Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. A key section of North Melbourne’s Errol Street could be closed to traffic and turned into a park under a plan being considered by the City of Melbourne. The road between Queensberry and Purcell streets, outside the Courthouse Hotel, would be replaced with grass, trees, walking paths, and park benches.
The City of Melbourne is contemplating closing Errol Street to traffic, sparking a debate among locals. Some residents support the proposal, seeing it as a way to introduce more green space to the area, while others express concerns about the potential impact on businesses, traffic, and parking.
One of the proponents of the plan is Ryan Moses, a co-owner of the Courthouse Hotel, who believes that transforming the street into a park would attract more people to the area, benefiting local businesses. He points to the success of similar initiatives in places like the Sun Theatre precinct in Yarraville.
Sylvia Hungria, president of the North West Melbourne community group, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the positive impact a green space on Errol Street could have on the neighborhood. She acknowledges potential challenges such as changes to traffic flow but remains optimistic about the project’s overall benefits for the community.
Kate Manley, manager of the Auction Rooms cafe, offers a nuanced perspective, highlighting both the community-building potential and the challenges related to customer access and parking that come with closing the street.
However, not all locals are in favor of the plan. Josefin Zernell, a local resident and business owner, strongly opposes the closure, citing concerns about existing green spaces being underutilized and potential negative consequences for businesses like hers. She raises issues related to traffic diversion, parking availability, and safety concerns that could arise from the proposed park.
The City of Melbourne conducted a survey that revealed mixed opinions among residents, with a majority supporting the closure of Errol Street to traffic. While 65% of respondents back the proposal, 26% prefer the street to remain unchanged, and 9% advocate for a partial closure to allow some traffic flow.
The discussion around the future of Errol Street reflects broader trends in urban planning and community development. Balancing the need for green spaces with considerations for local businesses, traffic management, and safety is a complex challenge that cities around the world grapple with.
As the City of Melbourne deliberates on the fate of Errol Street, it faces the task of weighing diverse perspectives and finding a solution that maximizes the benefits for the community. The outcome of this decision could set a precedent for similar initiatives in other parts of the city, shaping the urban landscape and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
