Size limits on local shops are to be relaxed under proposed changes to the Territory Plan to support the viability of local shopping centres.
Minister for Planning, Mick Gentleman said the Draft Variation, DV381 Local Centre shop size, would make it easier for shopping centres to secure a supermarket as an anchor tenant.
“Local centres such as Giralang, Coombs and McKellar have struggled, leaving shops empty and community spaces under-developed,” Mr Gentleman said.
“While we do have plenty of thriving local centres in Canberra, this change is aimed at helping suburban shops where development has stalled over difficulties attracting a supermarket tenant,” he said.
“[Local shops] help turn a suburb into a community and bring services and jobs into the heart of a neighbourhood.”
Mr Gentleman said the change would increase the cap on the floor area of supermarkets from 1,000m² to 1,500m² to make it easier for suburbs to secure a supermarket tenant which would allow developments to proceed and other businesses to set up.
The Minister said the Draft Variation had an interim effect, which allowed the increased supermarket size cap to come into effect immediately.
He invited interested people to comment on the proposed changes until 25 June.
The planners’ 10-page Draft Variation, including information on how to have a say, can be accessed at this PS News link.
