Size limits on shops may be relaxed to make local centres more viable.

The maximum floor area of supermarkets could be increased from 1,000sqm to 1,500sqm, making it easier for local centres to secure a supermarket as an anchor tenant, explained Mick Gentleman, Minister for Planning and Land Management.

While Canberra had plenty of thriving local centres, Mr Gentleman said this change would help suburban shops where development had stalled over difficulties attracting a supermarket tenant.

“Local centres such as Giralang, Coombs and McKellar have struggled, leaving shops empty and community spaces under-developed,” he said.

“Canberrans love their local shops. They help turn a suburb into a community, and bring services and jobs into the heart of a neighbourhood.  We’ve especially seen the importance of these centres during the COVID pandemic.”

The draft variation will have interim effect, meaning the new provision will apply immediately. The ACT Government must not do or approve anything that would be inconsistent with the Territory Plan if it were varied in accordance with the draft variation.

The public can submit written comments about the draft variation through the ACT Planning website until 25 June.

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