The launch of a colourful parklet in Royal Street, East Perth is expected to increase vibrancy, support local business and foster community engagement.
Following the successful trial of parklets on Hampden Road, Nedlands in May, the City of Perth and the East Perth Community Group have banded together to deliver a vibrant parklet in East Perth.
Parklets have been used successfully around the world to enhance street amenity and create community vibrancy by offering interesting spaces in repurposed carpark bays.
The new parklet on Royal Street sits in front of local business Wassup Dog and provides a wonderful new area for locals and visitors to eat, have a coffee, read and relax or even get some work in.
"This initiative is a great example of friendly collaboration to deliver positive outcomes for the community," City of Perth Chair Commissioner Andrew Hammond said.
"An overwhelming majority of local businesses have been enthusiastic about the parklets and we hope this activation will encourage residents, workers and visitors to discover, or rediscover, the area.
"This highlights the importance of street level activation and the City will work to ensure these parklets continue to bring more vibrancy into the community and support local business."
East Perth Community Group Chairperson Anne-Maree Ferguson said it was wonderful the City of Perth had been so committed to working with the group on these initiatives and that the East Perth community had been so enthusiastic about supporting the projects.
"Local East Perth residents and business owners are grateful to the City of Perth for listening and supporting the renewal of Royal Street and beyond," Ms Ferguson said.
"We would love to acknowledge the ongoing support the City has given to the local community including the one-hour free parking trial which has already seen an increase in business along Royal Street, the extension of the City's Christmas Lights Trail into East Perth, the pop-up Twilight Hawkers Markets, and various murals and vibrant activations."
Wassup Dog owner Jules Aknin said the idea behind the parklet was fabulous.
"Thanks to the East Perth Community Group for supporting the idea and to the City of Perth for creating it and supporting local businesses," he said.
