The City Renewal Authority has been recognised in this year’s Australian Good Design Awards for its 2020 City Walk upgrades.
The project received the Good Design Award Winner Accolade in the Architectural Design category in recognition for outstanding design and innovation.
City Renewal Authority Place and Design Director Lucy Wilson said the award highlights the ongoing transformation of Canberra’s main pedestrian-only shopping precinct.
“Our team has helped create a thriving high street experience in City Walk, featuring a mix of plantings, street furniture and public art,” Ms Wilson said.
“It has been wonderful to see the upgrades embraced by the community – our data shows it has contributed to a 340 per cent increase in evening visitation.
“Its popularity can be observed walking through the beautiful space, where crowds of people are now enjoying meals, being together and people-watching.”
The Good Design Awards Jury commented: “This is a well-resolved example of public domain design.
“The Jury feels it brings true value to Canberra and the wider community, providing an elevated space for those who interact with the area. The Jury commends the design team on a job well done.”
Ms Wilson said the public could expect a similarly high standard from further planned upgrades in both Garema Place and along the rest of City Walk.
“We are now planning the next stages of City Walk upgrades, with a beautiful and functional new public space planned from Ainslie Place to Allara Street," Ms Wilson said.
“As evidenced by the 2020 City Walk upgrades, well-designed public spaces bring people together and encourage them to stay longer – that’s what we want for both City Walk and Garema Place.
“It’s great for social connection, for local business and – more generally – for our City Centre as the heart of Canberra.”
Initial design work for the next stage of City Walk upgrades is about to get underway, with public feedback and suggestions to be sought in 2024. The works will also complement the upcoming Garema Place upgrade, with final designs on this project also due in 2024.
About the Good Design Awards
The Good Design Awards are the highest honour for design and innovation in the country and reward diverse projects across 11 design disciplines covering more than 35 categories and subcategories. For more information, visit the Good Design website.
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