Colourful artworks, lush greenery, festive-style lighting and sunshine yellow seating have brought a burst of life to a little Subiaco laneway this spring.
Tucked off Rokeby Road, Walmsley Lane is a much-used thoroughfare that is named after West Walmsley, the stationmaster at Subiaco Railway Station between 1915 and 1922.
Now bordered by businesses at 112 and 120 Rokeby Road, the busy laneway has been transformed with bold black pots and vibrant greenery, new lighting, and upcycled seating that now brings a pop of colour to the lane.
This is in addition to the outdoor gallery that was added to the space back in March to showcase local artists’ pieces.
Walmsley Lane was the first laneway to be given a makeover as part of the City’s ongoing Greenwalks project which aims to improve the usability and character of a number of small laneways and pedestrian routes that intersect with Rokeby Road.
The project will help enhance the village feel of Subiaco, increase canopy coverage and stormwater retention, and help support the night-time economy by increasing sense of safety using lighting.
Detailed design and consultation with local stakeholders began early this year before installation was done in stages to minimise disruption to businesses and pedestrians.
While there were some delays with select elements – such as late plant pots – City staff from a number of branches worked together to make sure the project rolled out seamlessly (and that all plants were well looked after while they were waiting for their new homes to arrive!).
The City is also investing in a number of larger upgrades to the public realm in the Subiaco town centre which the Greenwalks project complements.
This includes Postal Walk – which was recently unveiled to positive feedback – and Seddon Street which is due to be complete next month.
Find out more about Greenwalks on the project webpage.
Once you’ve visited the updated Walmsley Lane, you’re invited to express your feedback and ideas by Sunday 22 October 2023 via the online survey.