More greenery, spaces to relax and improved safety for Barkly Village

Published on 15 December 2023

Council has endorsed new plans to improve the streetscape of Barkly Street in West Footscray, and to create a permanent park at Clarke Street, following community engagement with residents.

The Barkly Village Streetscape Improvement Plan reflects the features that almost 500 residents who engaged with us in mid-2022 and August 2023 said were important to them – specifically the inclusion of greenery and trees, safer walking and cycling pathways, and places to sit, meet and relax.

The endorsed streetscape design includes additional pedestrian crossings, new and improved accessible parking bays, and kerb extensions at bus stops.

As part of the streetscape improvements, Barkly Street has been identified as a potential second 30km/h speed limit road in the municipality, if approved by the Department of Transport.

The speed reduction request responds to community concerns that vehicle speeds in the Village are an issue and is part of new plans for the Barkly Village Streetscape, which aim to enhance the look, feel and functionality of the area and support local residents, traders and visitors.

Designs to convert the temporary Clarke Street pop-up park into a permanent gathering place were also endorsed, following two community conversations held in late 2022 and from August to September this year. Consideration was given to community requests for more shade, plants and trees and seating in the final design for the park.

Mayor, Cr Cuc Lam, said Council was pleased to be progressing both these projects.

“Barkly Street is home to West Footscray's much loved Barkly Village, which serves as a key connection between Ashley Street in Braybrook and central Footscray. It is a thriving dining, shopping and entertainment hub”.

“The streetscape plans will deliver wider footpaths, more greenery and a new pedestrian signal crossing at Blandford Street. We will also create a permanent park at Clarke Street, which has been popular with local residents since its trial in late 2020,” she said.

A detailed design process will be undertaken in 2024 to get both projects ready for construction the following financial year.

Further traffic studies will be undertaken to understand the impacts of the 30km/h speed limit on the wider area, prior to seeking approval from the Department of Transport and Planning.

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