Construction has began on improvements along Hardwick Crescent in the Kippax Group Centre.

Consultation was carried out  in 2022 to get feedback on the preliminary designs, which had been developed in response to the Kippax Group Centre Master Plan 2019. The project follows extensive site investigations and targeted engagement with local businesses and community groups.

The ACT Government heard requests from the community for:

• improved pedestrian access
• a greater number and variety of plantings
• opportunities for outdoor dining
• new furniture
• safety and accessibility improvements.

The upgrades to the Kippax Group Centre will increase accessibility along shopfronts. This includes wider shopfront pavement, allowing space for outdoor cafes and public outdoor furniture.

New streetlighting will make the area safer. Three pedestrian crossings in this section will be raised to further improve pedestrian safety.

There will be line markings within the surface carparks. These will direct pedestrians between the currently separated commercial centres on either side of the large carparks.

There will be eight new parallel timed parking spaces along Hardwick Crescent. These will replace the existing spaces. There will be two new accessible parking spaces within the surface carpark adjacent to Hardwick Crescent.

Community members can look forward to a new streetscape, including new plantings and landscaping. Twelve new Chinese elm trees are expected to grow up to 10 metres tall.

New retaining walls will be added between the road and pedestrian areas. These will provide additional seating options for visitors.

Construction will be staged to minimise impacts to businesses and the local community. The first stage of works will be at the service station end of Hardwick Crescent.

There will be street closures as construction is completed. Signed detours will direct road users, and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

Construction is expected to take around nine months to complete. The most disruptive works are aimed for completion ahead of the Christmas trading period.

Learn more about the Kippax Group Centre upgrades.