Community spirit and memories embedded within a mainstreet streetscape revitalisation project catalyse a new destination for the Western Downs Region.

Project Awards:

• 2024 – Place Leaders Large Scale Place Project Commendation Award

• 2023 – Regional Achievement Award – Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA)

• 2023 – Movement and Place Commendation at the Ministers Award for Urban Design – Department of Energy and Public Works (Queensland).

Client: Western Downs Regional Council
Partners: Vee Design, Bark Architects, POMO, Storiedland

It didn't take long for the team to recognise that the town of Miles needed more than amenity improvements to transform their streetscape into a place appreciated by locals and visitors alike. Often overlooked by the constant traffic flow of heavy vehicles and grey nomads, Miles lacked a strong visible identity and presence of activity on the street. This project put the community at the centre of the design journey to create a place that locals are proud of; a place that creates new memories centred around immersive experiences that uncover the town’s unique historical stories.

The rural township of Miles has many hidden gems. Unfortunately, many passing travellers wouldn’t realise this. The goals of this project were clear. Encourage people to come to Miles, to stop, stay and support the local economy. In partnership with landscape architects, Vee Design, Fourfold Studio embarked on a journey to co-design a vision for the redesign of their town’s centre. What followed was an inspiring and exciting journey where design consultants, residents and local businesses uncovered the unique attributes and assets of the town and developed a tailored interactive streetscape upgrade design which locals can be proud of.

Working with the existing urban fabric, the project aimed to reinvigorate the urban experience and establish an enduring legacy for the town. The streetscape revitalisation project focused on both the social and physical infrastructure of Miles. Via a program of workshops, one-on-one interviews, community storytelling installations and collaborative design sessions (all delivered seamlessly, even overcoming social distancing restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic) a rich concept that will support a vibrant local life and attract visitors from afar has been developed.

Coined ‘The heritage heart of the Western Downs’, telling the history of Miles was central to the design concept. During discussions with the community, it was apparent a literature research exercise to inform the design would never do justice to the inspiring local stories and over 70 years of memories the people of Miles recall. Instead, working with Arts and storytelling experts, the team recorded one-on-one interviews with community members, and collected historical photos, newspaper clippings and video content, which inspired the design. The content was translated into landscape details, artworks, architectural elements and a digital soundtrail experience. This modern historical sound and art trail will now build on Miles’ incredible community asset; the Historical Village, to create a historical destination for the wider Western Downs region.

Recognising that success will require the ongoing activation, maintenance and programming of the street by the local community, the project also delivered a community action plan. The Action Plan, developed in collaboration with the community, sets the brief for several key community-led projects and programs. Importantly, it provides a framework to secure funding to deliver the projects and identifies potential delivery partners.

The innovative approach adopted for this project resulted in the development of a streetscape concept design that will establish a vibrant main street and encourage tourists and commuters to stop, spend time and in turn boost the local economy.