Pop-up community spaces and activations, colourful street art and a ‘pocket park’ are among twelve projects sharing in $1 million of funding, under the latest round of RAC’s Reconnect WA initiative.
The second year of Reconnect WA will see RAC partner with 12 local governments in Perth and regional WA to deliver projects that create vibrant streets and public spaces for Western Australians to reconnect.
This latest round of funding brings the total amount provided under RAC’s Reconnect WA initiative to $2 million.
RAC Group Executive Social and Community Impact Patrick Walker said RAC is proud to support projects which change the look and feel of streets and public spaces.
“We’re very excited to continue Reconnect WA for a second year and partner with more local governments to deliver projects which will breathe new life and colour into our communities,” Mr Walker said.
“Pop-up activation spaces, public artwork, slower speed and more pedestrian-friendly streets are just some examples of the exciting projects receiving funding this year.
“By trialling new ways of using our streets and outdoor public spaces for people to safely come together, these projects will help lay the foundations for longer term changes that support RAC’s vision for a safer, sustainable and connected WA.”
More than 4,200 RAC members helped to select the funding recipients by casting a vote on their favourite project.
“Communities are strongest when people feel connected to the people and places that matter to them,” Mr Walker said.
“We’re so pleased to have our members involved in the decision-making process for Reconnect WA and to see so many Western Australians passionate about making changes to improve their local communities.”
Last year, ten projects shared in $1 million funding under RAC’s Reconnect WA.
- Town of Bassendean: A trial to redesign and activate the high street in Bassendean’s town centre, closing part of the road to traffic to create a more pedestrian-friendly community space.
- City of Bayswater: Enhance shopfronts, create an alfresco area with seating, shade and night-time lighting, and potentially trial a speed limit reduction along the shopping precinct on Grand Promenade in Bedford.
- City of Fremantle: Revitalise the Paddy Troy Mall through street art, enhancing pedestrian connections and alfresco areas, and improving lighting and landscaping.
- City of Kwinana: A 12-month program of trials and activations on The Strand in Wellard to create a more vibrant and pedestrian-friendly community space.
- City of Subiaco: Subi POP (Public Open Places) Postal Walk will see a walkway near the Post Office permanently upgraded to an activation space with a stage and seating.
- City of Vincent: A trial to transform a section of Grosvenor Road in the Beaufort Street Town Centre into a pedestrianised area with improved amenity and community events.. There will also be a permanent intersection upgrade to make it safer and easier for pedestrians to walk along Beaufort Street.
- Shire of Beverley: Alfresco spaces, new pedestrian crossings, bike racks and greening along Vincent Street in Beverley to improve walking and cycling in the area.
- Shire of Coorow: A 12-month pilot project to enhance the connection and public spaces between Ruddock Street in Leeman and the beach with a colourful pathway, new seating areas, beach matting for wheelchairs, a bike rack, greenery, and public art.
- Shire of Dardanup: The Dardanup Depot Revitalisation project will transform the Shire-owned former depot site into a new community space with nature play, an outdoor art gallery, new pedestrian connections and space for community events.
- Shire of Katanning: New pop-up community spaces on Clive Street in Katanning to include street art and greenery, furniture and community events.
- Shire of Pingelly: A three-month trial converting a laneway between the Pingelly Town Hall and local businesses into a vibrant pocket park with lawn, seating, bike racks, a fold-up stage and new lighting and shade sails.
- Shire of Trayning: The transformation of the area next to the Don Mason Community Centre into a shaded, colourful area to sit and relax with murals, raised seating, play elements, greening and shade sails.
<ENDS>
Media contact: Caitlin Barr, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
