Sparta Place

1999 – 2003

Precinct redevelopment

This project is an urban reconfiguration of two lanes, a car park and a toilet block into a meaningful civic space. The site is connected to a busy commercial strip and artery road in Brunswick, just north of Melbourne. The intention of the design was to offer some respite for workers and residents and to provide a space for local markets and celebrations.

The project commenced in 1999 and went through an extensive local and stakeholder consultations and funding journey, seeing a change of councillors and council officers.

The mayor finally declared it open in December 2003, and a demonstration of traditional Greek dancing followed.

“Dear Geoff,

Following the recent colourful opening of the completed Sparta Place Precinct redevelopment I would like to thank you and the AXIA team for your key role in assisting Council to deliver this project. The design is innovative and responsive to Council’s brief. Without your continuity of design vision and commitment through changes of personnel, scope and budget since the project’s inception four years ago I’m sure we would have fallen short of the successful result that has been achieved. Pedestrian places like Sparta Place are new in Moreland and on the basis of the outcome Council can confidently continue to initiate similar projects in the future.

Yours sincerely

David Mayes – Manager, City Projects, Moreland City Council”

Photos

Geoff Crosby