Capital Metro an opportunity to fix Civic’s parking woes

The ACT Government has decided to limit the amount of car parking spaces taken up by a Capital Metro construction compound – a move welcomed by the Property Council of Australia.

Minister for Capital Metro Simon Corbell today confirmed that, following consultation on the draft Environmental Impact Statement for Capital Metro, the ACT Government will only allow up to percent of the Magistrates Court car park on London Circuit to be used as a construction compound.

“We are pleased that the ACT Government is taking this matter seriously, and is responding to the concerns raised by businesses and the community,” says the Property Council’s ACT Executive Director, Catherine Carter.

“Access to parking is critical for a wide range of businesses in this part of the city. Currently, around 0 retail and service businesses employing 3,0 people are within a 10 minute walk of this car park.

“The Capital Metro compound area should be just that – a compound, not a construction workers’ car park. Workers must find their own car park at every other development site in the city, and Capital Metro should be no different. If the area is to be used solely as a compound, it may be possible to reduce its size,” Ms Carter adds.

The ACT Government is now exploring options to increase current parking levels by up to about 40 additional car spaces. One of the options being considered by government is for a two-level parking structure to be built on the remaining section of the Magistrate’s Court car park.

“Based on the information currently available, the Property Council would prefer to see the ACT Government pursue this option. Given the shortage of car parking on the west side of the city, a new parking structure could remain in place after Capital Metro is completed, as part of a more permanent solution to the car parking problems facing City West.

“As it turns out, the Capital Metro project presents an unmissable opportunity to fix Civic’s parking woes for the long-term, as part of an integrated transport solution for the city,” Ms Carter concludes.

Media contact: Catherine Carter |M 0412 330 079|P 02 6248 6902