From land releases and events to urban design and streetscape upgrades, sustainability has become a non-negotiable cornerstone of the City Renewal Authority’s work.
This year, we have led the ACT Government’s transformational long-term urban renewal program for the centre of Canberra.
Our vision – as per the Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025 – is a world-class City Centre that sets new standards in city living for liveability, urban design, mental and physical wellbeing, sustainability and resilience.
But what does this look like in a tangible sense?
The following examples highlight how sustainability runs through the Authority’s projects and is helping to create a better, more sustainable City Centre in 2023 and beyond.
Streetscape upgrades
Our projects seek to blend the built and natural environments to create green and cool spaces that make it easier for people to both spend time in or pass through.
For example, the Braddon streetscape upgrades are seeing 1000sqm of hard surfaces converted into garden beds. This is increasing the street’s permeable surfaces by 22 per cent and helping to reduce urban heat.
Image: the new pedestrian crossing installed on Lonsdale Street.
In Dickson, the Woolley Street upgrade saw 240m2 of asphalt converted to pedestrian priority areas to make it safer and easier for people to move around Dickson.
A similar focus on creating integrated spaces will be taken with future upgrades in Garema Place, as well as in our designing improvements to City Walk and Cooyong and Alinga Streets.
Salthouse Community Centre
Nestled within Haig Park, the Salthouse Community Centre embodies the Authority’s focus on both social and environmental sustainability.
The centre has strong accessibility features and provides an inclusive space for creativity, learning and connection.
The project showcases circular economy principles through the reuse of government furniture and materials.
From the adaptive reuse of the original on-site depot building to the incorporation of hundreds of native plants, the Salthouse sets a benchmark for environmentally conscious community spaces.
Annual Christmas campaign
The Authority’s annual Christmas campaign not only enhances the City Centre atmosphere but also helps support local shops, cafes and restaurants.
By providing low-cost and free activities, such as free merry-go-round rides, the program resulted in 42 per cent more visitors in 2022 compared to the preceding three years, with an estimated economic impact of $3.2 million.
Ngamawari (design and planning)
The future public park at Acton Waterfront – Ngamawari – is taking sustainability beyond environmental considerations.
The Authority has collaborated with the Ngunnawal community over the past two years on the design process, with the park incorporates elements such as a yarning circle, native plantings, Ngunnawal art, and a future adventure play space.
Image: a render of Ngamawari, the future public park located on the Acton Waterfront.
This holistic approach, including sustainable caring for Country practices, is fostering a strong connection between the park and its cultural history.
Land releases
The Authority completed two major land sales in 2023, including Block 40 Section 100 and Block 40 Section 19.
Image: a render of the planned development at Block 40 Section 19.
Capital Property Group purchased both sites and were guided by our sustainability checklist during the open-market tender process.
As such, we can expect high-quality and sustainable developments on both sites. For example, the group has committed to making the office building at Block 40 Section 19 100% carbon neutral in operation. Other sustainability features will include:
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These examples show how sustainability practices are entwined with our renewal activities.
It’s about fostering a City Centre that will support future generations of residents, workers, visitors and local businesses.
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We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.
