Artist's impression of Taglietti Square following the Dickson Shops upgrade.
We're making improvements to public spaces at the Dickson Shops.
The project aims to create a safe, accessible, and welcoming shopping and community hub. The improvements will help the Dickson Shops meet the needs of a growing population and attract visitors.
Designs have been developed based on feedback from local businesses, building owners, and community members. They have also been informed by community input as presented in the Dickson Place Plan. The proposed improvements have been carefully designed to lift the quality of the public environment and complement the recent Woolley Street works, whilst still preserving Dickson’s character.
Read more about the features of the project here.
The project will be undertaken in stages in areas of the Dickson Shops until mid-2027. For the first next six months of construction, work will be at the northern end of the shops and move towards Cowper Street around the Dickson Library.
We are working closely with businesses to minimise disruption and support those impacted throughout construction. While there will be short-term impacts, this project will help local businesses thrive over the coming decade and beyond.
Complex Co is managing the construction for this project.
Stages 1, 2, 3 and 4a are being completed in the first half of 2026. Work is underway for stages 1 and 2 in the north-western corner of the shops including Taglietti Square and on the car park side of the post office.
Work for stage 3 will commence in May with further site fencing being placed in at the northern area of the shops (see staging diagram below). Work is also underway for stage 4a. This work is beginning earlier than expected to take place alongside the renovations of the old Commonwealth Bank building. Work in area 4b will begin as scheduled as the project progresses through stages 1-3
Dickson Shops construction staging diagram (please note: diagram is indicative and subject to change).
Construction fencing to enable construction in the Joan Kellet Way car park is scheduled to be installed on Wednesday 27 May 2026.
Four upgraded disability parking bays and a wider footpath are being built to improve accessibility and provide a better connection to Cowper Street alongside new paving, lighting and landscaping. Four disability parking spaces will be temporarily relocated to the north-western corner of the car park while stage three takes place.
To ensure the retention of disability parking and provide safe access for construction vehicles and pedestrians, some parking spaces at the southern, post office end of the car park will also be temporarily unavailable during work for stage three.
Location of temporary disability parking.
The Open for business guide has been developed to help businesses and property owners before, during, and after construction.
It offers communication tips, government services, and advice specifically for those affected by the project.
In 2024, City Renewal held public consultation to gather feedback on the draft designs of the Dickson Shops upgrade. More than 252 community members contributed online, around 80 people attended drop-in sessions, and the consultation team visited approximately 60 businesses.
Visit YourSay Conversations for more details on the public consultation and to read the Listening Report.
For general questions about the project please email us at CityRenewal@act.gov.au
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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.