Recognising the cultural and heritage value of Mount Lawley Town Centre to the community, the City of Stirling will continue to invest in the precinct with adoption of a plan aiming to attract more visitors and support local businesses.
Council recently adopted the Mount Lawley Streetscape Study, which will see $275,000 allocated this financial year to deliver short-term actions identified in the study.
A series of tree planting first identified under the plan was fast-tracked after Council approved the enhancement while the study was being developed in July 2019.
It has resulted in eleven new Spotted Gum trees along the median strip of Beaufort Street between Walcott Street and Queen’s Crescent, three ornamental pears in the verge of Beaufort Street, five Plane trees in the verge of Walcott Street and two new trees at the entrance of the carpark at 680 Beaufort Street.
Mayor Mark Irwin said there had been significant community interest in the project since the City started engagement about the precinct in 2014.
“Plans for a high profile area will often draw great interest and the study represents extensive consultation with community and stakeholders that has taken place over many years to deliver quality urban design and activation outcomes,” he said.
“Through early consultation, greenery in the street was the top priority identified by the community, followed by active street fronts and pedestrian amenity. The tree planting has responded to this feedback while other elements of the study were refined.
“Other short term improvements earmarked for Mount Lawley include up-lighting of art deco motifs on Beaufort Street light poles, mural art and planter box installations where trees could not be planted.
“The City will also continue to work with the City of Vincent to ensure opportunities to collaborate on key projects and activations either side of Walcott Street are maximised.”
To address the second-highest priority (to activate street fronts) the City will implement Shopfront Improvement Grants this financial year to spark small-scale investment from landowners and/or business owners to uplift shopfronts.
A further $350,000 has been allocated towards improvements to Astor and Beaucott Lanes, new parking and wayfinding signage. Shared parking arrangements with private land owners will also be delivered to make it easier and safer for visitors coming to the Mount Lawley Town Centre.
Medium and long term actions include a public space, a sky net lighting installation and an entry statement at Queens Crescent.
After further planning and design in consultation with local businesses, funding for these will be considered by Council as part of the budget process in the coming financial years,.
Caption: Lawley Ward Councillors Suzanne Migdale and Joe Ferrante, who have strongly advocated for investment in Mt Lawley Town Centre, pictured with the new Spotted Gums.
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