It might be called a pop-up park but the green installation gracing Hargreaves Mall is here to stay.
Council staff say the space – which opened in December – will be around for at least 18 more months while they create more permanent plans for the Mall.
They’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response.
Senior strategic planner Philip DeAraugo said the park was a response to common comments about the lack of colour and softness in the Mall’s redesign.
The play-space was a quick fix to bring a bit of fun back to the Mall.
“The feedback so far has been fantastic,” Mr DeAraugo said.
“You only have to go down there, particularly in the mornings when families are around, and see the little tackers climbing up and sliding down those mounds, they love it.”
Anecdotally, Mr DeAraugo said the council had even noticed the space turn into a bit of a selfie-spot. They’re always seeing people linger, to take photos, which never used to happen in the Mall.
The pop-up park was in part driven by a desire to bring families into the Mall, and give them a reason to hang round and do some shopping.
“The thing that we love seeing is families in there and the little kids just climbing up and sliding down those mounds,” Mr DeAraugo said.
“It’s something that we thought might happen, but not to the level which we’re seeing, so that’s been a success.”
Future plans for the Mall even include transforming the Mitchell Street bus stop into a space suitable for a microbusiness in the coming financial year.
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Elspeth Kernebone
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
