West Footscray’s Barkly Village is set for a new look, as streetscape improvement plans are now open for feedback.
Maribyrnong mayor Anthony Tran said the proposed improvements aim to make Barkly Street “safer, greener and more attractive”.
“Some of the proposed changes include more trees, rain gardens and plants, public seating, signage and public artworks,” he said.
“Improvements for pedestrian and cycling access include new signalised pedestrian crossings and improvements to current crossings, dedicated bike lanes and protective barriers between cyclists and vehicular traffic (where the road width permits), more bike parking and widening and repairing parts of the footpath.”
West Footscray Traders Association president Pradeep Tiwari said the plans are the results of discussions spanning back to 2019, with preliminary conversations with traders and key stakeholders in 2021 informing the initial concept designs.
“We desperately needed growth in the area,” he said.
Mr Tiwari said while the plans will see a small reduction in car parking spaces and does not outline enough extra lighting infrastructure, the group are happy that the plans do not include a bike lane across the majority of the outlined area.
Maidstone and West Footscray Residents Action Group [MAWFRAG] facilitator Pierre Vairo said while there are a number of positive improvements outlined in the plan, the council should have consulted more extensively with the broader community.
“Ideally, community feedback would be sought prior to the development of plans,” he said.
Community feedback is open until 5pm on Sunday, July 31 with residents able to share their thoughts with council at West Footscray Library on Saturday, July 16 between 11.30am and 1.30pm.
Works are proposed to commence during spring 2023.
Details: www.yourcityyourvoice.com.au/BarklyStreet
Matthew Sims
