Published on Wednesday, 9 June 2021 at 8:35:22 AM
The draft action plan behind a pilot project to transform Chapman Road into a place for people and not just cars will be shared during a drop-in community information session on Saturday 12 June 2021.
Part of a 12 month trial to slow down traffic, improve amenity and attract more people to the area between Durlacher Street and Cathedral Avenue, the Chapman Road Tactical Activation Project is planned to begin in July 2021.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the draft action plan proposes some big but temporary changes as to how the street looks and feels.
“The draft plan suggests formalising two lane traffic on the street and making the remaining space more people friendly for pedestrians and cyclists to share and enjoy,” he said.
“Given Chapman Road isn’t actually wide enough for four lanes of traffic, which is why it isn’t line marked as such, activating the street to attract more visitors and potentially draw new businesses to the area just makes sense.
“The draft plan proposes using trees in pots and street art to define and separate the road from the shared pedestrian areas which will feature a bike maintenance pod, more bench seating and shaded parklets to encourage people to linger longer and support the businesses along the street.
“Trialling the temporary activation of Chapman Road is an inexpensive way to test the community’s ideas for the space to see if they will work before permanent changes are considered.”
The draft plan has been developed by a Working Party of 18 that includes local business operators and property owners, community group members, youth, Main Roads WA and other interested parties. To better participate in developing the plan, the group was upskilled in contemporary place-making practices. The tactical urbanism approach used for determining proposed changes were derived from a broader community engagement Digital Ideas Competition.
Members of the community interested in seeing the draft action plan and providing their feedback are invited to drop by for an informal chat with City staff at a drop-in community information session being held on Saturday 12 June 2021 from 9.30-11.30am at the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery Park.
Modifications to Chapman Road were highlighted in the City’s CBD Revitalisation Plan as a way to activate the area and make Chapman Road safer.
The City is delivering the project in partnership with RAC through its Reconnect WA initiative which aims to create vibrant streets and public places for Western Australians to interact and connect.
More information on the project and the Draft Action Plan here
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