news, act-politics, city walk
When Green Shed owner Sandy Parkes serves tourists in her Civic store, some question whether they are really in the heart of the nation’s capital city. “We’d say – yes, this is it,” she said. “But it wasn’t very impressive.” She has welcomed a recent redevelopment of City Walk, and hopes there is much more to come. Her store struggled to survive for a number of years in an area she called a “dead space”. “Having something like this is going to make it a little more impressive, a little more welcoming,” she said. “It’s going to bring a lot more people right to the front of our shop. It’s just lovely to have a garden in the city.” And she hopes there are more improvements to come. “I wouldn’t mind seeing street food stalls in the middle of Garema Place,” she said. “Something that really makes Garema Place shine.” The City Walk upgrade between Garema Place and Ainslie Place provides new lawn areas and plantings. Since work began in June, more than 3000 plants and 560 square metres of lawn have been installed. The upgrade also features more street furniture and improved lighting. Chief Minister Andrew Barr said a place for people to stop and spend time had been created. “Local businesses will benefit with the revitalised site driving increased foot traffic and directing pedestrians closer to shopfronts, while leaving the central spaces free for people to relax and enjoy,” he said. The City Renewal Authority has been working to make the city centre a more vibrant and widely used area. Chief executive Malcolm Snow said he hoped further Civic upgrades could be completed, subject to government funding. Mr Barr said supporting local businesses and industry was central to the project, with First Nations company Rork Projects commissioned to lead design and construction. Project manager Nathan Spencer said it was an exciting project for the company. “Throughout the project we worked with ACT government and partners to engage local and Indigenous subcontractors and suppliers wherever possible to support our city and people,” he said.
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When Green Shed owner Sandy Parkes serves tourists in her Civic store, some question whether they are really in the heart of the nation’s capital city.
“We’d say – yes, this is it,” she said.
“But it wasn’t very impressive.”
She has welcomed a recent redevelopment of City Walk, and hopes there is much more to come.
Her store struggled to survive for a number of years in an area she called a “dead space”.
“Having something like this is going to make it a little more impressive, a little more welcoming,” she said.
“It’s going to bring a lot more people right to the front of our shop. It’s just lovely to have a garden in the city.”
And she hopes there are more improvements to come.
“I wouldn’t mind seeing street food stalls in the middle of Garema Place,” she said.
“Something that really makes Garema Place shine.”
The completed City Walk upgrade. Picture: Supplied
The City Walk upgrade between Garema Place and Ainslie Place provides new lawn areas and plantings.
Since work began in June, more than 3000 plants and 560 square metres of lawn have been installed.
The upgrade also features more street furniture and improved lighting.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said a place for people to stop and spend time had been created.
“Local businesses will benefit with the revitalised site driving increased foot traffic and directing pedestrians closer to shopfronts, while leaving the central spaces free for people to relax and enjoy,” he said.
The City Renewal Authority has been working to make the city centre a more vibrant and widely used area.
Chief executive Malcolm Snow said he hoped further Civic upgrades could be completed, subject to government funding.
Mr Barr said supporting local businesses and industry was central to the project, with First Nations company Rork Projects commissioned to lead design and construction.
Project manager Nathan Spencer said it was an exciting project for the company.
“Throughout the project we worked with ACT government and partners to engage local and Indigenous subcontractors and suppliers wherever possible to support our city and people,” he said.
