ClarkeStreet by midnight Sunday 24 September 2023.
You can also talk to the project team onsite at the Clarke Street Park from:
- 10:00am - 12:30pm, Saturday 9 September
- 3:30 - 6:00pm, Friday 15 September
Quotes attributable to the Mayor
Mayor, Cr Sarah Carter, said Council is pleased to be progressing the design of these upgrades that will help support the visitor experience in and around the Village, including the establishment of a permanent park at Clarke Street.
“Streetscape upgrades for Barkly Village will support the growing West Footscray community, local traders, and visitors to the area providing more greenery, seating, while also making the area safer and more accessible, especially for pedestrians and those who cycle.
“We also know as COVID-19 restrictions eased, the Clarke Street Pop-Up Park became a much-loved meeting spot for the local community to re-engage and support local traders. Last year, the community wholeheartedly voted for it to say and we are looking forward to it becoming a permanent feature of the Village,” she said.
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