The recent upgrade by City of Casey Council for Hotham Street Reserve introduces colour and activity to the neighbourhood through street furniture, artwork and an edible garden. The project in the South-East Melbourne suburb of Cranbourne, aims to foster a sense of belonging for a diverse community.
Funded by the Victorian Government’s Living Local Suburban Grant Program, the streetscape renewal works and amenity improvements are designed to promote community connection.
City of Casey’s Acting Manager – City Design and Construction, Steve Robertson, said the project sought to combine art and landscape to represent a cultural linking of community and place. The selection of colours and materials were carefully tailored to this cultural tapestry, celebrating its diversity and honouring local heritage. Drawn from the rich aesthetics of South Asian culture the curry leaf serves as the conceptual focal point.
Local artist Abbey Rich was commissioned to design, fabricate, and install permanent artwork and bespoke furniture around this theme, alongside Street Furniture Australia’s Linea Seats, Cafe Tables and Cafe Stools.
Vibrant furniture colours Bondi Blue and Sensation Orange complement the permanent artwork on the pavements and the joyful bespoke furniture elements, to create a playful atmosphere.
City of Casey Council collaborated with locals throughout, to ensure their needs were at the forefront of the design process.
“Their voices were highly valued, guiding us in shaping the space to best serve their interests.
We’ve received a lot of positive feedback on how this small-scale landscape project has remarkably transformed the area, showcasing the profound impact such initiatives can have. It’s heartening to witness the community actively taking ownership of the space and thoroughly enjoying their new gathering place” Robertson said.
On returning to the site to take photographs of their artwork, Rich posted on Instagram “When I visited I saw kids playing with the hopscotch and parents taking a breath on the seating. I cried some little happy tears.”
The community is invited to take care of the space alongside the council, thereby nurturing a shared sense of stewardship and inclusivity.
Photograph by Sam Biddle.
Artist Abbey Rich sits on Linea Seat (LIS10) in Sensation Orange. Blue flower table designed by Abbey Rich.
