Town of Victoria Park proposes $2 million plan to create grand entry statement for suburb

A $2m project has been proposed to create a grand entry into Victoria Park. The Old Spaces, New Places is a Town of Victoria park program that targets spots that need upgrades. The intersection of Albany Highway with Mackie Street and Rushton Street is set to be the most ambitious Spaces, Places project yet. If the Town council follow staff advice and pick the most expensive of three plans for the spot at their meeting next week, the plan will create a shared space that provides opportunities for alfresco dining, greening and increased tree canopy. It will also improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities. The $2m option includes a raised road surface, urban stone replacement paving, catenary lighting, custom street furniture and rain gardens with mature trees. Social Manna owner and chef Sandro Puca has a business in the project area. Mr Puca said the project would “inject more life” into the area and convince “blow-ins” from other suburbs to stay for longer. “It will create a grand statement piece of welcome to Victoria Park and say ‘this is what we’re all about’,’” he said. Mr Puca said the good clear lighting would make the space more welcoming for young families and safer for pedestrians. “You’re going to have a lot more business confidence with people coming, lingering and staying longer,” he said. “This is a good way to revitalise what I think is a dull dry strip. “We need to keep it fresh because if you don’t and if you’re not innovative, you’ll end up being one of these tragic suburbs like Subiaco that just die, and then that leads to even bigger problems.” The first project in Spaces, Places upgraded the laneway next to IGA in East Victoria Park and cost about $550,000, with the revitalisation of the Etwell Street Local Centre in East Vic Park being built now with a projected cost of about $800,000. Mayor Karen Vernon said the Town was committed to investing in high-value areas. “It makes environmental sense (improving walkability, reducing heat island effect); it makes economic sense (creates a better trading environment, and catalyses future development); and it makes sense from a social perspective (encourages walking, cycling, promotes safety, social connectivity and interaction),” Ms Vernon said.

Town of Victoria Park proposes $2 million plan to create grand entry statement for suburb

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