Minister Barr: ACT Government promotes renewal of the city centre
- Written by ACT Government
Released 13/08/2016
Creating a livelier city centre is a priority for my Government as highlighted in the new CBD Renewal 2016-17 paper, released today.
The government has significantly invested in the renewal of Canberra’s CBD to make Canberra a more vibrant and exciting place to live, work and visit and continue to attract new investment into our city. The private sector is also at work in the city creating more jobs and developments, that in turn breathe new life into the city centre.
There’s so much going on in the CBD that people keep asking me if there is a way they can see it all in one place. This new paper, which focuses on projects and services which are either underway or in the final stages of planning, does that. It’s accompanied by an interactive online map that can be updated as more projects get underway.
Already we have seen works commence on a range of exciting projects, including:
- Stage 1 of the city’s Light Rail project, the first step in integrating buses with the light rail network and active travel, providing a reliable and affordable public transport system to get Canberrans where they need to go;
- The ACT Government’s first public private partnership, the Law Courts project commenced in March this year to provide the ACT’s legal sector with world class facilities by the end of 2018. The new Law Courts building adds to the rejuvenation of the city’s west, while maintaining its unique heritage features; and
- The Canberra Theatre’s $9.5 million upgrade to attract higher calibre entertainment and tap into the ACT’s entertainment catchment area of almost 1 million people.
Looking towards the future, the CBD City Renewal 2016-17 paper also expands on new Government announcements like the Government Building on London Circuit and the development of Point Park and the Waterfront Precinct at West Basin.
As our population grows towards half a million people it is important to create more homes in the CBD, as greater density in the city helps us protect the suburban character we love and provide a vibrant centre for all Canberrans to enjoy.
We are supporting private sector renewal by providing development approval of several key private projects that will draw more residents, businesses and visitors into the city.
When combined with the ACT Events Policy paper, the City Action Plan, and Canberra’s urban sounds we are asking Canberrans how our city can continue to become the world’s cool little capital.
To join the discussion on Canberra’s urban development and the future of events and entertainment visit the new interactive website yoursay.act.gov.au.
To download your copy of the CBD City Renewal 2016-17 and check out the interactive map visit www.act.gov.au/cbdrenewal.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
