Inspiration, innovation and an injection of funds needed for Civic

While urban renewal remains on the ACT Government’s agenda, inspiration, innovation and an injection of funds are essential for Canberra to become the world’s “cool little capital”, says the Property Council of Australia.

“The Property Council was encouraged by Chief Minister Andrew Barr’s comments at this morning’s budget breakfast that urban renewal remains on the ACT Government’s agenda,” says the Property Council’s ACT Executive Director, Catherine Carter.

“Revitalising our city centre is essential for Canberra’s future. The ambitions laid out in the ACT Government’s City Plan – such as attracting more residents to the city centre and creating a modern built environment – are a good start. But we need much more than plans – we need results.

“Canberra is the same geographic size as Barcelona – with just a fraction of the population. Making use of our limited resources requires creativity, innovation and an injection of funds – something that is lacking in the 2016 budget.

“Urban renewal in our city centre will meet multiple government objectives. It will increase density in places where it makes the most sense, give Canberrans more housing and lifestyle choices and create a more vibrant city centre,” Ms Carter adds.

In March, the Property Council and Canberra CBD Limited released, Transforming Canberra’s City Centre, a discussion paper which explores how to create new landmark addresses, attract residents into the CBD and rejuvenate the city’s tired buildings.

“The condition of our city centre is not just an issue for building owners – it’s an issue for everyone who wants to enjoy a vibrant and vital CBD. We need a collaborative partnership between government, industry and the community to work together if we want to become the world’s ‘cool little capital’,” Ms Carter concludes.

Download Transforming Canberra’s City Centre here. 

Media contact: Catherine Carter |M 0412 330 079|P 02 6248 6602