Anne Ross’s sculpture ‘The Other Side of Midnight’ was added to Garema Place in 2012 at the cost of $187,000. Photo: Arts ACT.
Feedback is in on the ACT Government’s plans for Garema Place in the heart of Civic, and there are some loud and clear messages.
Building on upgrades to City Walk in 2020, the new project will “create a modern, exciting dining and retail precinct” with more green spaces and tree cover and less clutter. Pedestrians will also benefit from better lighting and more outdoor dining options.
Over March this year, the government heard from businesses, property owners and visitors on the plans, and then published the results in a consultation report released on 31 July.
Here’s what you wanted:
1. More seating
The vast majority of the comments called for more outdoor furniture, in the form of seats and tables.
“Respondents desired protection from the elements, including shade sails, umbrellas, outdoor heating in winter and protection from wind and rain, as well as access to seating in sunshine,” the report said.
Respondents also “felt seating should be comfortable” and “noted concrete was not suitable for seating as it is too cold and uncomfortable”.
2. Nicer buildings
More than 20 per cent of commenters reflected on buildings around Garema Place that are “outdated, neglected and in need of upkeep”.
Similarly, the current paving is mismatched, buckled by tree roots and holding pools of water whenever it rains, respondents said.
They were also disappointed with the maintenance of Garema Place and the broader city centre over time, with rubbish, weeding, chewing gum, bird poo, broken glass, vomit and urine named as chief offenders.
It’s all detracting from “the aesthetic appeal of the space”.
The proposed design for Garema Place includes many plant boxes and more seating areas. Photo: ACT Government.
3. More plants
The artist’s impressions are resplendent in mature trees and blossoming garden beds, and the respondents agreed a “beautiful, relaxed, attractive and ambient place to meet and spend time” would break up the “drab city feeling”.
However, fallen leaves and pollen were noted as potential issues, and while businesses in the area were all gung-ho for more greenery, many also singled out the fluff generated by existing trees for getting stuck to their windows.
4. More lighting
“Respondents wanted increased ability to see.”
We presume this refers to more lights.
5. More Big Swoop sculptures
It was only installed last year, but Big Swoop has already cemented its place in the heart of Canberrans. After all, it even has its own merchandise now.
“The piece was seen as an icon that brings character, visual interest, is fun, whimsical, and great for families, play and photo moments,” the report reads.
No one wants to see Big Swoop go. Well, almost no one. Photo: James Coleman.
There are people out there who think the magpie sculpture by local artist Yanni Pounartzis is too big, “disrupts movement through the area”, and can’t compare to “more traditional art”, but on the whole, it seems people want more (and bigger).
“Respondents felt the space lacks a focal point or draw card … The community felt artistic elements attracted people, and created a wow factor. Suggested focal points included Ngunnawal design, interactivity, fountains, overhead sculptures and free activities.”
6. Not sure about some of the other artwork
The Cushion and Wedge sculpture was described as a “classic”, along with its other names of goon bag, cask wine, pillow, cloud couch, sofa or cushion.
Ainsley’s Sheep artwork was also seen as “weird, playful and interactive”, and people liked the chess board and Foosball table for the “playful element” they bring.
The stainless steel Cushion sculpture by Matthew Harding was commissioned by the ACT Government in 2001. Photo: ACT Government.
However, there were mixed views about ‘The Other Side of Midnight’ sculpture depicting the cherub-faced doll and the two dogs – people either love it or can only think of the game of red light, green light from Netflix’s South Korean horror series Squid Game. It’s “creepy”, or brings “play and colour”, depending on your perspective.
The ‘Father and Son’ fountain has also had its day.
“Respondents felt it should be removed, feeling it was no longer appropriate and was out of place.”
7. Install a sheltered stage
In an effort to inject more life into Civic, it was suggested a sheltered stage be added to Garema Place, complete with power and water access. This could be topped off with more wow factor in the form of hopscotch, climbable art, a chess pit, a family area and water features.
8. Fewer sharp edges
Ensuring there’s space for cyclists, scooter riders and other active travellers came up, along with ways to ensure they don’t collide with pedestrians or the “metal edges of the garden beds”.
The mismatched and often unlevel paving in Garema Place is up for replacement. Photo: Maksym Kozlenko.
9. Do it
On the whole, the report noted the community was enthusiastic to see Garema Place rescued from its “dull and lifeless” state, and suggested the government’s proposed design would “be very European if they can pull it off” but a “concrete wasteland” if it goes wrong.
“It was noted the area doesn’t let you know that you are in the centre of the capital of Australia.”
Visit the YourSay Conversations website for more information.
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