The site at 203 Bagot Road is being converted into a new pocket park for community benefit following the demolition of the Subiaco Community Centre, which was at the end of its life.

The new pocket park will create more green space, enhance the tree canopy, and provide greater opportunities for community connection.

Project Overview

The vision for the park is to create a shady retreat among Subiaco's busy commercial and civic precincts.

The City undertook community engagement to discover the community's preferences and priorities for the park. This engagement ran from 11 November to 8 December 2024. Following this, the City worked alongside Landscape Architect firm, Propagule Consulting, to develop a concept for the park that reflects the community vision.

The finalised concept is available for view here. 

 

Traffic and Pedestrian Impacts

From Monday 14 November, the northern end of Rupert Street cul-de-sac will be fenced off for approximately four weeks. This will temporarily remove pedestrian access from Bagot Road through to Rupert Street. Vehicles accessing the Cloisters building will not be able to use the Rupert Street vehicle exit gate during this time. Vehicles parking in the Cloisters building will need to enter and exit via the western gate during this period. 

Community Engagement Outcomes

A total of forty-six people attended the Listening Posts. The online survey received sixty-nine responses. Respondents were asked to provide input on draft design principles for the pocket park and highlight their preferred design elements to be included or excluded.

The most commonly-listed priorities were:

• A place to enjoy nature,
• Sit and relax, and
• Eat lunch or bring a takeaway coffee.

The park elements most strongly supported by the community were:

• Shade,
• Trees and plants other than trees (with emphasis on natives),
• Drinking fountains, 
• Resources / habitat for wildlife,
• Seating, and
• Night-time lighting and night-time safety design considerations.

The park elements most strongly opposed by the community were:

• Bike racks / bike service station,
• Fitness equipment,
• Kids play equipment,
• Excessive hardscaping, and
• Noisy activities and equipment.

The design principles supported by the community were:

• Be an exemplar design for the future - sustainable, shady, and cool,
• Be safe, welcoming and accessible,
• Provide a green space for respite and reflection,
• Promote connection to nature, and
• Celebrate Subiaco's character and creative community.

Community feedback indicated opposition to inclusion of bike racks. In response, bike racks have been kept to a minimal number, with a small number still included in adjacent verge space to ensure the City meets Operation Policy objectives outlined in section 7.3 Cyclist and Pedestrian Facilities of the City of Subiaco Policy Manual (2024).

Due to the size of the site, and proximity to a busy road and residential dwellings, a dog park was not considered suitable for this space. However, dogs will be welcomed on lead. The park will also include a dog-accessible drinking fountain. Visit See Subiaco for other dog friendly locations throughout Subiaco.

Pocket Park Location

Project Timeline

• Community consultation was undertaken from 11 November to 8 December 2024.
• Demolition of the Subiaco Community Centre was completed January 2025.
• Concept development based on engagement outcomes is now complete. The finalised concept for the pocket park can be viewed here.
• A tender for the construction has been awarded.
• Construction of the pocket park began in September 2025.

More details about the project are available here: Rupert Street Pocket Park.

Week 6 Progress

Should you have any questions about the project, please contact the Project Lead: Place Officer, Glenda Morgan on (08) 9237 9222, or email place@subiaco.wa.gov.au.