Much of the community feedback received by the ACT Government about Wakefield Gardens came from a volunteer working group proposal. Photo: Supplied.
An urban farm and community garden celebrating multicultural food traditions and providing educational opportunities could be established at the neglected-looking Wakefield Gardens site in Ainslie for less than $60,000.
That’s according to a submission by the Wakefield Gardens Working Group during community consultation about the site’s future.
The site’s building was destroyed in a suspicious blaze on 19 August and while it’s not heritage listed, the gardens are, leading to some constraints for the area. These include the mature trees with large canopies, the size of the block, and the heritage requirements for the precinct.
The fire brought forward community consultation for the site’s future. Now, an ACT Government YourSay listening report has been released.
Community feedback highlighted the desire to preserve the history and heritage of the gardens while creating an inclusive and affordable community space and/or multi-use facility.
Other suggestions wanted better play facilities in the area and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and First Nations leadership in planning for the future use of the site.
Public Service Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said it was heartening to see the level of community engagement in this consultation.
“We heard strong support for maintaining the Wakefield Gardens site as a community space with improved green space and accessible, family-friendly facilities, alongside recognition of the site’s cultural significance,” she said.
“This feedback will help shape how the site can once again make a meaningful contribution to community life and provides strong backing for returning the site to appropriate use.”
The listening report noted the Wakefield Gardens Working Group proposal aligned closely with what the government had heard.
“Wakefield Gardens is valued by residents for its heritage identity and role as a local meeting place,” the proposal noted.
“Our community does not want to see that character erased; instead, this project is about adding layers of education, culture, connection, play and volunteer-led activation that respect the existing open green space and increase amenity for all.”
The proposal looks at the creation of an urban farm and community garden, a redeveloped play space and a community hub where the damaged building (to be demolished in 2026) currently stands.
Phase 1 would be the urban farm and garden, costed in the proposal at $57,230.
This includes soil testing for potential contaminants, plumbing for the site, seedlings, compost bins, Indigenous engagement and even merchandise to encourage community participation during planting days.
“There is strong support for an education-focused farm that celebrates multicultural food traditions and acts as a learning garden/training program. The farm is seen primarily as a demonstration and cultural commons, not a production site,” the proposal noted.
“Nature play for Phase 1 should be conceived as integrated into the native garden transformation, focusing on dry creek beds, logs, sneak tracks, and mud kitchens that invite imaginative, organic play. This aligns with the budget and scope.”
It noted the group had sought government approval for its vision, and hoped to leverage community crowdfunding with a target of $30,000 to make it happen.
“Crowdfunding is more than raising money. It provides visible buy-in and civic pride, and shows the Wakefield Gardens revitalisation project is community-led and well resourced,” it stated.
The proposal also suggests how the destroyed building can be utilised and how the tired current playground can be updated.
Ideas for a new building include a sustainable living hub, a home for First Nations-led service delivery and knowledge sharing, a creative precinct, and low-cost hireable spaces.
“A two-storey building comprising as much of the building envelope as possible, while being better connected with the surrounding gardens, is considered favourable to maximise community activation of the site while respecting the character of the area,” the proposal noted.
“We propose using the ground floor for shared community spaces with the first floor used as office space to house community organisations on concessional leases.”
As for play space, the group pointed to Haig Park as an example that could be emulated in Ainslie until the budget could provide a more substantive nature play space.
“We acknowledge many local parks do not have any playground and that government resources are limited. Comprehensive new playground facilities are, therefore, considered beyond the scope of the current proposal – but should be contemplated in the future as the first two phases reach completion,” it noted.
Kurrajong independent MLA Thomas Emerson, who has long been an advocate for the space’s improvement, has been facilitating the Wakefield Gardens Working Group’s designs and community sessions.
” The ACT Government should lean into the community ambition contained in this report and breathe new life into this untapped asset as part of an integrated Wakefield Gardens precinct plan,” he said.
