Project objective
We are undertaking community engagement to understand community views on the potential use of 6A Willis Street Hampton for public open space.
Over the past 6 years, Council has been working towards creating a new centralised community precinct in Hampton, or Hampton Hub, to connect current community services and deliver infrastructure that meets future community needs.
Hampton Hub concept designs presented in June 2023 flagged the old Scout Hall site as surplus and not required for the main precinct redevelopment. Further feasibility studies found the site suitable for a public open space.
In July 2024, Council agreed to progress plans for transitioning this site into public open space subject to community feedback, with the outcomes being presented back to Council no later than its June 2025 meeting.
Project Impacts
Bayside's Counicl Plan 2021-2025
The project will deliver on the goals and strategic objectives in: Bayside’s Council Plan 2021–2025
Goal 3: Our Place
3.1 Open space is increased, and foreshore is cared for, to support diverse use and connect to community
3.3 Land use will enhance Bayside’s liveability and protect the distinctive heritage and character of our various localities
Community Vision Bayside 2050
This project also aligns with key priorities in Community Vision Bayside 2050.
Increase and enhance open space
2.2 Have an active strategy to acquire more open space, reclaim space and purchase land where required. Encourage microparks, pocket parks and community garden projects.
2.4 Design public open space so that it reflects careful consideration of the environmental, cultural and heritage value of Bayside.
Hampton Public Land Masterplan
The 6A Willis Street site is one of 13 Council owned sites in Hampton precinct whose future direction is outlined in the Hampton Public Land Masterplan.
With Hampton’s new centralised community precinct several years away, a pocket park could be created now without implications on future Hampton Hub plans.
Stakeholders and community
This stakeholder assessment is a generalised understanding of sections of the community that have a connection to the project or matter. This information is used to understand the types of tools and techniques that will achieve the strongest and most effective outcomes for engagement and communication.
Impact: What level of change the stakeholder / community segment may experience as a result of the project / matter
Interest: What level of interest has been expressed or is anticipated
Influence: Reference to the IAP2 Spectrum
L=Low; M=Medium; H=High
| Stakeholder / Community | Impact | Interest | Influence |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Immediate neighbours / residents |
H |
M |
Involve |
|
Hampton traders |
L |
L |
Inform |
|
Customers/ users local shops/ visitors to the area |
L |
L |
Consult |
|
Broader Hampton residents |
L |
L |
Consult |
|
Community Centre users |
L |
L |
Consult |
|
Local historical society/ scout association |
l |
L |
Inform |
Selected tools and techniques
The tools and techniques selected for this project are informed by the project content, stakeholders and type of feedback sought.
Key tools for communicating the project
- Project page on Have Your Say engagement platform,
- Direct e-mail to community members/ stakeholders that have an interest in parks and recreation planning
- Direct email to subscribed respondents to previous Hampton Hub consultations
- Direct email to Hampton traders' association members
- Onsite and nearby signage
- Pop up sessions in Hampton Street and at Community Centre
- Postcards distributed at in-person sessions and customer service
- Council website news
- Council’s weekly e-news: This Week in Bayside
- Social media, including sponsored posts to target key audiences
- Letter via Australia Post to residents in neighbouring streets
Key methods for gathering feedback
- Online survey hosted on Have Your Say project page
- QR code to survey on postcards and local signage
- Email, post, or phone submissions
- Opportunity to book a meeting with the Project Manager
- Printed survey at Community Centre
Project Timelines
| Activity | Status | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Community engagement on proposed use of the site | Active | 24 March - 4 May 2025 |
| Collate feedback and prepare draft report | Incomplete | May - June 2025 |
| Present engagement report at Council Meeting | Incomplete | June 2025 |
| Implementation of actions determined by Council in response to the consultation | Incomplete | 2025 - 2026 |
Decision making process
We’ll engage the community in a 6-week campaign to gather feedback on community support for a public open space at 6A Willis Street, Hampton. Feedback will help to inform the report and recommendations presented to Council for endorsement.
It is expected that Council will consider the plan at the June 2025 meeting.
Meeting agendas are published one week prior to scheduled meetings. Interested community members can make a submission or request to speak at a meeting in relation to this project.
Please select the +Subscribe button at the top of the page to receive updates about this project, including when it will be considered by Council and any further opportunities to participate in this project.
More information
Robert Egerton
Project Landscape Architect
Open Space & Recreation
Phone: 03 9599 4357
Email: regerton@bayside.vic.gov.au
