Community supports more open space for Brighton

Following an extensive consultation process, the community has shown their support for Council to create a pocket park at 7 Well Street Brighton, located just a short stroll from the Church Street shopping precinct.

The engagement process was held between 7 October to 7 November 2021 and captured the views of Church Street traders, residents of Well Street, people who shop and visit Church Street and the wider Bayside community, on how the 700 square metre site could be best used for the community to enjoy.

The feedback showed strong support for site to be returned to public open space, at two-thirds or 64% of the 689 submissions.

The most common activities that were highlighted during the engagement process if the site was used as a pocket park were activities consistent with passive open space, such as relaxation, sitting and reading (45%). A smaller proportion wanted to engage in more active activities such as a children’s playground (11%) or a skate park (11%).

While approving the site for passive open space, Council also recognised community feedback relating to car parking, with 27% of respondents preferring that the site was used to increase car parking in the Church Street Activity Centre. Although this view was strongly favoured by traders and residents who live further away.

Council noted the feedback and will consider future redevelopment opportunities of existing car parks in the centre to increase their capacity.

Now the future use of the site has been determined, Council will consider allocating $100,000 as part of the 2022-23 budget to transform the site into a passive space for recreation that will feature landscaping, seating and soft paths.

View the results of the community engagement

View the Council agenda and minutes

/Public Release. View in full here.