Maribyrnong council said it is looking at ways to improve the safety and amenity of Footscray’s Nicholson Street Mall after being forced to remove a playground installed there due to anti-social behaviour.
The $250,000 playground was installed in the mall in May 2023 as part of two-year trial to create outdoor spaces post-COVID.
The playground installation was fully-funded by the state government, but with feedback from local traders and residents that it had become a haven for drug taking and homelessness, the playground was removed last month.
It’s understood that drug activity and anti-social behaviour at the playground required it to be cleaned twice a day.
Maribyrnong mayor Pradeep Tiwari said council was now exploring other ways to improve the mall while also addressing social issues.
“Council understands the impact homelessness and addiction can have on the broader community, including small businesses and social carers,” Cr Tiwari said.
”We continue to work closely with the state government and local organisations to improve outreach services in Footscray, ensuring those in need receive the right care and support.”
Cr Tiwari said council had a number of plans for the Nicholson Street Mall, noting that it had proven a popular place to host events in the past, such Fringe Westside performances and an all day basketball tournament in 2023.
He also said the resurfacing of nearby Maddern Square for ball sports could also facilitate future events.
However, some local residents such as Denise Thorpe from Edgewater, said it would take a lot more than the removal of the playground and the addition of some events to revitalise the area.
“Footscray needs urgent support to address the escalating crime, drug use, and anti-social behaviour that made the playground unsafe in the first place,” said Ms Thorpe, adding that rising crime and public drug use had left many local residents no longer feeling safe.
“The mall and the surrounding area need real investment in safety, outreach services, and activation projects that bring people back for the right reasons. Without that, we’re just losing another community space without fixing the core problem. Footscray is in crisis and needs urgent support from all levels of government.”
