Footscray is already recognised as a creative place in Melbourne’s west with a mix of artists, cultures and local businesses shaping its identity. There is an opportunity to build on this by creating better connected and visible cultural destinations.

Councils ‘Creative West’ project will lead the way, by redeveloping Councils existing library site on Paisley St. The project will deliver a new cultural hub in Footscray that includes a performing arts venue with a theatre, contemporary library and a large town park for community gathering.

To support this, Paisley Street and Bunbury Street could be upgraded to become the cultural spine through central Footscray, connecting the new hub to lots of other cultural destinations we love such as the Footscray Market and Little Africa, as well as the Maribyrnong River and an upgraded river wharf. This could include wider footpaths with places to enjoy public art, activities and murals on display.

Together these changes will support a vibrant day and night-time economy, help celebrate local culture and create a centre that feels inclusive and full of life.