Rupert Street pocket park

Following completion of the engagement the City worked alongside Landscape Architect firm Propagule Consulting to develop a concept for the park that reflects the community vision.

The finalised concept is available for view here.

The concept aligns with community priorities as closely as possible. It prioritises integration of shade, trees, wildlife habitat including native plantings, diverse seating opportunities, and night-time lighting considerate of adjacent residences, as well as a drinking fountain and a bin. The gentle mound in the grassed area as well as the understory plants, are kept low in height to ensure sight lines are maintained to enhance night-time safety.

Community feedback indicated opposition to inclusion of bike racks. In response, bike racks have been kept to a minimal number, with a small number still included in adjacent verge space to ensure the City meets Operation Policy objectives outlined in section 7.3 Cyclist and Pedestrian Facilities of the City of Subiaco Policy Manual (2024).

Due to the size of the site, and proximity to a busy road and residential dwellings, a dog park was not considered suitable for this space. Dogs will however be welcomed on lead and the concept includes a dog accessible drinking fountain. Visit See Subiaco for other dog friendly locations throughout Subi.

Next step: detailed design is now underway.

During November and December 2024 the City undertook community consultation for the proposed Rupert Street pocket park.

A total of forty-six people attended the community listening posts. The online survey received sixty-nine responses. Respondents were asked to provide input on draft design principles for the pocket park, and design elements to be included or excluded.

The primary ways the community indicated they would like to use the park include to:

• Enjoy nature,
• Sit and relax, and
• Eat lunch or bring a takeaway coffee.

The park elements most strongly supported by the community included:

• Shade,
• Trees and plants other than trees (with emphasis on natives),
• Drinking fountains accessible to people, dogs, and birds,
• A bin,
• Resources / habitat for wildlife,
• Seating,
• Night-time lighting and night-time safety design considerations, and
• Dog friendly / dog park.

The park elements most strongly opposed by the community included:

• Bike racks / bike service station,
• Fitness equipment,
• Kids play equipment,
• Excessive hardscaping, and
• Noisy activities and equipment.

For community members who indicated that they lived or worked adjacent to the space, items most important for inclusion were seating, and night-time security and lighting. Items most strongly opposed by adjacent community members included kids play equipment, skateboarding and other noisy activities.

The design principles proposed during consultation were supported by the community and include:

• Be an exemplar design for the future - sustainable, shady, and cool,
• Be safe, welcoming and accessible,
• Provide a green space for respite and reflection,
• Promote connection to nature, and
• Celebrate Subiaco's character and creative community.

Next step: development of a concept design (see article) .