Parklets and art seats to pop up in Murwillumbah
15 September 2020
Trial will activate spaces and add fun to pedestrian precinct
Pockets of green and splashes of colour will add a new and fun dimension to the streets of Murwillumbah with an exciting short-term project to be unveiled next month.
The Tweed Green Parklet, Public Art and Activation project will involve the installation of two temporary parklets and pop-up seating (art seats) in several locations within the Murwillumbah CBD, providing a unique public space while adding to the street amenity.
The temporary parklets (which are extensions from the footpath using one to two car spaces) will incorporate seating, plantings and interactive spaces to create a new buzz and enhance the street appeal.
Director Sustainable Communities and Environment Tracey Stinson said each parklet would be designed as a unique public space, bringing pockets of greenery to the streets.
“The eight-week project aims to increase the amount of public space accessible to the community, enhance street vibrancy, pedestrian amenity, community safety and support the economic prosperity of local businesses resulting from the increased activity,” Ms Stinson said.
“We’ll build on lessons learned from cities in Australia and around the world who have trialled similar parklet and placemaking programs, while making sure we’re always COVID-Safe.”
In addition to the parklets, there will be the temporary installation of cylinder shape art seats and planters, pockets of green and splashes of colour decorated by local artists to add vibrancy to central Murwillumbah.
The parklets expected to be in place by mid-October, will be located in front of the BGF Building in Queen Street and in front of M|Arts in Brisbane Street. The art seats will be located on the corner of Murwillumbah and Brisbane streets and near the pedestrian crossing in Murwillumbah Street, between the two parklets.
Council will design and construct the parklets, which will be removable and recyclable and can be relocated to other locations if required. During the trial period, the parklets will be locations for a number of different public events and activations.
The NSW Government is putting $100,000 towards the project as part of its Streets as Shared Spaces initiative, with Council providing $37,000.
An evaluation of the project will be conducted by the Northern NSW Local Health District to gauge the community benefits associated with improving public spaces, and assist in determining how activating initiatives such as this one can help improve streets to support healthier, safe and more vibrant communities.
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Caption: An artist’s impression of what parklets planned for the streets of Murwillumbah’s CBD may look like.