Floriade can help Civic flourish

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Floriade can help Civic flourishMoving Floriade presents an opportunity to reinvigorate Canberra’s city centre, says the Property Council of Australia. “The ACT Government’s decision to move Floriade is one measure which could enliven our city,” says the Property Council’s ACT Executive Director, Catherine Carter. “Glebe Park is currently a largely forgotten corner of Civic. But when the ABC flats are demolished and new apartments in Reid are complete, Glebe Park will become the backyard for many new families. “As the city reorients itself, we have many new opportunities to invest in attractions and infrastructure that brings people into Civic. Floriade is just one of these. “This may be an opportunity to give our tired old carousel, loved by families since 1974, a new home and a new lease on life in Glebe Park,” Ms Carter adds. “Moving Floriade may also be a chance to rethink some parts of Garema Place and City Walk, which could be transformed to attract visitors into the city, providing a walkable link through to Glebe Park and Floriade. “Other pocket parks are needed to lure more people outdoors – with Floriade the perfect platform to make this happen. Nearby Haig Park is another under-utilised space in the city that requires additional attention and investment to make it safe and accessible. “As Canberra becomes denser and more diverse, we need to invest in green spaces – and to think of our parks as outdoor community centres that enhance the liveliness and liveability of our city. “As part of the renewal of our city centre issues such as arrangements for traffic and parking will also need to be considered and incorporated into city planning. With more activity in the city centre it would make sense to release sites for multi-storey car parking on the east and west sides of the city to facilitate access for Canberra residents and visitors alike. “The Property Council applauds the ACT Government for thinking creatively about Floriade’s location, which could be one of the ingredients needed to build a flourishing CBD,” Ms Carter concludes. Media contact: Catherine Carter |M 0412 330 079|P 02 6248 6902