Vision squared

By EMMA SUN
A PLAN for a town square will change the face of Mount Evelyn for the better, according to resident Daniel Meadth.
And he is looking for keen locals to help him design what he hopes will be the hub for people from all walks of life to gather and be more engaged in the community.
Mr Meadth, chairman of the Mount Evelyn Township Improvement Committee (METIC), said the idea for the town square was based around the concept of shared space in places like New York and Venice.
“While Melbourne has recently joined the club of successful public space with Federation square, the most we can look forward to in the suburbs is a visit to the local shopping centre or local park, which can hardly be called public space in a true social sense,” he said.
“During the Mount Evelyn Township planning day earlier this year a proposal was put forward to address this lack of a dedicated public space in the township.”
At this stage, the town square will feature four quadrants, a sand court, a reflective space with a statue and artworks and natural planting, a amphitheatre for performing arts and also an outdoor cinema, with a fountain in the centre.
It is proposed to be built in the car park next to Morrison’s Café on Wray Crescent and the car park relocated to somewhere close by.
Mr Meadth said the town square will allow people to meet and hang out and provide a more attractive area for businesses.
He also hoped it would be a drawcard for tourists.
“I think it will definitely put us on the map in terms of a community that cares about public space, especially since Australia is mainly built on private lots,” he said.
“The town square will also link the various walking trails in Mount Evelyn together, which will provide for a more pedestrian friendly district.”
Mr Meadth is looking for other people to form an action group and wants anyone interested in contributing ideas to turn the project into a reality.
“I would particularly like to hear from people who are artisans who want to contribute their skills so this would be partly built by contractors and partly built by locals,” he said.
A detailed model and plans will soon be on display in the Community Link for further discussion on how this project would benefit the town.
Daniel Meadth can be contacted after business hours on 0487 197 747 or via email at d_meadth@hotmail.com.