A pop-up park, improved pedestrian safety and more development along Barkly Street are all on the cards for West Footscray.
They form part of The West Footscray Neighbourhood Draft Plan, created to address a decade of rapid change in the area.
A report, due to be considered at Tuesday night’s council meeting, states that with further transformation expected in the area, a framework was needed to guide change.
Community feedback has highlighted the need for better walking and cycling connections, open space in Barkly village, more trees, upgrades to open spaces and better quality development.
The draft plan includes a concept design for a new “pop-up” style park, similar to that in Yarraville, closing off Clarke Street to traffic at Barkly Street.
It outlines ways to improve public places and infrastructure, as well as highlighting preferred sites for housing to meet forecast growth.
This includes more intense medium-density development.
“Council will consider rezoning of sites within the activity centre that are inconsistent with its retail and services function,” the report notes.
“Council will consider rezoning of sites fronting Barkly Street East and West Footscray Railway Station to allow opportunities for higher density residential development. Building heights will range from four and six storeys along Barkly Street to eight storeys near the railway station.”
The plan also flags improved pedestrian, cycle and bus connections to nearby major destinations such as Maribyrnong River, Highpoint and Footscray.
Walking would be encouraged via raised pedestrian crossings and reduced traffic speeds.
Proposed new works will be rolled out over the next 10-15 years.
The draft plan will go out for further consultation before a final West Footscray Neighbourhood Plan is adopted in coming months.
