Innovation Challenges: Safer Public Spaces for Women and Girls
Tags: Data Portal, Community Safety,Public Spaces, Smart City, Open Data Solutions, Australian Open Data Solution Provider
Over the past few years, the NSW Government has been establishing new pathways for collaboration with the emerging technology sector. Among these initiatives, the Smart City Innovation Challenges stand out, aiming to leverage cutting-edge technology and data solutions to address local issues important to the people of NSW. Peclet recently partnered with University of Newcastle and Cumberland Council to complete two significant projects in Penrith City Park and Guildford Laneway. These projects utilise smart technologies and a data-driven approach to help make public spaces feel safer and more comfortable for women and girls, resulting in improved local neighbourhoods.
1.Penrith City Park - Illuminating Safety
The Penrith City Park project, delivered in collaboration with the University of Newcastle's FastLab, SAPHI and Design Anthology and funded by the NSW Government, is part of the Safer Public Spaces initiative. This project aims to transform public areas into vibrant, secure, and well-lit spaces, particularly focusing on enhancing safety for women and girls.
Penrith Pennies: A Data-Driven Solution for Enhancing Safety
Four digital display structures called 'Penrith Pennies' were installed in the City Park in Penrith. The content on the Pennies was designed and developed in conjunction with women and girls in the Penrith area. The devices capture data such as people counting and asset utilisation, but also from surveys providing insight into the socio-economic factors that influence feelings of safety. The installations utilise sound, light and artwork to encourage interaction. They also display information about upcoming events in the region and collect data to help the NSW Government understand and improve perceptions of safety among women, girls and gender diverse populations.

Peclet's Role in Data Collection and Analysis
Integrating the Penny devices into the existing infrastructure required accurate data collection and analysis. Peclet played a role in storing and displaying the data collected from the Penny devices. Our data-driven approach ensures the public has access to information, increasing transparency and community trust. By understanding the socio-economic parameters that influence perceptions of safety, the data provided valuable insights to improve the overall safety and usability of Penrith's city parks. On the project's data portal, users have clear access to specific information about the daily interactions of the four pennies.
While this project is still in early stages, the data shows that Penrith City Park is becoming a safer public area than ever before. Since its launch in June 2024, the Penrith Pennies have detected a total of 109,583 presences and 16,216 interactions, with many of these interactions recorded at night.
"With these digital installations and sensor-based technology allowing green, open and public spaces like City Park to be well-lit and interactive, it enables women and girls to feel comfortable, particularly at night."

Comments from Community
"With these digital installations and sensor-based technology allowing green, open and public spaces like City Park to be well-lit and interactive, it enables women and girls to feel comfortable, particularly at night."
2.Guildford Laneway - transforming urban spaces
Guildford Laneway in Cumberland is now brand new, with 'fun, clean and bright' being the main impression visitors have of the laneway. Not so long ago, however, litter, anti-social behaviour and limited use after dark discouraged the neighbourhood from staying long. As part of the Her Way project within the Safer Cities Programme, Cumberland Council has undertaken a variety of interventions, including the installation of smart technology, to revitalise the space. Through using the Data for Places methodology, the project addressed the challenges of under-utilised and unsafe public space in the lane.
Peclet's role in intervening Guildford Lane
Peclet played a role in the intervention process by developing an integrated dashboard that combines real-time data such as bus timetables, current weather and traffic flows with historical data. This data-driven approach provides a clear picture of how the square is being used before and after the intervention.

This dashboard also allows that the public and the council have access to both real-time and historical data, thus increasing transparency and informed decision-making. Users can monitor the effectiveness of the intervention and make the necessary adjustments to improve safety and usability.
Since the project, there has been a marked improvement in the safety and usability of the area. Data collected shows that footfall and dwell time have increased 3 to 4 times. The proportion of people now walking their pets, reading and relaxing in the lane has increased several times compared to the past. 92 per cent of people believe the street is now safe enough when it is dark, compared to just 31 per cent in the past. This demonstrates the success of the project in transforming Guildford Lane into a safer and more welcoming public space.

Both the time people spend in the laneway and the types of activities they engage in have changed significantly. Previously, most visitors merely passed through, spending an average of only 16 to 30 seconds in the space. Now, the average time spent has increased noticeably to over one minute. Beyond simply walking through, people are now using the laneway for socialising, exercising, playing, relaxing, and sitting, making full use of the newly added seating areas and play equipment. This transformation highlights the success of the upgrades in turning the laneway into a vibrant, multi-functional space that fosters community interaction and engagement.

Comments from Community
"It's a pleasant change as there hasn't been much change in Guildford in the last 30 years. It sometimes feels like we are the forgotten cousin. This is a welcome start."
"I want to see these things bleed out across the whole precinct to feel safer. Because of the success of this I am more likely to visit the area."
Conclusion
The Penrith City Park and Guildford Laneway projects examplify the transformative potential of data-driven approaches in enhancing the safety and usability of public spaces. By leveraging smart technology, such as the Penrith Pennies and comprehensive dashboards, Peclet has provided valuable insights into the socio-economic parameters influencing perceptions of safety. The real-time and historical data collected has not only increased transparency and community trust but has also enabled informed decision-making and continuous improvement of these spaces.
The early success of these projects, demonstrated by increased foot traffic and reduced anti-social behaviour, highlights the importance of integrating advanced data collection and analysis into urban planning. As cities continue to evolve, the role of data-driven solutions in creating safer and more liveable environments will become increasingly significant. Peclet remains committed to using innovative technology and data insights to support communities and foster safer public spaces for women, girls, and all residents.
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