Pilot Piazza Project
We are excited to announce the opening of the pilot piazza that we will be trialling along part of Barrack Street for the next 3 months! This piazza has been created as a community space through a partnership between the Shire of Merredin and RAC. The project is grant funded through RAC’s Reconnect WA initiative which aims to create vibrant streets and public spaces for Western Australians to interact and connect with each other. 75% of the cost is being met by the RAC grant. The assets created (parklets, umbrellas, seats etc) will remain the property of the Shire for use after the pilot has finished.
The project will see a four-month closure of part of Barrack Street in Merredin to create a ‘public piazza’ with the desire to create a public community space in the Merredin CBD. The space is able to be used during the day, with shading and seating supplied, and during the evening, with ambience lighting fitted within the area.
To ensure the Piazza and adjacent shops are accessible, the Shire has created six new ACROD parking bays directly across the road from IGA, the newsagent, and the chemist. This project evolved after the Shire undertook a major consultation to review its Strategic Community Plan earlier in the year. The top community priorities centred on reinvigorating the town centre with a more enhanced setting for shopping, communal gatherings, and supporting our local businesses. Consultation revealed that creating a pedestrian mall, picnic areas, public art, as well as maintaining the storefronts and footpaths were high priorities.
This short-term project will enable these ideas to be tested in a low cost, low risk way and feedback generated will be considered when permanent improvements are being planned.
The Shire would like to thank our project partners RAC, and other sponsors including, the Community Gardens, Merredin Men’s Shed, and Walker Electrical Contractors for their contributions to the project. A number of other local tradespeople and suppliers have also been involved in delivering this project in time for Gala Night including Ben Jardine Carpentry & Maintenance, Phil Sayers Welding, Two Dogs, Wheatbelt Steel, Sheree Lowe, Merredin Freightlines, Nutrien Ag, and Wheatbelt Uniforms, Signs and Safety.
Read more about the Reconnect WA Initiative
Piazza Photo Gallery
Media Release
Information Booklet
Piazza Survey
Piazza Mud Map
