What was the engagement process for this project? To ensure the new town square and public open space reflects our environmental goals and community values, we carried out a two-stage engagement process, with plenty of ways for people to get involved.
The process included:
- A community awareness campaign encouraging people to register for updates
- Visioning and development of design principles
- Exploration of design elements and concept design options.
Regular updates were provided, and a variety of simple, accessible ways were offered for the community to participate and provide feedback.
This stage focussed on working with the community to help shape the project scope by exploring ideas, values, and design principles.
From 13 November to 17 December 2024, community members could share their feedback in a variety of ways:
- Survey: available online, in person, and over the phone
- Junior Designer Competition: for participants aged 18 and under
- Pop-up events: Three event held at the Moreau Mews site
- Workshop and information session: in-depth discussion and learning with Applecrosss Shore Care Community.
A total of 310 people took part, and their input directly informed the development of the three concept designs presented in the second stage.
Engagement snapshot - stage oneIn the second stage, the City shared three concept designs to explore preferences around design elements, aesthetics, and how the space might be used. The community was invited to share which concept they preferred, what they liked or didn’t like about each option, and suggest a unique theme for the area. The survey also asked for feedback on whether parking should be included in the final design.
From
1 April to 4 May 2025, the community could provide feedback through:
- Survey: available online, in person, and over the phone
- Pop-up events: five held at the Moreau Mews site
- One-on-one appointments: offered at the City’s administration building.
Engagement snapshot - stage twoThe City presented three different design concepts, each with a unique focus and budget range:
- Concept 1: Prioritised green space and landscaping, with a budget of $4–5 million
- Concept 2: Focused on event and activation spaces, with a budget of $5–6 million
- Concept 3: A long-term, aspirational vision featuring a multistorey car park, rooftop area, and integration with nearby buildings. This concept had an estimated budget of $10–30 million and a potential 10-year construction timeframe.
These concepts were developed by the City in direct response to the ideas, values and feedback gathered during Stage 1 of engagement. They were designed to spark community thinking around the design elements, look and feel, and how the space might be used in the future.
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Download the designs here.
In addition to the broader community engagement, the City has worked closely with First Nations representatives, as well as internal and external stakeholders, to ensure diverse perspectives and cultural considerations are reflected throughout the project.
Why was there no opportunity to provide feedback on the concept designs presented to Council? A design concept (with parking) and alternate (without) were developed after stage two of engagement and presented directly to Council at the June Ordinary Meeting of Council. Due to the compressed timeline set by the Council resolution, driven by funding and project delivery requirements, there was no opportunity for further community consultation. These concepts were informed by the feedback gathered during the earlier stages of engagement.
What were the concepts presented to Council to consider for endorsement? Two concept designs were prepared based on the community’s feedback from two rounds of engagement. One included parking as part of the public open space, and one did not.
Extensive community consultation has already informed the concept design. There will not be another round of consultation once the detailed design has been completed.
The City of Melville has a very diverse population. To ensure we gather feedback from a representative sample of our community, we include demographic questions in our engagement efforts. This standard approach helps us hear from the right people and tailor our communication effectively.