Living Streets

Design Feature

Type of project
Local Government Initiative
State
South Australia
Location
Urban
In the City of Unley, less than 3% of land is allocated to open space. A project to redesign streets for people, not just cars, became the Living Streets and Pocket Parks program. First established in 2009, this program seeks to bring life back to local streets by creating innovative open spaces for community interaction and play in non-traditional locations. Living Streets reallocates underused street space to create people-focused environments that are green, safe and inclusive, while Pocket Parks converts redundant road closures into small but high-impact public places. Since its inception, the program has produced several street spaces and pocket parks that are transforming Unley community life.
Working in partnership with the community
Both programs emerged from a policy ecosystem that prioritises community, physical activity and public health. Projects are delivered in partnership with City of Unley residents who play an active role in co-designing and testing the re-imagined streets and parks. This collaborative approach creates a sense of local ownership of these small but mighty shared spaces.

A blueprint for place-first infrastructure


The Living Streets and Pocket Parks program is small in footprint but large in influence, offering a replicable model for other urban councils seeking to create and maintain shared public spaces in increasingly high-density environments. The program demonstrates that rethinking streets is not a luxury but a necessity – one that councils can achieve through listening, leading and prioritising place-first infrastructure, even at small scales.
Project team
City of Unley (project lead)
GTA Consultants (traffic engineering support)
Green Adelaide (funding partner—select projects)
Goodwood Primary School (community arts partner)
Local Residents (co-design participants)
Health value
  • Meandering paths, kerb buildouts and traffic calming elements create continuous footpaths and slower local streets, resulting in increased opportunities for walking and bike riding. Footpaths play a key role in determining whether residents exercise in a local area.1 Physical activity is linked to better cardiovascular outcomes reduced risk of stroke and diabetes2 and improved mental health, wellbeing and quality of life.3 reduced risk of stroke and diabetes 4 https://www.preventivehealth.sa.gov.au/our-agency/obesity-prevention/physical-activity and improved mental health, wellbeing and quality of life.5 https://www.preventivehealth.sa.gov.au/our-agency/obesity-prevention/physical-activity
  • Urban greening, including the addition of new street trees and vertical greenery, reduces transport-related stress and invites Unley residents to interact with nature. Proximity to green spaces is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease and improved mental wellbeing.

Economic value
  • The program delivers high public value at low capital cost. Leveraging state-based co-funding and grant partnerships has further offset Council investment.
  • A well-maintained network of continuous, accessible footpaths increases foot traffic and dwell time for local businesses.
  • Improved streetscape amenity and well-designed streets that that promote walking, cycling and the use of public transport can enhance property values, increase rents and attract new businesses.6

Environmental value
  • The addition of more than 1,000 native plants and more than 50 trees planted in previously paved areas has created extensive new green space. Urban greening encourages biodiversity by providing habitat and improves the human experience of urban environments by reducing heat and improving air quality.
  • An emphasis on more walkable and cyclable streets reduces car dominance and the associated emissions and noise pollution.
  • Water-sensitive urban design features encourage passive irrigation that improves plant resilience and reduces stormwater runoff.

Social value
  • The creation of new spaces that reflect local identity and culture create new opportunities for community-led art, storytelling and temporary activation that encourage residents to come together.
  • Welcoming green spaces invite people of all ages and abilities to rest, reflect and build a sense of connection with their local environment. In turn, this encourages neighbourly interactions and unstructured play.
  • A community co-design process strengthens social capital and civic trust by demonstrating new ways that council leads with inclusion and care.

Use value
Since the launch of the Living Streets and Pocket Parks program:
  • traffic-calming activities have reduced average traffic speeds from 36km/h to 30km/hour, enhancing both pedestrian and driver safety
  • The number of people walking and cycling has increased
  • Streets have been repurposed for play, rest, gardening and socialising
  • Council has recorded high levels of user satisfaction and broad appeal across generations.

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