Hannay Lane in Dunsborough was an ordinary access lane that was brought to life in 2021 with colour and vibrancy and transformed into a shared community space. It all started in 2015 with artist Sam Allen artwork, The Dunsborough & District Progress Association's idea was to transform an unloved laneway into a vibrant hub. The Hannay Lane Revitalisation project was driven by the local community and supported by business and land owners. It required getting the local council on board and took almost three years to get the project off the ground.
There were even attempts on unsealed roads to figure out how to create guerrilla artwork but it seemed very difficult!
The objective of the Hannay Lane Revitalisation project was to transform what was formerly a utilitarian lane, used by adjoining businesses to enable waste collection and deliveries, into an inviting pedestrian/cyclist/vehicle shared space.
Project objectives:
- Improve the aesthetics of the laneway, while enabling the functionality of a "through way for vehicles".
- Design a space that invites the community to explore the area, enhancing visitation to laneway facing businesses.
- Engage community interest in the project, inviting them to lead the evolution of the design
In 2021 The City of Busselton partnered with the RAC, through its Reconnect WA initiative, for the Hannay Lane Revitalisation project. The funding was directed toward a 12-month trial to transform Hannay Lane into a shared space. Trials like this are great examples of prototyping and testing new and innovative ideas for our public spaces and streets that support safer streets, better places and vibrant communities.
The project aimed to make the laneway more inviting and safe for pedestrians, shoppers and visitors, encourage slower traffic movement and make it suitable for community gathering. Ideas for revitalisation were developed in partnership with the Hannay Lane Enhancement Group, local community and businesses and included road murals, art works on planters, and landscaping.
Key elements of the revitalisation project included:
- Converting Hannay Lane into an attractive, pedestrian/cyclist friendly thoroughfare between Naturaliste Terrace and Dunn Bay Road with dedicated pedestrian and shared areas, without impeding property access or parking. Original design saw a one way street which was adjusted to two way traffic after community consultation.
- Landscaping improvements.
- Delineated walking/cycling areas through landscaping and artwork.
- Reduced speed limits and design elements that deter vehicles from travelling at speed through the area.
- Street furniture, decorative paint work and street pavement art.
Statistics and Outcomes
The City of Busselton has been awarded a 2022 Local Government Road Safety Award for its Hannay Lane revitalisation project.
The City of Busselton conducted an evaluation of the Hannay Lane revitalisation and outcomes were published in August 2021 that clearly indicated traffic calming benefits and community support.
Community (qualitative) evaluation after project implementation: 71% of patrons drove slightly more cautiously/much more cautiously and slowly as a result of the project works to Hannay Lane. Of the survey participants, 81% responded that the changes add value and vibrancy to the Town Centre and would like to see similar projects replicated elsewhere.
Analysis of quantitative data collected: After implementation of the project, 85% percentile speeds ranged from 14-20km/h during the 7 day period.
This data will support the City's Traffic application to Main Roads WA to lower the maximum speed in the lane to 10km/h. A strong correlation exists between community safety and wellbeing and lowered traffic speeds on urban streets.
This outcome is consistent in research conducted by Vic Health, Monash University's Accident Research Centre, The Heart Foundation, the Australian Transport Research Forum, the Road Safety Commission of WA and numerous international studies.
Hannay Lane provides access to Djiljit Mia nature playground and local businesses, and since implementation of the project, a 16% increase in pedestrians using the laneway has been recorded.
Heavy vehicle use has decreased by 8%, however light vehicle use has increased by 23%. Bicycle use has decreased by 9%.
Lessons Learnt
What would the City do differently if the opportunity arose? In retrospect, an art competition inviting local schools to design the road mural and decorative elements would have created a strong sense of place/ownership of the space. The winner could have been then been selected by panel of stakeholder judges with guidance provided by an independent curator.
What aspects of the project approach were successful? Engagement and support of nearby businesses was crucial to the success of this project. The co-funding (by two body corporate owners in partnership with the City) of two colour bond gates was an important finishing touch to the project – these block off the unattractive storage areas and rear entries to businesses.
What advice would you provide to other local governments? The project evolution must enable designers to respond to change at short notice. Ensure the broadest consultation possible to enable a strong sense of place and ownership.
Road Safety
Community Feedback
"Love it. Love the mural. Have been concerned for some time about the parking, speed, rubbish bins etc. Definitely an improvement. That and Djiljit Mia is fantastic for that corner of town. Where next?"
"I loved this project, enjoyed the vibrant colours and designs. Very innovative, after all, Dunsborough is a holiday town."
"Beautiful vibrant colours that were chosen I think really elevate the space that was once neglected, making it more appealing and safer."
"It brightens the area its interactive, gets people chatting to the artists as they completed the work. It's a bright and interesting pick up to what was a dull laneway/walkway- 100% improvement. Thanks"
