The City will host a community workshop on Friday 6 September to define the ‘essence of Bayswater’ ahead of the preparation of a guiding document that will inform everything from public art and destination marketing, to development projects.
The workshop titled, ‘Spirit of Place’ will be held at the Bayswater Community Centre from 6pm to 9pm and will be coordinated by placemaking specialists Village Well and Aboriginal Elder Dr Noel Nannup.
Bayswater Mayor Dan Bull said the community was supportive of this approach.
“Creating a sense of identity for the town centre and developing core values that celebrate its uniqueness were highlighted as a priority by the community during the development of the Bayswater Town Centre Place Activation Plan back in 2017.
“Experience has shown that retail centres that retain a clear sense of identity and authenticity are more resilient in the longer term.
“I would like to invite local residents, businesses, visitors to the area and all those with a connection to Bayswater town centre to come along and share their thoughts on what it is that makes it unique.
“An outcome of the workshop will be the preparation of the ‘Guide Beside’, a document that will inform all future decision making relating to the Bayswater town centre. Created by the Bayswater community, this document will be endorsed by Council. It will inform decisions about public art, streetscape improvements, public infrastructure and much more.
‘Given the likely impact of the construction of the Bayswater Train Station on businesses and the commencement of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority’s work in the Bayswater town centre, a guide such as this will prove invaluable’.
Aboriginal Elder Dr Noel Nannup will be on hand during the workshop to undertake storytelling and collective dreaming.
“I am looking forward to creating a place essence for the Bayswater town centre to ensure it remains a resilient and vibrant place for current and future generations.