18 June 2018

Work starts on new recreational park next to Giralang shops

| Ian Bushnell
Start the conversation
The final concept design for Giralang Park plan. Source: City Servic

The final concept design for Giralang Park plan. Source: City Services.

Timber from the old Tharwa Bridge will be incorporated into the new Giralang Community Park that will include a number of play areas for a range of ages including a small dirt bike trail, trees and other plantings, climbing logs, and a solar clock.

Work has started on the project, which is a collaboration between the ACT Government and the developers of the adjacent shopping centre.

Minister for Transport and City Services Meegan Fitzharris said that the new recreational area was an outcome of extensive community consultation in Giralang.

“It was clear that the Giralang community desired a space where they could engage in a range of community activities. We have listened to the feedback from the community and hope the Giralang community is pleased with the final design,” Ms Fitzharris said.

Following the restoration of the Tharwa Bridge in 2011, timber from the old bridge was retained and will be painted by Giralang children to form some key elements of the Park.

“We’re very excited to be able to inject some of Canberra’s heritage into the new public space. Tharwa Bridge is the oldest standing bridge in the ACT, first built in 1895. The timber will be reused and repurposed in the new Giralang Park, used as bench seats and retaining walls,” she said.

Construction on the ACT Government component of the park has begun, and will be completed by late 2018. Further works to be completed by the developer, including car parking, additional seating, shade structure, stage and landscaping, is subject to DA approval, and if approved will be delivered as part of the shopping centre redevelopment program in 2018-19.

Developer Dimitri Nikias has proposed a new $19 million four-storey plus loft, mixed-use development that includes a supermarket, other ground floor retail and 50 apartments. It also seeks to allow residential development and community uses including a childcare centre, community activity centre, community theatre, cultural facility, educational establishment, place of worship and religious associated use.

Labor Member for Yerrabi Suzanne Orr, who was involved in the consultation process, said she was pleased to see work beginning on the new recreational area.

“I’m excited that construction on the Giralang Community Park has commenced and I’m confident the community will be pleased to see their ideas come to life as the park takes shape,” Ms Orr said.

“Since the ACT Government committed $100,000 in the 2017-18 Budget for the park, I’ve been speaking to Giralang residents to make sure the park’s design best reflects their views.

“I’d like to thank University of Canberra Landscape Architecture students, in particular Adam Barneveld, for their work in producing design concepts for the park.”

Start the conversation

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.