FAQ
Why are we embarking on this revamp / upgrade?
Mitchell Park is at the heart of Busselton City Centre, and is a cherished but underutilised space. The aim of the upgrade is to help Mitchell Park take its rightful place as the ‘beating heart’ of the City Centre – a place that is enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages throughout the year. Feedback from the community through the Place Project confirmed a desire to create this - a safe, welcoming and versatile space where people want to ‘hang out’, somewhere to hold local events and a space that connects people to shopping precincts.
The upgrade will also allow our community to make the most of the Busselton Central Shopping Centre redevelopment, which will involve extending Centre to the western edge of the Park, and it is expected that this will involve cafes, restaurants and specialty retail opening out onto the Park.
How much will it cost?
The City has allocated $500,000 towards the upgrade in its Long Term Financial Plan for the 2020/21 financial year. Depending on the outcomes of consultation, more significant investment may occur, possibly in subsequent stages in following financial years. This is consistent with the approach that the City has taken to the Busselton Foreshore upgrades, and allows us to adapt our plans as we progress, learning as we go from our experiences with earlier stages.
Will it involve road closures and closure of the Park
There will be a need to restrict access to parts of the Park whilst works are underway, but any road closures would be for minimal duration's only. The aim will be for works to be undertaken at the same time as works to extend Busselton Central are underway, so that the total period of disruption will be reduced.
What will be the new provisions for public toilets given the existing ablution block will be demolished?
New and improved public toilets will be available in an accessible location in the Busselton Central complex.
Will there be any reduction in the park’s over-all size? (are we losing public open space?)
There will be no loss of public open space. The old Library site and the public car park area will, however, be developed as part of the Busselton Central works. Additional car parking capacity has already been added as part of earlier phases of the Busselton Central works. There will also be a new pedestrian mall space created to link the Park with Kent Street.
What are the implications for parking?
The old Library site and the public car park area will be developed as part of the Busselton Central works. Additional car parking has already been added as part of earlier phases of the Busselton Central works. There will also be a new pedestrian mall space created to link the Park with Kent Street.
Given removal of the rotunda what provisions will be made for public entertainment space?
Decked areas have been included in the concept plans to provide for public entertainment space.
What features specifically cater for children and families?
The concept designs include shaded areas, dedicated play space, as well as an open grass area ideal for play, picnics and relaxing in a casual environment.
What’s being done to improve safety and lower the incidences of anti-social behaviour in the park?
One of the key aims when developing the concept plans was to improve the feelings of safety and to reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour. Design elements to achieve this include; improved lighting, CCTV, refreshing amenities, removing the 24 hour toilet block and creating an environment that attracts more people.