State your wants

19/May/2009

Kevin Bettridge, Rivervale

Comments: 18 readers have left a comment

I CAN understand residents’ concerns with the aesthetics, the security and safety within the Kooyong Road shopping precinct.

But is that what these residents calling for change are really on about?

Or do they visualise a completely different shopping area, one more in keeping with the changing demographics of Rivervale?

Are they thinking an “up-market” Rokeby Road (Subiaco) or Bay View Terrace (Claremont) precinct would be more in keeping for the area?

Or maybe something similar to a cappuccino strip in Fremantle and the even less ostentatious type that Victoria Park has?

There is only so much that paving bricks and lighting can do for this area, but the residents should be voicing what they would like in this area to the landlords and shop owners.

What everyone else is thinking

John

02/06/2009

It seems property prices are the biggest concern by some on here.

I am more worried about the social aspect of Rivervale.

As I keep saying, until you reduce the presence around Belmont of Homewest, nothing will change.

Troy Buswell start acting now! we need your help.

Christina Bylinski

01/06/2009

Well said Brad! I couldn't agree with you more.

WHY WOULD anyone want to hold an area back from its true potential?

I moved into Rivervale back in July of '98. In that time I have seen the demographic of this area change dramatically.

Certain people in the area would like to keep Rivervale as it was, but as has happened in so many other inner city areas in Australia and the world, that's just an option.

THE ONLY WAY 'IS FORWARD'. The only thing the past is good for, is looking back to make sure you don't make the same mistakes.

Brad Ross

01/06/2009

Brad
1/6/2009

Re the Rivervale, Kooyong Rd shopping pricicnt

I have lived in Rivervale now for 5 years in which time noticing a high influx of young family’s. My young family and I being among the many who have invested in the area appreciating we are only 7-8kms from the CBD and realising the huge potential Rivervale could offer.

I find it difficult to understand the negative responses to this topic. If only more of the community could appreciate our potential. There is absolutely no harm in having the highest expectations of this area. Only good could come from this.

Roger Broinowski

28/05/2009

After working for quite some time on the shopping centre project at Kooyong Road I would like to thank the Southern Gazette for being so open minded in my various contacts with them, particularly Nicole Stevens and Justin, the photographer who also did the photos of John Krawczuk. The public need to know that there are at least 10 owners of the shops, not including the supermarket, and the Council has a share with a church in the nicely updated Fuel Up Cafe, which really does set a standard. A list of the owners can be obtained for the cost of 40 cents on a handout sheet at the Rates counter at Belmont City Council. I suggest people write to these owners, particularly the non-resident ones and voice their opinions. On Tuesday last I asked the Mayor from gallery for the West Ward Councillors to call a public meeting - this was actually at her suggestion as an open debate at council was not possible. So far only Cr. Paul Hitt has replied positively.

Rivervale Fan

28/05/2009

An updated and expanded shopping precinct will become a hub for the thousands living in the Tanunda Drive apartments as well as provide an option for the Springs Development residents when that development finally happens. It would also attract people from Lathlain and Carlisle if we offer a better alternative to their current facilities.

It is the lack of vision for the area that is holding it back. It is in a great location and has a great sunny aspect as one writer has previously pointed out. Belmont as a whole has no alternative to Belmont Forum offering the village type of feel referred to at Bayswater. Council needs to communicate with the residents and put proposals forward for public comment, not just accept the status quo.

Mary Jenkins

27/05/2009

You should all try living with 45 year old septic tanks that collapse in the garden. That is what Hamilton/ Spearwood residents have to put up with. Yet the WEST remains silent. We are fed up of lobbying both parties in the last 10 years to get the metro infill program completed.
A special public meeting on Sunday 7th June at the Spearwood Primary School Hall Gerald Road Spearwood at 4pm . To discuss the continuation of deep sewerage in Cockburn. Folk who have not had deep sewerage from other areas can also attend. This work must be completed.

This is a public health issue and the State Government has a duty of care to the community to make it free from health hazards in our back gardens.
What important public services were completed during the boom period? Certainly not deep sewerage! Brisbane city completed theirs over a decade ago. We are still in 3rd World conditions in some areas of Perth today.

margo gould

26/05/2009

Currently I use the IGA and the newsagency/post office and have the odd takeaway, however, if the existing vacant buildings were optimized - and there is ample room to build more shops - I would use this area even more.

First of all there has to be a vision and instead I think there has been apathy. I know Council is limited in what they can do but they certainly can do very much more to support the small business owners - whom also pay rates - and aspire for an improved shopping village which we all appear to want. Has Council written to the owners of the vacant buildings and informed them of community feeling? This would be a start.

The recently built apartments at the Kooyong and Francisco intersection will place additional demand for services.

Yesterday whilst traveling through Bayswater I noticed their Council had erected a sign 'Bayswater Village' and this was in reference to shops no more in number than what Kooyong Road could come to be.

John

26/05/2009

Margie,
Unless you reduce the presence of Homewest in Belmont, especially in Rivervale. How can you get Angelo St type of development?

I am not being negative, I am being factual.

Also, with Kooyong Rd Shops so close to the forum, people will go where the big shops are.

So lets approach this with common sense, not hatred of the council.

Maybe also direct your emails and letters to the police who should have a greater presence in the area.

Stealing and begging for money is common in front of the shops.

Margie Bass

22/05/2009

Mayor Godfrey residents have a right to expect council to improve areas around the city, it is not good enough to spend our funds on upgrades and then have long laps between maintaining them, council’s short term savings is no more than long term waste of ratepayer’s funds Then when criticized it becomes the shop owners fault
Kooyong Rd Precinct is now very run down to expect struggling businesses to put huge investment into this area is unrealistic Learn from visionary councils like South Perth who beautified run down shopping area; made them so attractive that business people saw the potential,and bought in, now councils investment has created a “win win” to both council businesses and community, shopping hubs like Angelo Street offer a unique shopping experience that draws people.
Tap into the Rivervale residents they know what is needed better than council, they are the investors and experts who will know how to improve there community.

Rivervale Fan

22/05/2009

Being opposite the industrial strip, I haven't seen Adachi Park used to any great extent. If there was a cycle path that made it convenient for all those in neighbouring suburbs (that do not currently have access to their river frontage) it may become a destination for people.

The council has done some good things for Belmont, yet are too sensitive around the call from residents for an improved Kooyong Rd Shopping Precinct. Have they made the landlords aware of the dissatisfaction amongst the locals? Are the landlords aware that their neglect is the primary reason their tenants will be struggling for custom? The IGA has made some good improvements and judging from the number of people I see in there, must be reaping the rewards.

Council needs to have a vision for the area and facilitate it, not keep throwing their hands in the air and saying "not our problem". Custom is being lost to Belmont, Vic Park, South Perth and probably even Beaufort St. Bring on Change!

Kevin Bettridge

22/05/2009

Ah, David is at again, knocking anything and anyone that has positive and innovative proposals that will better the area that we live in.
Is it because Ms Bylinski, BRRAG and others look to the future and in doing so, see a bright future for Rivervale and you resent that?
Ms Bylinski has at least come up with some good and achievable ideas for the Kooyong Road centre and what did you offer up in place?

The Belmont Council is there to initiate and to facilitate the community's needs and on that score David as you said yourself “not much has changed for the better”. In the case of the Kooyong Road shops, for over 50 years, the Council has failed miserably except for minor up-grades in recent times.

That there is a call for a more improved and quality shopping facilities is underlined by the people who have come from around the world, interstate and from other suburbs to live in Rivervale and have found it to be inadequate for and to the needs of a clientele now living here.

John

21/05/2009

How about we put some positive pressure on the shop owners to clean up their act or threaten to shop elsewhere?

Stop blaming council for everything.

David

20/05/2009

The only people I have heard complaining about Kooyong Street are to do with BRRAG. 18 years I have lived in this area and not much has changed for the better here.

I like your idea Christina and suggest you start by opening the first little cafe and you will see just how long it will last here. People have tried and got burnt and now you see what has survived.

Why should the Council invest more money than they are doing if the shopkeepers are not prepared to do anything. If it was your money, what would you do?

Bluey

20/05/2009

Anyone in Rivervale seen this media release by Mayor Godfrey? It can be seen on the City of Belmont web site.

City of Belmont
MEDIA RELEASE
CITY RESPONDS TO CRITICISM
Prompted by recent criticism from the community, the City of Belmont is determined to set the record straight regarding the general amenity of Rivervale and the Kooyong Road Shopping Precinct.
City of Belmont Mayor, Glenys Godfrey says that the community’s criticism of the City is unwarranted, particularly regarding the Rivervale amenity and the Kooyong Road Shopping Centre.

Doesn't that make all us Rivervalians happy? I guess we have been told we should be grateful with what we have? My opinion is that all of them down at City Hall are as about as useless as an ashtray on a motorbike?
Bluey.

margo gould

20/05/2009

I don't know who owns the land behind the shops and fronting Franciso Street but I have often thought an undercover walkway between the Community Centre and through this vacant block enroute to the shops would be very appealing. A paved way, lots of trees and greenery linking the two community areas.

I also think an additional Belmont Security Patrol should be stationed solely in the West Ward. The nature of the City of Belmont is that it is too large and in demand for a continued presence of authority and areas need to be monitored individually to be effective in stopping anti-social behaviour.

As an aside, I make a point at looking at Adachi Park whenever I drive by, as I did today enroute to Bayswater, and there is never anybody there! Do other readers see this Park used? I would be interested to know.

Keith R Bradshaw

20/05/2009

The landlords should redevelop the shops before someone slaps a Heritage certificate or Order (or whatever it is called) because these shops are well over 55 years old! Modernise the centre.

The other letters in also the Gazette by two councillors who don't even live in Rivervale were weak. Hats off to a couple of shops for what? That was comment from one and the other has crocodile tears about businesses that were. At least they made a comment, the other councillor for the Ward, remains true, mute on the subject?

The area has changed and the landlords should move with the changes and the times.

Christina Bylinski

19/05/2009

At the risk of being called a snob or a yuppy, "YES" I admit it!

I would love to see a Subiaco or even a Mt Lawley type cafe strip along Kooyong Road and why wouldn’t I?

A place where friends can meet for breakfast & a chat? Possibly even dinner & a wine. A book café? A couple of little boutiques with quirky little collectables on the side wall. Maybe even a continental delicatessen with crusty bread, olives & cheeses for all persuasions and fresh cut flowers adorning the entrance.

Your right Kevin. A few pavers and lights will only go so far to improve the amenity of the area but it's a start and with some VISION & further INVESTMENT from our Council. The potential for this inner city community shopping precinct, to become a thriving safe and diverse little hub is very achievable.

Luckybird

19/05/2009

Kevin, YES PLEASE, in answer to the first five paragraphs of your letter.!

Anything would be better than to what is currently available. Good shops will cause more people to frequent the area for social contacts, quality goods and perhaps a coffee and the more people around and about would lead to less anti-social activities in the area.