Andrew Barr has announced moves to do something about the urban wasteland that is changing busses in Woden:
The ACT Government is continuing to deliver on its commitment to revitalise the Woden bus interchange.
The first phase of the redevelopment of the eastern side of Woden has commenced with the lodgement of the Estate Development Plan (EDP) Development Application (DA) at the end of last week.
The aim of the proposal is to provide a modern and attractive bus station that is integrated with a new retail and mixed use precinct.
Built more than 40 years ago, the existing Woden bus interchange is tired and rundown, removed from the town centre and does nothing to encourage patronage of the ACTION bus service.
In order to address these concerns, the planned development includes the widening of Callam Street from 34 to 42 metres to accommodate future light rail and a lounge located within an expanded Westfield Woden.
The plan will also see the new bus station integrated with shops and cafes that will enliven the exterior, and display real time bus information on the bus platforms and within the internal lounge.
Other new works include lighting upgrades, landscaping, footpaths and bicycle connections between Westfield Woden, the bus station and other town centre destinations, which in the end will lead to a revitalisation of the whole area.
The planned development is a joint project between the ACT Government and the owners of Westfield Woden, and has involved extensive consultations with a wide range of stakeholders and user groups over the past 18 months, including: the Woden Valley Community Council, Woden Senior Citizens, Woden Youth Centre and organisations representing vision impaired persons.