Canberrans invited to name CIT Woden's three public spaces

I suggest names that are politically neutral, not commemorative, names that build on the Norse mythology that “woden” originally came from. Ragnarok! And Bifrost (both for its sound in English suggesting a cold place, and its meaning in Norse myth of the rainbow bridge) for the square/ connecting space between CIT and Grand Central, the bus interchange and Woden Town Square); and female names Freya or even better, Frigg, again for its English sound relating to the planning of the spaces around the town centre.
Loki, just for fun and mischief.
Huginn and Muninn (Woden’s pet ravens) for wisdom and foresight goals of the CIT.

Geocon, Doma and Hindmarsh

The Woden CIT will obviously prepare people for a wide range of careers, but this is, after all, housing-crisis Canberra which means that Tradies Rule, OK – so names which acknowledge the ancient traditional rights of tradies to park absolutely anywhere they can find a space (particularly when the idiots in charge have grossly under-provided for parking) would be apt – Landcruiser Lane, Isuzu Square and Prado Plaza.

“5 million dollar consultation park”

Imagine enrolling in a course here and trying to park in Woden. It may be a newer shiny glass box of a building, but give me Bruce with unlimited plentiful parking any day…

I was thinking Larry, Curly and Mo Boulevard after Andrew Barr, Shane Rattenbury and Chris Steele. Seems fitting because of their love and warmth towards the Woden Town Centre.

The old bus interchange was well past its use-by date but at least it provided shelter.

The 200 metre uncovered walk from westfield to the new interchange is going to be a dark, wet and windy slog in winter.

This is just another example of how the piecemeal planning of Woden’s redevelopment is leading to poor outcomes.

I welcome the CIT and would like to have a conversation with the government about the social and economic development that the CIT can bring.
We need great public spaces in the core of Woden where we can have events, markets and music surrounded by cafes, restaurants and bars to develop a destination and a day and night economy.
Unfortunately, the ‘Boulevard’ is on the south side of Grand Central, an 18 and 26 storey building that casts shadows over the site so people will scurry through from the interchange to their destination for much of the year. In the height of summer there is sun, but the students are usually on holidays.
We need to plan a destination at West Plaza that attracts small business to establish hospitality venues. This could connect with the town square (which doesn’t get a mention) and Bradley St so that more people and activity will improve safety in the area.
Interestingly, the Youth Foyer, with blank walls, sits in the middle of the area that should be activated. The Youth Foyer supports young people in education and is a very valuable asset, however it is on the wrong site. The core of Woden should be a great public space, but it needs to be better planned, to attract small business and bring people together for social activity and fun, to create a sense of belonging to the area.
I also note that the CIT does not provide any carparks for the 6,500 students and there will not be an indoor sports stadium, art centre or aquatic centre (50m pool) in Woden to encourage social and physical well-being.
We do have Westfield, and two very large gaming clubs though.
We need a better balance in our planning system.