The Point Cook precinct recently faced the possibility of reopening a road that was converted into a pop-up park nearly eight years ago, following a $200,000 state government grant and additional funding from Stockland. However, Stockland has indicated that public interest in the park has diminished over time. The company argues that reopening the road would enhance trading conditions for local businesses, stating that community engagement with the space has declined significantly, leading to minimal use and reduced participation in events. They suggest that reinstating vehicular access would not prevent occasional temporary activations in the area.
During a visit to the park, passersby and local restaurant owners expressed varying opinions about the potential changes. While the park initially appeared empty, it filled with lunchgoers and students enjoying the space. Many patrons voiced strong support for keeping the park, claiming it enriched the local atmosphere and provided a critical communal space. Local worker Bianca Schache noted that she frequents the park for lunch, while Ashok Bibra warned that reopening the road could harm the multicultural character the area represents. Another resident, Andy Wildey, emphasized that the park fosters community connections among various ethnic groups, fearing that car access would detract from this sense of community.
Conversely, some local business owners challenged the notion that the pop-up park was beneficial. A restaurateur, who preferred to remain anonymous, suggested that the park often goes unused during cooler weather and that the closure of the road drives potential customers away. Resident Josip Kutlesa echoed this sentiment, stating that reopening the road would ease traffic congestion and increase the area’s utility. He questioned the purpose of keeping the road closed when it is not heavily utilized.
Originally piloted in 2018, the pop-up park was meant to be a temporary installation inspired by the success of a similar initiative in Yarraville. However, it remained a fixture, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when it served as a valuable public space. CoLocal, the nonprofit managing events in the park since its inception, found the notion of minimal usage asserted by Stockland to be misleading. CoLocal’s founder, Sara Mitchell, highlighted that major events at the park have consistently drawn large crowds, countering claims of neglect and underutilization.
Political support for maintaining the park has emerged as well, most notably from Labor MP Tim Watts, who represents the Gellibrand area encompassing Point Cook. He urged community members to advocate for the park’s continuation as Stockland seeks to reclaim the road. This sentiment echoes a broader trend in urban planning where local governments aim to repurpose road spaces for communal use, especially amidst increasing urban density and a push towards reduced car dependency.
Urban design experts emphasize the importance of reclaiming public spaces that prioritize community engagement. Professor Kim Dovey from the University of Melbourne advocates for converting roadways into communal spaces, citing the hidden value of well-designed public areas. He argues that as urban landscapes evolve, maintaining spaces like the Point Cook park is essential for fostering community interaction and addressing the needs of denser populations. Rather than reverting to car-centric designs, communities should explore methods to sustain and enhance public spaces, ensuring they serve contemporary needs while preserving cultural and social vitality.
