Perth’s first Stratavault installation enables vibrant public precinct

In 2016, a complete overhaul of Museum Street, Perth was completed with pedestrians and place activation front of mind. Between Aberdeen and Francis Streets, Museum Street was transformed from northbound and southbound lanes into a one-way northbound lane – creating new space for a dedicated pedestrian area.

This new precinct features a pedestrian-friendly connection to Perth’s Cultural Centre, large trees, street furniture, artwork, lighting, CCTV, and free public wifi.

Trees were key to the design of the new precinct, providing much needed greenery and shade for visitors. Ten 1500L size London Planes were selected, though a challenge emerged – how to provide them with enough root space and adequate uncompacted soil to ensure they thrived in their new environment?

Citygreen’s innovative Stratavault urban tree pit solution was chosen, with a tree pit matrix of 4.35 x 4.35 x 0.8m giving 15 cubic metres of uncompacted primary root space per tree. This matrix extends from the sidewalk to beneath the car parking zone on the road side, ensuring the trees have adequate room to grow without disturbing the hardscaping above.

This was CBD Perth’s first Stratavault project, building on many successful Stratacell tree pit projects around the city. Designed by the City of Perth in conjunction with consulting arborist Steve Kneebone from Classic Tree Service, and installed by Advanteering Contractors, who did an excellent job, the project has been very well received. Today, memories of a tired-looking Museum Street are a distant memory, with large trees, vibrant street painting, and funky furniture providing a wonderful public space for visitors to enjoy.