Kaleen shops are being upgraded for the first time in decades, and work will soon begin on Duffy and Campbell shops – part of the ACT Government’s $40 million suburban infrastructure project, described as the largest since self-government.

“Shopping centres are important community hubs,” said Chris Steel, ACT Minister for Transport and City Services. “They’re places for people to meet, visit, and support local business, and we want to make sure these are vibrant high-quality spaces to use.”

Local shops became gathering places during the pandemic, the minister observed. While people work from home, they come in to eat, grab a coffee, or shop at the pharmacist or supermarket. But over time, the infrastructure has degraded, the pavement has cracked, and trees have become stunted.

“This is an opportunity to … put in place long-lasting improvements that will benefit [locals] for years to come,” Mr Steel said.

Kaleen’s Gwydir Square is a case in point. Recent condition audits of all Canberra’s local shopping centres identified it as a priority for a makeover. Built in the early 1970s, it last had minor upgrades a couple of decades ago, and it does not altogether meet modern standards. No toilets, and not enough wheelchair-friendly ramps.

“This is a once-in-30-years opportunity … to make sure that it’s modern and accessible,” Mr Steel said.

Kaleen residents told the government they wanted a brand-new toilet; refreshed softfall at the playground; upgraded lighting; new pavements; more trees, shrubs, and grasses; community artwork; and more carparks. Construction will cost $2 million, and take six months.

Duffy will have a new playground and bike track; a new toilet; accessible paths of travel; more native trees; improved seating and shade. Campbell’s landscaping will be improved – paving, more plants, and more car spaces.

The three shopping centres were built 50 years ago, and will cost $7.5 to upgrade. Feasibility studies and preliminary sketch plans had already been undertaken, Mr Steel said. The design was fast-tracked so construction could begin.

Able Landscaping is renovating Kaleen shops. “Working with a local community on a local shop upgrade is what we’re all about,” said Johnny Noja, Able’s managing director. Founded 50 years ago, all its employees and the majority of suppliers and subcontractors were locals.

The shopping centre upgrades are only part of the government’s colossal infrastructure scheme, which also involves 11 more shopping centres, new playgrounds, parks, and dog parks. The community will be consulted.

The local shops at Narrabundah, Evatt, Macquarie, and Monash, and the commercial precincts and group centres of Weston (Brierly Street), Holt (Kippax), Lanyon, Calwell, Dickson (Woolley Street), Braddon (Lonsdale Stree), and Pialligo will be upgraded.

“These projects which are built for Canberra are designed to support local communities, create jobs, and support the businesses at these local shops, and they will employ local people,” Mr Steel said. “This is an opportunity to provide stimulus at a time when we need to create local employment.”

The government intends to upgrade or build new playgrounds in Aranda, Ngunnawal, Chisholm, Gordon, Lyons, and Kaleen.

The Tuggeranong foreshore’s amenity and facilities will be improved next month, while the government is already improving Yerrabi Pond in Gungahlin. Further upgrades include new and upgraded toilets, lighting, and car parking.

Casey will also have a new community recreation park, and new dog parks will be built later this year in Franklin and Lanyon.

Design and construction of the suburban infrastructure program is expected to be completed during this term of government.

“Countless local shops in Canberra are in desperate need of upgrades,” said Canberra Liberal MLA Nicole Lawder, Shadow Minister for City Services. “It’s time this Labor-Greens Government got on with the job and started following through on its promises.”