PLANS for a “vibrant and prosperous” public open space and town square at Moreau Mews have been criticised by Melville councillors, after it was opened for public consultation this week. 

The Moreau Mews Town Square “draft concept designs” were endorsed by the council at last month’s council meeting and have been put forward for public consultation until May 4. 

Residents have three plans to choose from in their consultation, in which a cafe, leisure space, greenery, playgrounds, potential for “cafe and community space”, and at least 38 car parks are all on display. 

Applecross ward councillor Clive Ross says the proposal put forward by planners is “very disappointing”, highlighting his dismay at the number of car parks which take up a significant portion of the open space. 

“If you look at the motions that were moved by council, it said 100 per cent open space, and the planners have chosen to interpret that as not excluding parking,” Cr Ross said. 

“This has continually been the focus, to have parking included for some very small monetary return, while disregarding the benefits that a public open space provides to the community. 

“Providing 20 or even 40 parking spaces is nonsensical… a town square is not town parking, it’s a place for people to gather.” 

Cr Ross, who has been campaigning for the Moreau Mews site to be transformed into public open space “for years”, says he is focusing on the results from community consultation into the proposal. 

“I look forward to some open-minded thinking from the community, which is about having what is an iconic area where the community can get together and be attracted to come to,” Cr Ross said. 

“There are obviously some community members who, for their own convenience, want parking there… that doesn’t suit everyone. 

Parking

“At the moment, I’m disappointed in the proposal, and I can say that as both a resident for Applecross for over 50 years and as a councillor.” 

Council colleague Jane Edinger says the general plan for public open space in the area is “wonderful” but she would like to see plans for a cafe taken out. 

“We’re not in the business of being investment people, we’re in the business of providing facilities for the public to utilise,” Cr Edinger said. 

“We need to push [the cafe] back to private individuals to develop and run these products, it’s not up to the City.”

Notably, both councillors voted to approve the plans at last month’s Council Meeting. 

Melville mayor Katy Mair says public feedback is “crucial” to ensure the town square is tailored to the Applecross community’s needs and wants for the open space. 

“We want vibrant and activated local places and spaces and given this location sits in the heart of the Canning Bridge precinct, we want it to be a space where the community can relax, engage in leisure activities, and connect with one another,” Ms Mair said. 

“This engagement is a great opportunity for the community to review the concept designs and have their say about how they want to use this area.” 

Ms Mair also highlighted that car parking was included in the three designs “as a response to the community’s supportive feedback” during its last community consultation about the Mews. 

“The community identified in the first stage of consultation that they would like parking provided at the Moreau Mews Town Square, so the City has listened to the community feedback and included parking in all three concept plans, which council has endorsed for the purpose of further community consultation,” she said. 

“The community’s feedback on the design elements, including car parking, is crucial to ensure the design reflects their needs and aspirations, which will inform the final design.” 

According to the City of Melville, the draft plans are “subject to change following feedback” from the community. 

A report will be presented to the council’s June meeting.

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER