Maddern Square in the Footscray CBD is about to receive an upgrade, with works set to begin early in the new year.
Short-term works at the square, situated just off the Nicholson Street Mall, will include resurfacing concrete for the installation of a half-court for ball sports.
The half-court will feature an acrylic surface, with line marking to support basketball and netball.
An artist will also be engaged to paint the new playing surface, and new festoon lights will also be installed to improve night time amenity and community safety.
In response to community demand, improved street skating facilities will also be addressed in the works.
Existing surfaces will be ground and skateable edges added to some of the existing concrete blocks in the central Footscray space.
Maribyrnong mayor Pradeep Tiwari said council would also be connecting with nearby traders to look at other enhancement opportunities.
“We know surrounding traders are keen to see more passive surveillance and activation of the square,” Cr Tiwari said.
“We will be approaching them to understand their appetite for additional upgrades, lighting installations projects and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) improvements.” he said.
Members of the broader Maribyrnong community can also have their say on the future of the Footscray CDB by completing a short survey regarding the future of the temporary pop-up play space at the northern end of Nicholson Street Mall.
With the two-year trial period coming to a close, council is seeking community feedback on whether the play space should be made permanent and what improvements – if any – they would like to see.
The survey must be completed by 12am on Sunday, December 15 and can be accessed at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Nicholson-St-Play-Space
