$3.25 million is to be invested in the 2014-15 ACT Budget to start the revitalisation of Woden Town Centre and to begin the redevelopment of the bus interchange.
The work to be undertaken includes constructing new stairs, ramps and lighting that will greatly improve public safety and access to the Woden Town Square from the interchange on Bowes Street.
It also includes de-coupling the interchange to several privately owned buildings as well as other preparatory works to allow for the town centre and new bus interchange development to occur.
The project is an important part of making Callam Street Woden’s ‘main street’ and providing new pedestrian and bicycle connections to properly link Woden’s public spaces to commercial and community activity.
Street verges that are currently devoid of pedestrian activity and dominated by bus layover areas will be integrated with new retail activity to improve amenity and overall public safety.
The Territory’s partnership with the owners of Westfield Plaza is a significant factor in transforming Woden into a more pedestrian and public transport oriented town centre.
Encouraging the Plaza’s owners to demolish the northern car parking structure and rebuilding retail activated street edges and including an internal ‘bus lounge’ is a significant first step towards recasting Callam Street as Woden’s ‘main street’.
Westfield will replace the 740 spaces in its parking structure with about 1150 new spaces in a basement and rooftop arrangement.
The new interchange and upgrades to Callam Street will transform the centre of Woden. It will be more pleasant and convenient for bus passengers, and be a vast improvement on the current arrangement.
The development will also provide better linkages between the interchange and Plaza and bring more life and vitality to the area, including more cafes, shops and activity on the streetfront.
(Andrew Barr Media Release)
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