Little Africa Precinct Renewal Project transforms Footscray
Published on 23 August 2024
The Little Africa Precinct in Footscray is experiencing a welcome transformation, thanks to funding through the State Government's Building Safer Communities Program and contributions from Council.
Key improvements include the installation of new lighting infrastructure – which has improved the perception of safety in the area – and the activation of previously empty shopfronts, turning them into thriving community spaces.
As part of the renewal project, Council has also supported ongoing safe space activations, including community festivals, events, and significant cultural receptions with 10 different festival events and shopfront activations along Nicholson and Paisley streets, each contributing to the area's cultural richness and sense of community.
One of the standout successes of the Little Africa Precinct renewal project is the transformation of the Metro West building into a pop-up gallery, "Show Us Your Westside", which opened to the public in early August. The gallery's opening event was attended by 500 people.
In addition to the lighting and shopfront activations, Council's in-kind contributions have further enhanced the Precinct through creative placemaking initiatives such as African drumming, and themed street signage.
Looking ahead, the new lighting infrastructure paves the way for exciting future events, including plans for a monthly African night market over the summer, and Council's Creative Spaces Pilot – a strategic initiative to transform underutilised commercial properties in the Footscray CBD into dynamic, affordable, and accessible creative spaces. This program is aimed at enhancing community involvement and driving economic revitalisation, while addressing a deficit in available space for Maribyrnong’s creative community.
These initiatives are set to draw even more visitors to the area, further boosting local businesses and strengthening the community's connection to the Precinct. A total of $450,000 has been invested in revitalising the area, with $300,000 from the State Government and $100,000 from Council, along with in-kind contributions valued at $50,000.
Celebrating the rejuvenation of the precinct at the Footscray Connectivity Centre with Footscray MP, Katie Hall, this week, Mayor, Cr Cuc Lam, welcomed the exciting changes taking place.
“The Little Africa Precinct Renewal project is a testament to the power of collaboration between the State Government, Council, and the local community. Together, we have created a safer, more vibrant space that celebrates Footscray's rich cultural diversity. We are hopeful the revitalisation of this area of the Footscray CBD will encourage more visitors to enjoy outdoor dining and retail shopping further invigorating this important cultural space,” Mayor Lam said.
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