Released 11/05/2017
More places where people want to be – in a lively and renewed city centre – will be delivered by the new City Renewal Authority, under legislation passed today.
The City Renewal Authority start work on 1 July, as will the new Suburban Land Agency, which has a clear mission to give Canberrans more affordable housing and new greenfield estates.
The City Renewal Authority will give Canberrans a vibrant city centre through design-led, people-focussed urban renewal that promotes social and environmental sustainability.
It will give Canberra buildings that win awards, in areas Canberrans and visitors love to go.
We don’t want to see bland boxes at the gateway to our city. We want interesting buildings and welcoming places that reflect the city we love. It will be the new authority’s job to deliver these so Canberra can compete with cities nationally and internationally for awards in architecture, design, sustainability and liveability.
The authority will breathe new life into the CBD and Dickson, by taking the same precinct-based approach that has been successful in projects like Southbank in Brisbane and Elizabeth Quay in Perth. It will support the development of quality new public spaces and buildings along and around Northbourne Avenue and create the lakeside precinct in West Basin.
It will be a statutory authority and work is progressing well to appoint a new board with expertise in design, engineering, sustainability, community building and administration. The board will then appoint the chief executive.
The City Renewal Authority will lead major projects; buy, ‘package’ and sell land; and attract and support investors. It will also administer design competitions and negotiate contracts to ensure Canberrans get the best possible design for their new public areas and buildings.
It will be responsible for community engagement relating to city renewal, improving public spaces in the precinct and preparing sites and associated infrastructure. Its mission to create great public places will see the new authority deliver on the master planning work to improve Haig Park.
The Suburban Land Agency will deliver new greenfield residential estates and more affordable housing. The new agency, under the governance of a new board, will deliver land release, affordable housing, better suburbs and focus on urban renewal projects in town centres and suburbs.
A newly-established ACT Government directorate for planning, land and environment will provide administrative and policy support to the new bodies.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases