A new city nightspot is on the way with the Canberra Centre planning a bar/restaurant in its North Quarter that will transform the corner of Scott’s Crossing and Bunda Street.
The proposed upstairs night bar with overhead balconies and a downstairs kitchen, designed by Maher Architecture, are part of a number of upgrades designed to enhance the Canberra Centre Dining and Entertainment Precinct.
The development application from Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) says the $735,000 project will activate a space that is underutilised, create a point of interest on a key corner and improve the amenity along Bunda Street and Scotts Crossing.
The existing escalators, awnings, beams and windows will be ripped out and two new ground and first-floor tenancies created, with a new Level 1 slab and enclosed balconies.
It will increase the gross floor area by 150 square metres but no changes to the Crown lease will be required to accommodate the new areas.
An existing tree nearby will be retained.
The DA, prepared by Maher Architecture for QIC, says the proposed works are an integral part of the Canberra Centre’s retail repositioning and will improve the range and quality of the food and beverages available in the North Quarter.
“Once completed the proposed works will have a positive impact on pedestrian movement and amenity as access to the centre from the street will be improved and the general aesthetic of Bunda Street and Scotts Crossing will be enhanced,” it says.
Recent upgrades in the Canberra Centre include new external escalators along Bunda Street St into Level 1 of Block 17, Section 84 and the internal refurbishment and external façade upgrades of the Monaro Mall at Block 1 Section 51, as well as the recently completed external façade and awning upgrades at Block 9 Section 56, further along Bunda Street.
QIC last month lodged plans for a new restaurant and outdoor dining space along the southern end of Bunda Street.
In December, the entertainment and ten-pin bowling attraction Kingpin, opened in the former Level 1 food court in the North Quarter.