A 'GreenLine' enabling residents to cycle to the city in 20 minutes, a major revamp of the Spotswood industrial area and extended 40 km/h zones in activity centre streets are just some of the ideas being considered in the next phase of the Better Places Spotswood and South Kingsville program.
After several months of community consultation, the Better Places initiative has developed 16 place-based projects to make Spotswood and South Kingsville even better places to live, work and visit.
The projects are:
The GreenLine: Shared pathways running through the heart of Spotswood and South Kingsville linking key destinations in an active transport corridor, including the Federation Trail and proposed West Gate Tunnel Veloway.
Streets for People: Complimenting the works being undertaken for the Local Area Movement Plan (LAMP) and Spotswood Activity Centre Plan, this project would focus on reducing vehicle speeds and undertaking works to make streets feel safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Missing Links: Identifying and upgrading missing pathway and cyclist links in conjunction with plans proposed under the LAMP.
Multi-modal network: Working with relevant government authorities to improve the local public transport network, including the punt service.
Better Placed for Future Industries: Undertake works to enhance the amenity and function of the Spotswood industrial area in order to attract a more diverse range of businesses to the area.
Hidden Histories: Work with local historians, cultural leaders, artists and creatives to highlight the history of the area including heritage street signs, public art and a 'Hidden Histories' walking tour.
A Guiding Vision: Development of a community working group to oversee the implementation of the Better Places program.
Future Industries Working Group: Development of a working group to drive the transition of the Spotswood Industrial Precinct.
Love our Parks: Seek opportunities to create new open spaces and improve existing parks and reserves.
Greening your neighbourhood: Develop a greening program that compliments the Urban Forest Strategy and provides a targeted planting program throughout Spotswood and South Kingsville.
Pop-up Community Spaces: A series of projects that will enable the community to get involved.
Re-Connecting to Water and Environment: Improve linkages to surrounding waterways and natural features including Stony Creek, Riverside Park and Newport Lakes Reserve.
Local Leaders Focus Group: Form a focus group of local leaders and representatives that would become a 'think-tank' between Council and the community to deliver the Better Places Vision.
Better Community Places: A review of existing community facilities and identification of opportunities for new facilities such as community gardens and creative spaces.
Better Villages: A holistic placemaking approach to enhance the Hudsons Road and Vernon Street villages, making them more pedestrian and bike friendly and supporting traders into the future.
Housing Choice: Advocating for increased provision of affordable housing
Spotswood and South Kingsville residents are invited to visit the program website at better-places.com.au to see the plans, provide their ideas and feedback, and register to get involved in the implementation. Feedback will be open until Wednesday 11 August.
Digital drop-in sessions will be held on Zoom on Monday 19 July and Thursday 22 July from 6pm to 7.30pm. Register at participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/better-places-spotswood-and-south-kingsville
Quotes attributable to Hobsons Bay Mayor Cr Jonathon Marsden
"Spotswood and South Kingsville have undergone an immense amount of change over the past decade. With the population set to double over the next 15 years, we need to think strategically about how we can retain the things we love about these neighbourhoods, while providing for the future needs of the community."
Quotes attributable to Strand Ward Cr Peter Hemphill
"At the start of this process we asked residents to share their hopes and ideas for the future of Spotswood and South Kingsville. This culminated into a vision and a set of projects that, if achieved, will drastically transform the area over the next few years. We are now asking for our community to get involved and to help us bring this vision to life."
Quotes attributable to Strand Ward Cr Pamela Sutton-Legaud
"The Better Places program provides a new model for the way Council designs and delivers projects, aiming to actively involve the community in the process of shaping where they live. We have seen some really exciting changes come about as part of Better Places Laverton and I'm looking forward to seeing what this project can deliver in Spotswood and South Kingsville."
