Jennifer Pittorino
Maribyrnong council will seek community feedback on the proposed updates to both Shorten and Barrett seserves in Footscray.
The previous master plan was endorsed in September 2020 following extensive community consultation, leading council to agree the updated plan will again require the same level of feedback.
Upon further planning, new enhancements have been identified which council said will better service the site, its users and local area.
Council said given the material scale of the proposed amendments, officers seek to re-engage the community regarding the amendments.
The plans include a relocation of Shorten Reserve Pavilion, realignment of the proposed Market Street cycle able plaza, cricket nets with greater capacity and a more meaningful playground and second indoor court in the new RecWest Centre.
Council also requested an update on the final plan to be delivered to council in November 2023.
In its meeting on Tuesday, August 15, Councillor Cuc Lam said the last time the plan was on display with the community it was received well.
“This project was very well received from the community, now the master plan project will improve accessibility to the reserve and there will be more trees in the surrounding area,” she said.
“It will improve all wellbeing factors and become a good resource for the community to use.”
Councillor Bernadette Thomas said the proposed changes make sense for the space.
“It’s great the revised plans have been able to squeeze in an additional court in the RecWest facility,” she said.
“The new layout seems like it will be easier for people to move around the site.
“The pavilion will encourage community access not just for sport, so I hope the community gets involved in this process like the first round and I hope everyone will be happy to see these changes.”
The proposed plan for engagement includes a campaign on Your City Your Voice, letters to sports clubs and neighbouring properties, information on council’s website and social media, signage on site and a community drop-in session.
