Fast facts
- Project name: Activating Brunswick’s Laneways
- Organisation: CoDesign Studio
- Grant amount: $9,600
- Grant fund: Community Safety Fund
- Co-contribution: $500 (CoDesign) and $5000 (Moreland City Council)
- Project partners: Community members, Moreland City Council
The project
The Brunswick community have come together with the help of a $9600 Community Safety Fund grant to transform a Brunswick laneway into a welcoming public space - as part of the Activating Brunswick’s Laneways project.
The project, managed by CoDesign Studio, stemmed from concerns raised by Brunswick residents about neglected laneways and community safety.
Through a combination of design workshops, council planning meetings and community activities such as a facilitated working bee, the laneway was transformed into a more attractive and active space. More than 20 Brunswick local residents helped with painting, rubbish removal and the creation of a community garden and compost service.
Residents also used sculptures to brighten up the laneway and improve the visual amenity. One resident even cut a hole in their fence so locals could feed their backyard chickens.
Achievements
Through this project, connections between council, residents and businesses have been enhanced and the community involvement has created a sense of ownership, resulting in increased used of the space. The enhancements have also improved natural surveillance and created a safer environment for residents to enjoy. The laneway is now fondly known as ‘Chook Lane’.