An experienced team of urban planners and designers has been appointed to deliver a plan for a new Civic, Arts and Cultural Precinct for Canberra.
The team, which has produced successful urban renewal master plans in Adelaide, Sydney and Wellington (New Zealand), is led by international design practice Warren and Mahoney and urban planners and designers Oxigen, and includes Canberra-based community engagement and heritage specialists.
Chief Executive of the City Renewal Authority, Malcolm Snow (pictured) said over the next 12 months the team would develop a precinct plan that reflected the needs and aspirations of a young and dynamic community.
“The plan will focus on improving connectivity and increasing the overall cultural offering for the precinct, including public realm improvements, early interventions, pop-up opportunities, flexible and adaptable spaces that can serve a wide variety of community needs throughout the year,” Mr Snow said.
“The team we have selected for this critical project has proven experience in delivering high-profile civic redevelopment in Australia and New Zealand and a demonstrated commitment to community engagement, innovation, sustainability and design excellence.”
He said the team also had extensive experience in public building design, with credits including the New Zealand International Convention Centre, the Te Papa Museum and Art Gallery refurbishment in Wellington as well as public buildings in Christchurch and Adelaide.
Mr Snow said the Civic, Arts and Cultural Precinct spans from Constitution Avenue to Northbourne Avenue and is bordered by London Circuit to the east and City Hill to the west, and includes Ainslie Avenue from London Circuit to City Walk.
It is home to the Canberra Theatre, the ACT Legislative Assembly, the Canberra Museum and Gallery and the new ACT Government office block currently under construction.
