Consultation on Dickson precinct goes to next stage with design options

The ACT Government has released two design options for what a key Dickson precinct might look like, as part of the next stage of consultation with the community launched on Thursday (6 September).

It is hoped Section 72 will provide more community facilities and more private and social housing for the inner north community, including Canberra’s second Common Ground project – a 2016 Labor election commitment that will offer accommodation choices for homeless and low-income individuals and families.

The precinct is bounded by Cowper and Antill Streets, Hawdon Place, and Sullivans Creek, and includes the Dickson pool.

The two design scenarios flowed from the first stage of community engagement with inner north residents and the wider community about the future of Dickson.

Minister for Planning Mick Gentleman said the feedback was that there was support for people to live in an area close to the services at the Dickson group centre, as well as support for more community facilities in the inner north, but the block will need to be rezoned and the Territory plan varied before any redevelopment can proceed.

This stage of consultation will include an Open House workshop on Saturday 22 September, face-to-face conversations and a survey on the YourSay website.

The Government is seeking community views on land uses, community services, place-making, landscape, infrastructure and transport requirements, and transport connections to the surrounding area.

The interactive ‘drop-in session’ on the Saturday will take place in the ground floor north function room, Dame Pattie Menzies House, 16 Challis Street, Dickson.

There will be three 10-minute explanation presentation times at 11:15 am, 12:30 pm and 2:15 pm.

Feedback from the drop-in session and survey will be used to guide detailed planning and design of the site, including an Estate Development Plan.

For more information on the Dickson Section 72 engagement and to inspect aerial views of the two scenarios visit www.yoursay.act.gov.au.

The engagement closes on Friday 26 October 2018.