The Causeway, a public housing estate in Kingston, could be renewed to produce 1,500 new homes, the ACT Government believes.

The first major plan amendment for the East Lake precinct under the new interim Territory Plan was released today for public comment, as was the final place plan for the East Lake precinct.

The Draft Plan Amendment A East Lake – The Causeway Area proposes urban intensification and regeneration of the Causeway, through mixed use development, of four to eight storeys high. Cargill’s Cottage and the heritage-listed Causeway Hall would be preserved, and the area would be connected to the Jerrabomberra Wetlands. Land would be released in 2025-26.

“This is an opportunity to provide more affordable housing and more public housing to meet the needs of our community, but also provide high quality public spaces that are better for people; more canopy cover; and also recognise heritage of the area; to realise some of the symmetry from the early [Burley] Griffin plan … [and] some of the heritage of the existing buildings in the area,” said Chris Steel, ACT Minister for Planning.

The government is also considering a new Canberra Railway Station; new streets, cycle and pedestrian pathways in the East Lake area; and turning the Fyshwick CIT campus into an innovation precinct.

“There will be plenty of opportunities in the broader East Lake area for business, light industry and education,” Mr Steel said. “There is a bright future for residents and businesses in the area.”

The community can comment on the changes proposed in the Draft Plan Amendment-A East Lake – The Causeway Area and proposed changes to the Inner South Technical Specifications until 5 April, via visit the ACT Planning Website.