are designed. Aligned with this movement, The Parade Masterplan presented an ideal opportunity for students from six local primary and secondary schools to act as co-designers of a‘ new look’ precinct during the initial consultation phase. Through this exercise, Council recognised The Parade not as a“ contested domain” between different users but instead as a public place that speaks directly to the aspirations of young people( Malone, 2022). Students’ views were sought on three questions:
1. What do you love most about The Parade?
2. What are the things you value most / want to keep?
3. What would you add to The Parade to make it better?
Ensuring children and young people have a say in the future design of where they live and participate in the decision-making process is therefore fundamental to their sense of belonging, community and ownership.
Students identified increased public realm, lower traffic speeds, less vehicular congestion, and more opportunities to meet friends in public spaces as their priorities( NPSP, 2018). These views have not changed over time with the recent feedback from young locals expressing a desire for“ space to come together”( NPSP, 2025).
These views have been incorporated into the detailed design of The Masterplan, which includes the recent makeover of George Street, completed in March 2026. This project involved the removal of car parking spaces in favour of wider footpaths to accommodate extra lighting, public seating, tree plantings and landscaping. This project will‘ set the scene’ for the rest of the upgrade to The Parade, thereby reinforcing the rights of young people to be legitimate users of the street.
The factors discussed in this article have individually and collectively shaped the reputation of The Parade as a street where children and young people can be active citizens and make a significant contribution to The Parade’ s economy. It is undeniable their strong presence in the life of the street will continue for years given enrolment numbers at the nearby schools are likely to remain high. At the same time, The Parade must continue to find ways to remain a safe and inviting public space, while simultaneously maintain its key points of difference with rival main streets and evolve to remain the preferred destination for children and young people. To help achieve these objectives, the Council will need to step-up its engagement with commercial property owners to maintain a well-balanced tenancy mix in the precinct and finalise the detailed design of The Parade Masterplan for implementation.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ROBERT BRIA Robert Bria is the Mayor of the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters, having been first elected to the position in a bi-election in October 2005. He is currently Chair of the Council’ s Business and
Economic Development Advisory Committee, and is passionate about supporting local traders and local jobs. In 2015, Robert was recognised for initiating and championing a number of economic development projects and programs in his city, receiving a Commendation from Economic Development Australia( EDA) for Excellence in Economic Development Leadership( Elected Member category). In 2023, he achieved recognition as an Australian Certified Economic Developer. Robert is also currently the Deputy Chair of the Mainstreet SA Committee. He holds a Bachelor of Arts( Honours) degree and a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management from Flinders University, and a Diploma of Government.
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