Canberrans have until July 3 to provide feedback on a draft design strategy to transform Kings and Commonwealth Avenues into landmark destinations in keeping with Walter Burley Griffin’s original vision.
The aim is to reclaim the Avenues to be attractive public spaces that are used for pedestrians and cyclists – not only cars.
Federal Minister for Local Government and Territories, Senator Fiona Nash, said Kings and Commonwealth Avenues help to form the National Triangle originally designed by Walter Burley Griffin.
“This design strategy aims to improve the Avenues, ensuring they are public spaces befitting our national capital, whilst honouring Griffin’s vision,” Ms Nash said.
National Capital Authority Chief Executive Malcolm Snow said that the two Avenues have mainly evolved in response to increases in traffic volumes without enough priority placed on their role as important public spaces.
“The NCA’s aim for Kings and Commonwealth Avenues is to transform them into destinations and landmarks in their own right,” he said.
“The proposed redesign of the Avenues will unify the public realm and the buildings that line them, while providing a sense of formality, celebration and liveliness.
“New social, business and recreational uses could be introduced along the Avenues and the broad tree-lined footpaths to create new public space activities such as outdoor dining and other public realm uses.”
A key proposal of the draft Design Strategy is to renew the streetscape character of the Avenues to turn them into destinations in their own right.
Other key proposals outlined in the strategy include:
- widening and improving pedestrian and cycle connections along the full length of the Avenues
- reconfiguring the roadways to better integrate existing and future public transport systems, while giving priority to pedestrians and cyclists
- setting high-quality design standards and a consistent palette of urban detailing including signage, lighting and street furniture
- revitalising the Avenues with unified tree and shrub plantings to reinforce their landscape character
The Kings and Commonwealth Avenues Draft Design Strategy and information on how to provide feedback are available on the NCA’s website at www.nationalcapital.gov.au. The consultation process is open until midnight on Monday July 3, 2017.
Photos supplied by the NCA and are from the Kings and Commonwealth Avenues Draft Design Strategy.
What do you think about the draft design strategy – is it on the right track? Let us know in the comments below.
Loading ...
