Old Spaces, New Places is a sub program of the Public Places Program that looks to identify and target locations across the Town that can be renewed and upgraded for greater community benefit and use.
Developed in 2016, this sub program investigates public realm improvement options for the laneways and intersections, with community benefit are its core.
To date, three projects have been or are being delivered under the Old Spaces, New Places sub program.
Bidi Walk Laneway Upgrade
Formerly known as Right of Way 52, Bidi Walk is a laneway on the Albany Highway strip in East Victoria Park, between Ten Ten Kitchen, East Victoria Park IGA and TAO Restaurant.
The site is one of the Town’s most identifiable public spaces and was accessed by pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles for movement between Albany Hwy and the Iceworks Lane car park. The site was rarely utilised by the community outside of the occasional markets and presented an opportunity to create a multi-use, pedestrian focussed urban place in the heart of East Vic Park.
In 2019, the laneway was transformed from a deteriorated vehicle-centric laneway into a simple, modern space to cater for events and everyday use, with a focus on safety, flexibility and social interaction.
The upgrade was the Town's first Old Spaces, New Places project.
Etwell Street Local Centre Revitalisation
As the Town's second Old Spaces, New Places project, the Etwell Street Revitalisation will see the Town will transform the section of Etwell Street between Riverview Road and Northampton Street into a vibrant local hub connecting local businesses and the community.
The concept design for the revitalisation was developed in close collaboration with local residents, business owners, elected members and subject matter experts from the Town, and aims to create a meaningful and vibrant local centre.
To learn more about the concept design and the works delivered so far, visit our project page below.
Etwell Street Local Centre Revitalisation
Albany Highway's West End
Project three in the Old Spaces, New Places program will create a new urban space for Albany Highway’s west end. It presents an opportunity to create an urban space that enhances user experience and provides a heart and meeting space for the local community.
The chosen location is the intersection of Albany Highway with Mackie Street and Rushton Street. This location has been coined the ‘Western Gateway’ as it serves as a transition/entry point into the heart of the Victoria Park commercial, hospitality and retail precinct.
The Council endorsed a Concept Plan for the project at the December 2021 Ordinary Council meeting, available below. The Town plans to progress to detailed design during the 2022-2023 financial year before considering funding and construction in the near future.
Albany Highway West End Concept Plan