Capire engaged with the community and key stakeholders about the City of Melbourne’s proposed vision for the Chelmsford Street Open Space.

 

Chelmsford Street Open Space Engagement

 
 

In 2021, the City of Melbourne (Council) purchased 70-90 Chelmsford Street in Kensington to create new public open space. Capire helped Council to engage the community and key stakeholders about its proposed vision and opportunities for the Chelmsford Street Open Space.

Approach
This engagement set out to hear diverse community voices on the draft project vision and key opportunities, potential activities and amenities, and opportunities to expand the space by repurposing car spaces. We wanted to create excitement and awareness about the project, support people to participate, and understand their views and aspirations.

Engagement activities occurred over eight weeks, from November 2023 to January 2024. The principal feedback method was an online survey, accessible via the project webpage. More than 800 postcards were printed and distributed to encourage participation.

 
 

Engagement activities

Engagement activities included:

  • four focus groups (one online), which allowed in-depth discussions with community members and harder-to-reach groups
  • three intercept surveys to reach community members who may not otherwise be engaged
  • two community pop-up events to raise awareness, share information and initiate conversations
  • one door-knocking activity to engage local businesses and service providers.

An activity booklet was prepared to capture input from children and young people. These participants were invited to share their favourite park activities and draw their visions – suggestions included playgrounds, water play features, and vegetable gardens.

Findings
Most participants (90%) were supportive of the draft vision, emphasising the importance of communal space and the physical and mental health benefits of green space. Participants commonly expressed desires for a calm open space that is a refuge for urban wildlife where nearby residents and workers can enjoy and unwind.

Some people expressed concern that the draft vision was too ambitious and lacked detail. Participants also provided ideas on how to ensure the space is accessible and made to feel safe and welcoming.

This feedback helped shape the Chelmsford Street Open Space draft concept plan, which aims to transform the area into a place for people to relax, exercise, play and connect with nature.

More open space is vital to our well-being as the population (both working and residential) increases in this precinct of Kensington.

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Community Working Group member