The Dickson shops were developed in the 1960s and have not kept up with changes around it. Photo: Region.
The ageing Dickson group centre is set for a makeover with the City Renewal Authority seeking a consultant to provide a blueprint for a modern, people-friendly urban hub that maintains its village character.
This follows from the development of a concept design for the Dickson shops and the completion of the Woolley Street upgrades, which created a pedestrian-friendly shared zone and a space for social gatherings and events at the centre of the ‘Eat Street’ precinct.
The new work will further develop the concept design for the shops and provide a new masterplan for the group centre’s street network to support a staged program of public realm works.
According to the tender document, the CRA says the group centre needs improvement to keep pace with Dickson’s population and development growth, including the new Coles supermarket building and apartment projects.
“Community surveys undertaken by the Authority have identified that the Dickson Shops has a poor public realm experience with ageing infrastructure in poor condition, cluttered spaces prone to flooding and a perceived lack of safety,” it says.
The concept design offers ways to create a safe, welcoming, attractive, and accessible public realm that is well-connected and environmentally and socially sustainable, the tender document says.
It says the car-dominated ageing streetscapes are hostile to pedestrians, make it hard for people to find their way and contribute to a disconnected and fragmented environment.
Where the planned design work for the Dickson revitalisation project will take place. Image: ACT Government.
The proposed upgrades aim to support renewal in the precinct and integrate new and existing developments and links with light rail and the interchange while retaining its multicultural uses, strong sense of identity and community focus.
The goal is for a revitalised group centre that is easy for people to walk through and reach all of its distinctive precincts, boosting business and encouraging more investment.
The consultant will need to consider new pedestrian connections, paving and signage, upgraded pedestrian crossings, street and decorative lighting, street furniture and walking and cycling infrastructure, tree planting and garden beds, public art and play areas, and outdoor dining.
It will also need to identify opportunities for improving sustainability, innovation and climate resilience.
At the same time, the consultant will investigate and design a proposed stormwater drainage network upgrade to prevent flooding in the group centre.
The consultant will also draw on community feedback provided by a concurrent consultation program run by the CRA.
The work, including a final sketch plan for the shops and streetscape masterplan, is expected to be completed by the end of next year.
Construction on the revamp is expected to start in the first quarter of 2025, to be completed by mid-2026.
The tender closes on 21 September.
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