14 May 2013

Big changes for Dickson

| johnboy
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Simon Corbell has announced Draft Variation 311 to totally rejig Dickson and send the skyline soaring:

“Variation 311 puts Territory Plan controls in place to start rolling out the initiatives of the Dickson master plan, which include up to six stories in areas and improved pedestrian connections – particularly through to Challis St,” Mr Corbell said.

Other changes in the draft variation include potential for increased residential, more active frontages and restrictions in the retail centre to ensure there will be no more overshadowing than at present.

The ACT Government is currently negotiating the sale of Dickson central car parks and that arrangements will be made to ensure loss of parking amenity when any construction happens is kept to a minimum.

Additionally, there is also the potential to utilise the current Tradies car park space for commercial use without losing existing car parks.

“Dickson’s vibrant blend of day and night activities has grown over the years to become an important community hub for many Canberrans,” Mr Corbell said.

“This variation supports and builds upon this vibrancy and opens the way for new opportunities and possibilities.

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Parking in Dickson isn’t a problem if you’re prepared to walk 50 metres. Unfortunately everyone wants to park directly in front of where they’re going.
The main problem is the access into and out of the area. As soon as it rains or gets dark the cars down there seem to have a mind of their own and you see some really interesting manoeuvres. I had a guy reverse back around the corner outside Oneil’s the other night to get to a parking spot he’d gone past. If TAMS set up a “No Right Turn” camera pointed at the Maccas Drive through exit they’d be able to pay for the Skywhale in about a week and some nights the stretch outside subway looks like a 6 lane freeway with people going around each othe and stopping in the wierdest spots.

thatsnotme said :

Jivrashia said :

I don’t get it… Or maybe it’s me.

What is lacking in Dickson that it already doesn’t have?

What’s lacking now? Or what’s lacking in 10 years time? I don’t read this as a change to fix existing problems – more a change that says that Dickson is an area that should be allowed to grow, and here’s how it can happen.

Having said that though, I agree with everyone else who’s worried about parking in the area. I don’t trust that parking won’t be a problem once they’ve sold off the existing car parks at all.

The same number of carparks will be there, just look at Belconnen, all those high rise apartments and multistorey carparks.

Just don’t point out that those are now all privately owned car spaces reserved for those that are living there.

If the arse falls out of the retail sectors around the new developments soon you’ll know why.

Jivrashia said :

I don’t get it… Or maybe it’s me.

What is lacking in Dickson that it already doesn’t have?

What’s lacking now? Or what’s lacking in 10 years time? I don’t read this as a change to fix existing problems – more a change that says that Dickson is an area that should be allowed to grow, and here’s how it can happen.

Having said that though, I agree with everyone else who’s worried about parking in the area. I don’t trust that parking won’t be a problem once they’ve sold off the existing car parks at all.

Jivrashia said :

I don’t get it… Or maybe it’s me.

What is lacking in Dickson that it already doesn’t have?

Dickson lacks for nothing IMHO, lived for many years on Wilshire st and loved the area- will move back one day.

“stories” ? Did Corbell hire one his illiterate developer mates’ kids to draft his media releases?

Jivrashia said :

I don’t get it… Or maybe it’s me.

What is lacking in Dickson that it already doesn’t have?

Dickson is certainly more interesting than many parts of Canberra, but it would be an ideal place for more flats. Close enough to the city for people to consider riding (or even walking) and relatively well served by buses. Already well served with restaurants and cafes. We need some infill to avoid Canberra spreading out more and more.

A few more independent shops would be good, too.

PrinceOfAles5:39 pm 14 May 13

Jivrashia said :

I don’t get it… Or maybe it’s me.

What is lacking in Dickson that it already doesn’t have?

Parking.

I don’t get it… Or maybe it’s me.

What is lacking in Dickson that it already doesn’t have?

Parking in Dickson is already terrible… They will need to triple what the currently have if they plan on bringing in more retail space.

I don’t believe it when they say there won’t be much loss of parking.

It seems the government is all happy to take access away from car users but don’t provide better public transport to assist with the change.

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