City of Melville chief executive Shayne Silcox told last week’s council meeting that roadside areas in the crescent had been damaged by parking related to people using the staircase at the northern end to access the Bicton Baths Reserve and Melville Water Polo Club.
In the absence of formal parking, people had been parking on the edge of Rob Campbell Reserve, which had resulted in damage to the verge and footpath.
As part of the City’s plan, parking bays will be constructed along the edge of the reserve where the current path is and a new footpath built on the other side of these bays.
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READ NOWThe parking bays will be covered in turf cells instead of asphalt in a first for the City, which Dr Silcox hopes will be successful enough to use elsewhere in the City in future.
Turf cells are reinforced pavers through which grass can grow, protecting the roots from damage caused by cars parked on top.
The plan includes a turning circle at the end of the cul-de-sac and three additional bays north of Angove Lane, which will be reserved for residents of Durdham Crescent, who will be given parking permits.
Eight trees will be removed to make way for the new parking bays.
Dr Silcox said that four of these trees were already dead or dying and it was the City’s policy to plant two new trees for each tree removed.