Footscray CBD improvement works for youth and recreation outcomes
Published on 03 December 2024
Youth and recreation amenity in the Footscray CBD is in the spotlight for upcoming works in Maddern Square and potential future of the existing Nicholson Street Mall play space.
Starting in early 2025, Council will begin short-term works at Maddern Square that will include resurfacing 220sqm of concrete for the installation of a half-court for ball sports. The half-court will feature an acrylic surface, with line marking to support basketball and netball.
An artist will be engaged to paint the new playing surface, and new festoon lights will also be installed to improve night time amenity and community safety.
The short term works will also address the community’s request for improved street skating facilities in central Footscray, by grinding existing ground surfaces and adding a skateable edge to some of the existing concrete blocks in the space.
The works leverage event, such as the 2023 West Side Slam, that demonstrated ways the area can be better used in engaging and community-empowering ways.
Mayor, Cr Pradeep Tiwari said Council will also be connecting with adjacent traders to look at other enhancement opportunities.
“We know surrounding traders are keen to see more passive surveillance and activation of the square. We will be approaching them to understand their appetite for additional upgrades, lighting installations projects and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) improvements” Mayor Tiwari said.
In the longer term, Mayor Tiwari said Council will continue working with nearby traders and businesses by looking more broadly at Nicholson Street Mall and Maddern Square’s area to identify implementable projects to continue to improve the area.
Council is also calling for community participation in a short survey regarding the future of the temporary pop-up play space at the northern end of Nicholson Street Mall. With the two-year trial period coming to a close, we want to know how residents feel about it becoming a permanent play space and what improvements – if any – they would like to see in the existing play space.
Alternatively we’re asking if there may be another location in the Footscray CBD where a play space might be better placed.
Share your feedback by midnight Sunday 15 December at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Nicholson-St-Play-Space
Maribyrnong News
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