Cade Lucas
A petition has been launched to create a public park on the site of the former Little Saigon market in Footscray, almost a decade after it was destroyed by fire.
The 5110 square metre site at 63-67 Nicholson Street has stood empty since a fault in an electrical switchboard sparked the fire which gutted the famous market on December 14, 2016.
After being earmarked for an apartment style retirement village, the site was last month listed for sale by insolvency firm Con Cordis.
However, if Footscray resident Thomas Foreman has his way, Maribyrnong council will purchase the land and convert it into what he says is much needed green space.
“This site presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform a dead space into a vibrant public park—one that would bring economic, social, and environmental benefits to the entire community,” said Mr Foreman whose Change.org petition has so far attracted 360 signatures.
He said with Footscray projected to add a further 50,000 residents by mid-century, the suburb’s already limited amount of green space would shrink to just 15.3 sqm by 2050.
“This isn’t just about a park—it’s about the future of Footscray,” Mr Foreman said.
“Will we let it become overcrowded, concrete, and neglected, or will we fight for a liveable, green, and welcoming community.”
Some commenting on the petition argued a park on Little Saigon site would just become another haven for drug abuse, homelessness and anti-social behaviour like the nearby Nicholson Street Mall.
Mr Foreman said if the park was designed well, this wouldn’t be the case.
“Well-maintained parks with active public use tend to reduce crime and improve safety, making them valuable community assets,” he said, adding that Footscray MP, Katie Hall launched a petition calling for the same thing two years ago.
A spokesperson for Ms Hall said public open space was local government responsibility and she urged Mr Foreman to participate in Maribyrnong council’s open space policy and strategy.
A spokesperson for Maribyrnong council declined to comment pending the petition being lodged.
The petition can be viewed at: shorturl.at/52myp
