The new Draft City Plan for Canberra has begun community consultation, and the ACT Government encourage Canberrans to have their say on their city.
The current projects underway aimed to “breathe new life into our city’s heart” is the raising of London Circuit and Light Rail Stage 2A, redevelopment of Acton Waterfront, revitalisation of Civic Square and Canberra Theatre Centre into an arts and cultural district, establishment of a city entertainment precinct, and establishment of a University of NSW campus.
Another 21 draft actions are outlined in the plan that are subject to government agreement and community consultation.
The ACT Government have outline the eight goals that have shaped the plan development and draft spatial framework:
- A City Centre that is “our gateway to the world” and the cosmopolitan heart of Canberra.
- A clearly identifiable City Centre that increases in formality on approach and signifies the symbolic and functional roles of the National Capital.
- Unique business opportunities, a wide range of lifestyle options for diverse communities, a distinct urban culture, and am easy-to-access, people-first destination.
- A place-based approach focusing on excellent design, diversity of housing options, and sustainability and innovation.
- A range of transportation options including public transport, cycling, and walking.
- Biodiversity with generous planting on buildings, the public realm, streets, and open spaces.
- The five precincts united as the heart of Canberra with their own unique character.
- A contemporary expression of the Griffin plan structure.
The ACT Government’s vision for the Draft City Plan is: “A fair place for all. A vital and energetic place for people to enjoy and meet. A place that is community focused, walkable, public transport-oriented, sustainable, resilient and connected to its landscape.”
Plans for the 5 precincts
The urban design framework in the Draft City Plan outlines “distinct” plans for each of the five precincts that make up Canberra City. The urban design will build on the unique characteristics of each precinct to attract new residents, workers, visitors, innovation, and investment.
The Draft Plan states the framework will be guided by two strategies: building and activating Canberra City Centre.
City Hill Precinct is set to remain an culturally important, highly active area of Civic with a mix of residential, retail, commercial, and community uses.
City North-East will be dominated by “finer grain retail and commercial uses” with high levels of activity being the primary entertainment area of Canberra. The extensive area of pedestrianised streets, including City Walk, Garema Place, and Petrie Plaza, are characterised as the focus of City Centre retail and entertainment uses.
City South-East is known as the tourism, business, and education quarter defined by the heavy recreational and tourism uses and parks and open spaces. Constitution Avenue has high quality streetscape outcomes and is one of the most prominent connections between City Hill and the National Triangle.
City North-West’s diverse character underpinned by students, arts, and theatre communities will be mixed with education, research and commercial uses.
West Basin and Acton Waterfront is to be a lively waterfront community with a mix of activities and services to allow Canberrans to make the most of Lake Burley Griffin.
Community consultation on the Draft City Plan closes on 13 March 2023. Have your say here.
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