The City of Perth is working with the community and stakeholders to revitalise Wellington Square, with feedback on a draft masterplan now open until 16 February.
Endorsed by Council last December, the draft masterplan incorporates suggestions from the community, including new sporting, playground, community amenity and facilities such as lighting, trees and pathways.
The outcomes of public consultation, conducted during the past year, has helped to shape the development of the masterplan framework.
A Community Reference Group, comprising of local residents, property and business owners, community and sporting groups, as well as representatives from the Whadjuk Working Party is meeting regularly during the planning process to ensure community views are reflected in the final design.
City of Perth CEO, Martin Mileham said Perth has seen some major changes over the past decade and the revitalisation of Wellington Square, a major green space on the doorstep of the city, will continue this transformation.
“This is an opportunity for anyone who has a connection to Wellington Square or wants to shape its future to contribute to its revitalisation,” Mr Mileham said.
“Whether you live near Wellington Square, own a business adjacent to the park, walk or cycle through it on your way to work or just enjoy the connection to nature it provides, I would encourage you to get involved.”
Wellington Square holds significant cultural value, as both a sacred site for the indigenous community, as well as a historic sporting destination.
It was home to the first official Australian Rules football game held in Western Australia in 1885, and was Perth’s major cricket ground prior to the construction of the WACA.
The City of Perth commissioned a cultural heritage assessment of Wellington Square, which was endorsed by Council last August and has informed the development of the framework.
Four themes have emerged from the consultation undertaken so far and underpin the masterplan framework:
Connect – Wellington Square needs to be safe, accessible and easy to navigate
Treasure – protecting and conserving the heritage of the square
Utilise – maximising the environmental and economic potential of the park
Enjoy – Wellington Square should offer enjoyment for all ages and abilities, at all times, in way that are fun and engaging
Located on Wellington Street in East Perth, the 7.7-hectare park has been earmarked for revitalisation, as part of the City’s Strategic Community Plan to ‘increase place activation and use of under-utilised spaces’.
This current phase of community consultation will move the project towards a final concept design, anticipated to go to Council in May.
For further information on the revitalisation of Wellington Square, and to have your say, please visit: www.engage.perth.wa.gov.au/wellington-square
Image: Barts1a (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons