Designs for more pedestrian-friendly streetscapes in Canberra’s city centre and nearby Dickson are now open for discussion.
The City Renewal Authority is inviting community feedback through a series of pop-up events, workshops and surveys.
The proposed upgrades to Alinga Street west, Cooyong Street, City Walk and the Dickson Group Centre, aim to enhance connectivity, walkability and sustainability to boost pedestrian safety and support local businesses.
“I encourage people of all ages to get involved and share ideas and feedback on the new designs,” said Acting Executive Group Manager Urbanisation and Renewal at the City Renewal Authority, Lucy Wilson.
“Everyone is a pedestrian at some stage of their journey, so everyone has an important perspective on the features of better city streets.
“We’re installing engaging signage in each location and will also run pop ups featuring a tabletop game in which you can design your perfect street. These activities are about connecting with people of all ages, explaining design choices and trade-offs, and encouraging feedback.”
Chief Minister, Andrew Barr says the proposed upgrades will strengthen four business precincts through features like trees, street furniture, bike lanes, wider footpaths and safer crossings.
“These streetscape upgrades identify key opportunities to reshape how people work and play in the City Centre, Braddon and Dickson,” Mr Barr said.
“These streets are not only frequented by more workers and tourists than any other place in Canberra, but also provide important places for the community to come together, have fun and feel a sense of belonging.
“This is an opportunity to create modern streets that better support the diverse needs of our city. A crucial part of this is improving our infrastructure to make it safer, easier and quicker for pedestrians to move around – an outcome that also provides health, community and economic benefits.”
Key focuses of the upgrades include:
- Wider and more accessible footpaths to improve pedestrian flow, increase safety and encourage people to visit businesses.
- Reducing travel time for pedestrians so you can move through the city faster
- Green spaces and trees to provide shade, reduce urban heat, and improve air quality.
- Street furniture and outdoor dining areas to offer places to rest and support local cafes, bars, and restaurants.
- Better pedestrian crossings for safer and more convenient movement.
- Improved links to public transport for easy access to buses and light rail.
Cooyong Street
- Enhanced north-south connections between the City and Braddon.
- Roads, cycleways and footpaths that balance the needs of all community members.
- Improved connectivity with existing and new cycle routes.
- Safe and accessible street with increased tree canopy and plantings.
- Unique street identity through selected materials and plantings.
Alinga Street
- Wider pedestrian paths and increased tree canopy for a better public transport experience.
- Improved pedestrian and active transport infrastructure for east-west connectivity.
- Safer public realm with expanded pedestrian areas and optimised intersections.
- Creation of safe, comfortable and equitable public spaces.
- Flexible, vibrant space with wider paths, plantings and street furniture.
City Walk
- Raised seating for better viewing of events like the Multicultural Festival.
- New furniture, level pavements and playful urban elements.
- Upgraded lighting for added safety.
- Sustainability features like garden beds, grassed areas and new trees.
- Ongoing engagement with the Ngunnawal community for cultural inclusion.
Dickson streetscapes
- Improved pedestrian crossings and footpaths for safety and connectivity.
- High-quality public seating, lighting, landscaping and outdoor dining areas.
- More trees and permeable surfaces for better thermal comfort and climate resilience.
- Safer environment for cycling with wider paths and reduced speed limits.
Canberrans are invited to learn about better city streets and give feedback on the proposed improvements via YourSayConversations.act.gov.au/Better-City-Streets.
