5 August 2013

Simon says give me your thoughts on Kingston

| johnboy
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Simon Corbell is asking you to come along to his Kingston consultation this Saturday morning:

The proposal includes increasing building heights, improving pedestrian connections and increasing protections for the centre’s character. The proposal also looks at the possibility for one or more supermarkets in the area.

The variation draws on the recommendations of the Kingston Centre master plan, which was endorsed by the ACT Government in June 2011.

“Kingston is unique to the Territory and has attracted much interest in its ongoing development,” Mr Corbell said.

“This is a great example of the ACT Government consulting with the public to make sure we get planning in Canberra right.”

The drop-in session will be held at Green Square in Kingston this Saturday 10 August, from 9.30am to 1.00pm.

Bring back the grass to Green Square Simon, that’s what we want.

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HiddenDragon11:50 am 05 Aug 13

I’ve always thought of Kingston as the slower, dowdy cousin of Manuka. In the past, there has been a certain charm to that, but in recent years, it just looks sad, with a series of random, disparate businesses, some of which seem to struggle. After going through the motions of consulting, I assume the Government will go ahead and do what it already intends to do, and whack up some big tacky apartment buildings with tacky, over-priced retail and office space included. While all this is going on, the place will be a shambles and will lose even more appeal to the public. The likely further cuts after the election (regardless of the outcome) will not augur well for the commercial success of the new development(s).

Mark of Sydney11:24 am 05 Aug 13

Simon, please just get on with it and do what you’re elected to do — stop consulting and make a decision. This latest government statement says ‘The variation draws on the recommendations of the Kingston Centre master plan, which was endorsed by the ACT Government in June 2011.’

The masterplan was the result of an extensive consultation process — so what are we doing two years later with a further round of consultation?

My friends who live in the neighbourhood say they and existing retail outlets (perhaps not including the IGA) want a full-service supermarket — which apparently would serve as an retail anchor for a far wider range of services and transform Kingston from what is essentially just a cafe, restaurant and bar strip.

The government owns the land for the supermarket — just release it and get on with construction.

If they don’t the pressure will be on to build a retail centre at Kingston Foreshore. Come to think of it, why not given the population growth?

thebrownstreak69 said :

Definitely bring back the grass.

That makes no difference. Dilapidated buildings, shortage of parking, stinky alley ways and vacancies all bring down Kingston, meanwhile the new foreshore precinct will draw even more people away.

Grass doesn’t mean jack and it makes no difference to the experience of the people who use Green Square.

Kingston is shabby and many businesses have moved down to the foreshore. Old Kingston is overdue for some TLC which is starting now with Holy Grail/First Floor. I believe the IGA is extending and the old bank building is going to be a restaurant by the owners of the Ottoman. Cusacks is occupied by a gym so that’s another positive.

The changes to the zoning of the public carpark to allow units and a supermarket will also be a good thing and will bring people back to Green Square area.

thebrownstreak6910:44 am 05 Aug 13

Definitely bring back the grass.

Yep. bring the grass back. I haven’t eaten at Kingston since it went.

Or else rename it scruffbowl square.

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