3b2 ogawa ai

Setting the structure for successful place activation Alisha Baker and Ai Ogawa Village Well

7000 (TAS) Mainstreets and public spaces undergo natural cycles as the surrounding environment, social trends and people around them change.

Village Well’s recent work in Hobart focused on activation projects on two varied scales - a ‘micro’ public space and a new mixed-use precinct nestled in the historic waterfront.

Australia

TAS

Hobart

Macquarie Point

Collins Court

Structure for place activation 1. Research 2. Engagement 3. Recommendations 4. Implementation 5. Review

1. Research Search for the gems and meaning for people in their place people watch - observing the rituals & rhythms of place.

What makes this place special?

How has this place/its people/environment changed?

2. Engagement The wisdom is in the community Pull together a range of people with diverse needs & ideas Inspire and empower Establish a group of champions Keep it fun!

3. Recommendations Familiarise the community to the longer term vision Identify what the community can do themselves Test the possibilities before committing long term

4. Implementation Get some quick wins off the ground Empower project champions Build partnerships Use this stage to learn and be open to adapt Get people excited

5. Review Be open to change - whilst respectful of the vision What works, what doesn’t? Ask around Update longer term strategies to reflect findings from quick wins

Collins Court Collins Court is part of Hobart’s network of laneways and acades, connecting shopping streets and key destinations.

We will explore how our team assisted the community to re-engage and re-imagine Collins Court, one of Hobart’s most underused public spaces.

Collins Court Collins Court is part of Hobart’s networks of laneways and arcade, connecting shopping streets and key destinations.

Map: Adapted from Public Spaces and Public Life – A City with a People in Mind (2010), Gehl Architects

To waterfront

Collins Court is connected to several community places, arcades and transportation hub and the waterfront beyond

Hobart Mu ms Net work

l St David's Cathedra

Therefore it was important that these local stakeholders were engaged, and further, take part in activation of Collins Court

Engaging the community > Inspire the participants with stories > Go to where people are > Brainstorm in place > Find project champions > Continue to engage

Quick Win Pop-up Community Garden

Quick Win Moo Brew Laneway Party

Quick Win Pop-up Tree Bombing Workshop

Macquarie Point Macquarie Point, a former industrial precinct, is slowly being transformed into a new mixed-use destination within Hobart’s historic waterfront.

Through temporary activation ideas and longer-term strategies, its revitalisation will be rolled out slowly to introduce the public to the site for the first time in over 200 years.

Understanding the place Site’s history Unique characteristic of place - what makes it different?

Local community - who are they, what are their needs?

Working with your neighbours People watching - what are key rituals for locals & visitors Local politics - what does the site mean for the local people?

The rhythms of place In the sun & out of the rain; feeling connected to the river and mountain

Gaining a wide perspective through conversation One-to-one conversations Get everyone together to create a shared vision Listen to each other and develop partnerships Brainstorm ideas with key partners Partner with events for community engagement

Partner with events for community engagement Getting community feedback on the Masterplan coincided with Dark Mofo with the site temporarily transformed into ‘Dark Park’ - a cultural destination for large scale public art works

Gaining a wide perspective through conversation Challenges • Not everyone knew the site intimately • Working with smaller councils who do not have access to all data - would have been helpful to be guided by a community needs assessment • Try to get as many varied people and ideas to contribute to conversation - even more workshops!

Ideas Short term quick wins • Setting the tone early through type of events • Welcoming the community - events and opening small sites • Building partnerships & local ownership • Invite those who have been eager along the way

Implementation • Prioristise projects that piggyback on elements already working • Focus on benefiting the existing community first • Utilise exisiting buildings on street for temporary activation • Partnerships are key • Continue momentum and jump on opportunities that align with the vision as they come your way

Implementation Challenges • Things change! Be flexible (to a degree) on ideas to be implemented but hold position on the vision (as this is the shared vision) • If this vision needs to change, then you need to agree on this with the community

Collins Court & Macquarie Point - Lessons Leant • Talk to a range of people

• Develop a vision and principles which everyone owns • Use temporary opportunities to start delivering the vision • Curate opportunities to bring members of community in • Have a dedicated team and place champions

! s k n Tha