FAQs
Why is the City of Subiaco undertaking this upgrade?
The City is investing in a number of upgrades to the public realm in the town centre including Seddon Street, Postal Walk, Forrest Walk, Station Walk and Rokeby Road south. Subi Greenwalks complements these larger upgrades by seeking to improve the amenity of a number of micro-laneways and pedestrian routes that intersect with Rokeby Road. The intent is to utilise a number of design elements to enhance the amenity and functionality of these sites including lighting, softscapes, public art and seating opportunities. Overall the project seeks to enhance Subiaco sense of place by drawing on its European heritage and celebrating its leafy, village atmosphere.
Why is Walmsley Lane being upgraded first and what other laneways are intended to be upgraded?
Walmsley Lane was identified as suitable for a pilot upgrade due to its strong connectivity to Rokeby Road and local businesses, flowing through to some of Subiaco’s more hidden gems and to parking opportunities. A number of other laneways intersecting with Rokeby Road have also been identified for upgrades and subject to feedback received regarding Walmsley Lane, these will be explored further.
When was the community consulted about this design?
This project trials an alternative model of community engagement, made possible by the flexible nature of the design that allows for adjustments and redesigns through the project. The Walmsley Lane upgrade will serve as a ‘pilot’ upgrade. Following installation, community engagement will be conducted to understand how the community feels about the upgrade, how it may have changed patterns of use, and to identify what has worked well in the design and what could be done better. This feedback will then be used to determine if any changes to the approach need to be made, and to subsequently inform the next Subi Greenwalks upgrade.
What positive impact is hoped for local businesses from this upgrade?
The upgrade aims to improve pedestrian walkability of the space, encouraging people to explore the back streets adjacent to Rokeby Road. This is expected to improve visitor awareness of offerings of local businesses in Subiaco, and increase pedestrian traffic to local businesses located off the main street. The design also aims to increase the capacity of the space to host events and night-time activations, increasing vibrancy of the space in the evening to invite more activity for local businesses.
How do I provide feedback about the Walmsley Lane project?
As the Walmsley Lane installation is complete we are conducting a period of community consultation to provide an opportunity to tell us how you feel about the upgrade, what you think works well and where you think we could do something better on our future Subi Greenwalks upgrades. Please see the survey here. Survey closes on Sunday 22 Ocotber 2023.
Who is Walmsley Lane named after?
The laneway is named after West Walmsley, the stationmaster at Subiaco Railway Station between 1915 and 1922.