Reconnect WA seeks to help reimagine and revitalise streets and public spaces to...
create vibrant and active places for Western Australians to interact and reconnect with our cities and towns, and each other
inspire and empower residents and business communities to co-design and drive change in their local area
lay the foundations for longer-term changes to support safe, sustainable and connected communities
Reinvigorating Streets and Spaces Fund
We're excited to be partnering with local governments across Western Australia to roll-out community-based projects which will reinvigorate our local streets and spaces.
Pedestrian and cycling-friendly streets, pop-up plazas and community art are among the projects funded through the first stream of Reconnect WA - our $500,000 Reinvigorating Streets and Spaces Fund.
Please find our first funding recipients below.
Future funding: The next Reconnect WA funding stream will be announce at a later date.
Metropolitan Perth
A 12-month pilot program to create a safer, slower speed cycling corridor along Healy Road in Hamilton Hill, through temporary slow-points, road markings and painted intersections.
Objectives / desired outcomes:
- Redesign the street to balance movement and place functions to better cater for user needs and deliver a safer and healthy street connecting to key destinations (including shared path for beach access).
- Respond to community concerns about traffic volumes and speeds and desire for ‘a green and active bicycle route’.
- Engage, inspire, empower communities to get involved in shaping and driving change through co-design workshop and trialling of ideas.
A four-month trial of a ‘pop-up plaza’ at Nollamara neighbourhood centre to include market stalls, food trucks and entertainment.
Objectives / desired outcomes:
- Create an informal and low-cost local meeting place and alfresco dining opportunity to reinvigorate and activate a currently under-utilised area.
- Increase activity in the centre to support local retail.
- Understand what solutions the community prefers before making permanent change.
A pop-up urban oasis with community activations on Churchill Avenue near Rokeby Road in Subiaco over six weeks.
Objectives / desired outcomes:
- Temporarily convert road space to create dedicated space for people to gather and test the viability of re-purposing this space to inform its future use and function.
- Provide a blueprint for other planned projects before they are designed and made permanent.
- Engage the local community and stimulate activity.
Regional WA
A 12-month trial converting Hannay Lane in Dunsborough into a one-way street and reallocating space to pedestrians to create a safer, more people-friendly environment with planter boxes, public art and furniture.
Objectives / desired outcomes:
- Improve the attractiveness and functionality of this laneway, which is currently a ‘through way for vehicles’, to make it more pedestrian focussed.
- Become a place which attracts people, adds vibrancy and enhances laneway facing businesses.
- Engage the local community.
A 12-month pilot to make Chapman Road in Geraldton safer and more pedestrian friendly, by widening footpaths, providing bike lanes, improving pedestrian crossings and creating parklets.
Objectives / desired outcomes:
- Temporarily narrow the road and test treatments before permanent changes.
- Encourage slower traffic conditions.
- Improve pedestrian and cycling conditions and amenity to increase safety and priority for vulnerable road users on a busy CBD road.
- Provide opportunities for street activation and support local businesses.
A ‘street art’ project to enhance a pedestrian connection between the Mandjar Square precinct and Mandurah Ocean Marina, featuring 250 coloured stripes representing community stories about iconic Mandurah landmarks, businesses, flora and fauna.
Objectives / desired outcomes:
- Improve wayfinding and the attractiveness of a connection between the Mandurah Ocean Marina to Mandjar Square, and the Eastern Foreshore side of the Mandurah City Centre precinct.
- Increase foot traffic in the marina to help activate local businesses in the area.
A four-month closure of Barrack Street in Merredin to create a ‘public piazza’ with seating, art, shade, turf, greenery and community activities.
Objectives / desired outcomes:
- Create an active, community space.
- Encourage increased social interaction and community cohesion.
- Support local economy through flow of pedestrians along Barrack Street.
The revitalisation of the Northam Suspension Bridge and precinct, including innovative lighting, interactive art and engravings.
Objectives / desired outcomes:
- Improve community connectedness – physically by enhancing the bridge and socially by creating an inviting space for activity and interaction.
- Improve personal safety and structural integrity to encourage greater use by locals and visitors – as an artery for pedestrian movement the revitalisation could have a ripple effect supporting more walking in town.
- Engage and empower the Ballardong Nyoongar community to reimagine and co-design the bridge.
