Reported by Olivia Funnell
Concept designs for Creative West, a project aiming to attract investment and support local businesses, is drawing questions and concerns from Footscray residents.
The proposed cultural hub is part of Council’s vision for Footscray and will sit on the site of the Footscray library and adjacent car park.
The project, estimated to cost $148 million, is still to secure funding from the state and federal governments, however the design and planning phase has received $5 million in federal funding under the Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program. If more funding is secured, the project is expected to take approximately two and a half years to deliver.
The vision for the Creative West precinct is to create a vital cultural hub in Melbourne’s West with an accessible theatre and arts venue to create new opportunities for artists and creative organisations.
Mairibyrnong Councils says Creative West could provide an opportunity for local artists to present and share their work locally, an opportunity that Pippin Remi, Executive Director of non-for-profit Women’s Circus, is excited about.
“For many creatives, access to professional facilities can be a significant barrier. A dedicated arts precinct would make high-quality spaces more accessible, supporting collaboration, skills development and pathways into employment across the performing arts, production and creative industries,” Remi says.
However, residents question why such a large-scale project is needed, particularly on the site of the Footscray library which is still functional and utilised by locals.
“Cramming so much into one site risks disaster for the community. Buy out other buildings nearby and fix them up instead. I back the intention, not the execution,” says resident Christopher Gardner.
The car park adjacent to Footscray Library has also become a gathering place for people experiencing homelessness, prompting questions about whether the project should prioritise investment in housing and support services.
“To think that money could go a long way in solving both the homelessness and crime crisis!” commented Nick Pit on a Facebook community group.
“Council recognises the community’s concerns about homelessness, drug use and safety in Footscray and continues to advocate for greater support and investment in frontline services,” says Mayor, Cr Mohamed Semra.
“This advocacy has contributed to a recent State Government announcement that an additional 150 Protective Service Officers will be recruited to patrol shopping precincts, including Footscray,” he says.
“We are dreaming big for Footscray’s future. Creative West responds directly to what we’ve heard from the community – the need for a welcoming, shared space for connection, creativity and learning. It will be a home base for Footscray and will help strengthen both the daytime and night-time economy and address the gap in cultural infrastructure in Melbourne’s west,” he says.
To view the Creative West concept design and have your say head to yourcityyourvoice.com.au/cw
