“Global Research has helped City of Melbourne with over 13 projects over the last four years. Their commitment to reading, understanding and analysing every word and sentiment shared by the community ensures everyone is heard and nothing is missed.
Their reports provide high quality, easy-to-understand summaries, visual representations and quotes. These reports are well regarded by staff and Councillors, and have consistently influenced the direction of our work and improved Council decision making.
The reports are often published on our online platform and community can see how their input has influenced projects and policies. ”
Background and aims
The City of Melbourne (CoM) launched a community consultation process around the redevelopment of the Queen Victoria Market Precinct, engaging Global Research to provide a report with the findings of this consultation. Melburnians were asked to share their views on how they think a new 1.5-hectare public space, Market Square, should be used.
Submissions for this community engagement project were received primarily through an online Participate Melbourne survey, with a small number of responses being emailed directly to CoM. These responses will all be used to inform future development in the Queen Victoria Market Precinct.
Our role
Global Research worked closely with the City of Melbourne to deliver a comprehensive analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data supplied by the 135 respondents who completed the Participate Melbourne online survey during the three-week period. These responses were carefully examined to reveal how Melburnians wanted this new public space to be used. The close relationship held with CoM throughout the project meant that a comprehensive and highly tailored report was delivered on time and within budget.
Design and method
Prior to the Participate Melbourne online survey being launched in October 2019, efforts were made by the City of Melbourne and Queen Victoria Market Pty. Ltd. to inform the public about the proposal for the new space at Market Square. These efforts included distributing fact sheets to local businesses and residents, print and social media advertising, and three drop-in information sessions to engage the public.
Submissions were carefully analysed by Global Research data analysts and presented in a comprehensive and clear report showing the findings of the survey. All comments were read and sorted (coded) into relevant categories, which were then provided to CoM to keep them informed during the analysis phase. Quantitative data was presented in easy to read tables and charts, while qualitative data from four open-ended questions was read by analysts and synthesised to show a clear and accurate representation of the responses received.
Result
The report contained two main sections; one presenting the quantitative data gathered from the online survey, and another discussing qualitative responses provided by submitters. These were sorted into three main themes:
Theme 1: Informal activities
Theme 2: Programmed activities and events
Theme 3: How open space development should be delivered
The creation of these themes was influenced by the content of the comments received, and focused on those that were directly relevant to the questions posed in the Participate Melbourne survey.
The clear presentation of data allowed the City of Melbourne to gain an understanding of how the public wanted to see the new public space at Market Square used. This information will be used to inform future developments at Market Square, ensuring that they are in line with the desires of the people of Melbourne.
Some snapshots of our findings have been published on the City of Melbourne website here.
Outcome
The results presented in Global Research’s report will be used by the City of Melbourne to develop a Market Square Charter in 2020, and inform future development of the Market Square space. View the full report online here.