A rare slice of green open space could be created near the Western Hospital in Footscray if a plan put to Maribyrnong council by residents becomes reality.
A neighbourhood group is pushing for a small space – currently used as a car park – at the northern end of Southampton Street to be turned into a new park for residents and hospital users.
Resident Kathryn James said the adjoining redevelopment of the council’s former works depot into a car park accessing the hospital created a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for accessible open green space to the south.
“This is an area where there is a significant lack of – and therefore recognised need for – open space in the municipality,” Ms James said. “Given this area will be highlighted as an area of need in the council’s upcoming open-space strategy it makes sense to use a small part of a large site towards meeting this need.”
Ms James said open green space with pedestrian links would provide a vital link between the hospital precinct, local shops, neighbouring streets, schools and childcare centres. The council has come under heavy criticism about its handling of the nearby car park development, with councillors conceding at last week’s meeting the situation could have been better handled.
Ms James said she was pleased with the response to the residents’ proposal presented to the meeting. “The consultation in the past has been inadequate, but we’re encouraged that council seems to be heeding our message.”
A report discussing options for the future of the site will be presented to a council meeting next month.
Ms James is encouraging other residents in nearby streets to become involved in the park campaign by contacting southamptonpark@gmail.co
www.facebook.com/groups/southamptonpark
