Throughout Australian urban areas, numerous neglected and forgotten pockets of greenery can be found virtually everywhere. Consider the plots alongside drainage channels, rail tracks, and abandoned parcels of land. Although frequently regarded as unattractive or insignificant, an increasing appreciation for their contributions to city environments is emerging.
These relaxed verdant areas can
support biodiversity
and provide exceptional liberty to
explore, play
or
connect with nature
In a more spontaneous manner compared to structured areas like parks, they also assist with
cool our cities
.
My
new research
looks at how cities globally are rethinking overlooked green spaces. I identified three ways to unlock the value of these areas: leaving spaces intentionally unmanaged, supporting temporary or informal uses, or formalising them as parks or other public places. Each approach offers different benefits and challenges for cities trying to create greener, more liveable neighbourhoods.
Municipalities are facing growing demands to develop additional official green areas, as inhabitants occasionally do so.
calling on councils to buy land for new parks
But let’s begin with what we have in place already.
1: Hands off: the case for doing less
In certain situations, refraining from action can prove remarkably potent.
As governments take a step back, communities and nature have the opportunity to step forward, leading to outcomes that are joyfully creative and ecologically enriching. For instance, in Brussels, Belgium’s capital city, abandoned railway areas left untended have transformed into
haven for biodiversity
, providing useful perspectives on ecosystem regeneration occurring naturally without human intervention.
Nearby, numerous instances show railway areas serving as spontaneous green spaces. A particular location within the Melbourne neighborhood of Northcote has transformed into an impromptu path for pedestrians, pet walkers, and bicycle-riding kids. Despite lacking official designation as a public park, this area operates much like one, thanks to its unofficial nature which encourages user engagement and creativity. Recently, over just a few months, locals have begun cultivating indigenous plants, setting up temporary artworks, and adding even a swing set.
However, this laissez-faire method comes with constraints. It functions optimally when there’s an inherent communal spirit or significant ecological worth present. Even though nature might recover unexpectedly at times, it frequently requires some assistance.
2. Assisting others: aiding non-formal or short-term usage
Where informal setups are already present – like art exhibitions or unapproved plantings referred to as
guerrilla gardens
– councils can support and even help grow these initiatives.
Some councils may see local-led efforts as a liability, but these efforts represent an opportunity to bring life to underused land at minimal cost. By recognising and supporting such activities, including financially, councils can empower residents to shape their own neighbourhoods in meaningful ways. This can include expanding existing installations or establishing new installations on other underused sites.
Local councils can also gain advantages from establishing their own provisional setups like
pop-up parks
This approach has proven successful for utilizing idle spaces and testing new ideas prior to implementing long-term strategies.
Included was the establishment of a short-term park on Ballarat Street, Yarraville in 2012. The community backing for this interim park paved the way for further developments.
establishment of a long-term park in 2014
.
3. Intervening: When formalizing proves beneficial
There are occasions when formal intervention is necessary – for instance, when
land is contaminated
Or encourages invasive weeds. When this happens, converting a location into an entirely developed park can provide substantial advantages. Areas next to rivers, roads, or railways may easily be turned into extensive "linear parks" featuring walking trails and bicycle paths.
In Paris, transforming an old industrial rail line into a linear park serves as an excellent case study, drawing in numerous visitors.
locals and tourists
.
Melbourne also boasts its own achievements in rejuvenating unused facilities.
Greening the Pipeline
The initiative in Melbourne’s western region entails transforming an abandoned sewage pipeline into a lively linear park. Such projects highlight the advantages of turning neglected areas into top-notch, enduring public green spaces.
However, making official changes to how we utilize urban green areas involves costs beyond just money; a meticulously planned park might eliminate the spontaneous, unstructured charm that gives numerous casual spots their distinctive appeal. Therefore, it's essential to view structured development of these spaces as merely one choice within an array of options, saving such interventions for locations where anticipated advantages outweigh the expenses involved.
A call to action
If your profession involves urban planning or local governance, try not to dominate or substitute. Instead, assess the current resources. Often, the most effective action is to watch, withdraw slightly, and assist. Every communal area doesn’t require an overarching strategy.
If you're a local, take action. Begin modestly: grow a native plant, or install a swing (provided it’s safe to do so). By interacting with the green areas surrounding you, you could contribute to crafting your very own corner of an urban oasis – without needing to buy property.
Hugh Stanford does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
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