Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun Town Centre Revitalisation Study

Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun Town Centre Revitalisation Study

Land Insights was engaged by the Shire of Ravensthorpe in 2022 to prepare a strategy for Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun town centre revitalisation. The goal was to help both towns recover from the social and economic challenges of the COVID-19 period and chart a locally grounded vision for future renewal.

Our approach centred on narrative-based design. We held in-depth conversations with residents, businesses, community groups, and clubs to understand each town’s unique character, heritage and aspirations. The result was a shared desire to restore energy to the town centres and support tourism and local business activity.

In Ravensthorpe, the study focused on Morgans Street, once the commercial heart of the town. Despite a recent civic centre upgrade, the street had become quiet, with vacant buildings and low street activity. Our vision included turning Morgans Street into a tourism and activity hub—combining visitor services, events, and small-scale accommodation with improved public realm and heritage restoration.

Hopetoun presented a contrasting but equally compelling opportunity. Veal Street, the town’s main spine, leads to the beloved groyne—a community meeting point and sunset destination. The strategy for Hopetoun proposed low-impact interventions such as a new event space, more shade and seating, and stronger visual links between town and coast.

Both towns are located near Fitzgerald River National Park and are supported by a local airport, giving them untapped tourism potential. The plan recommended forming two Town Teams—one for each town—to drive implementation and local leadership.

The Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun town centre revitalisation strategy was adopted by the Shire for public consultation. It now serves as a guiding document for place-based investment and activation.

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