THE lack of soft landscaping as public open space is a serious flaw in the Midland Oval redevelopment plan as presented for comment.
As your previous correspondent indicated, more than 2000 people are expected to live in the area and it has to cater for as many workers and those living along The Crescent plus visitors and shoppers.
The plan should be amended to take out the word “iconic” and add the word “liveable”.
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READ NOWWhat would make the area more liveable?
Relocate the carpark tower to the area behind the City of Swan and Court House area and create a high-rise five-storey carpark on the existing carparks at the rear of Centrelink.
Take out the civic building component of the plan altogether. This can be located elsewhere.
This would leave an L-shaped central area for soft landscaping, large open areas, a playground and community garden.
It would be a “great park” in the centre of Midland along the lines of the Edwardian parks of Northbridge, London and other cities.
It would stand the test of time past as the Great Court areas of UWA have, and be able to be studied for a great variety of community activities.
Bounded, as it is, by pedestrian-unfriendly roads – Morrison Road, Lloyd Street and Great Eastern Highway – the centre of Midland sorely needs an area of grass, trees, soft landscaping and tranquillity.
This will be the sought-after feature for the future – a liveable space for all to enjoy.
This development gives the City of Swan the chance to offer a wonderful liveable space for the future so councillors and ratepayers alike really do something visionary and create the great central park for the future city of Midland.
PAMELA MASTERS, Viveash.