CHILDERS STREET SET FOR COSMOPOLITAN MAKE-OVER

Canberra will soon have its own cosmopolitan ‘meet and greet’ street, with Stage 1 project funding of $6 million to overhaul Childers Street in City West announced as part of the 2005-06 Budget package.

Planning Minister Simon Corbell said today that the redesign of Childers Street as an important public space, including a new city park, would encourage social interaction and celebration in the heart of Canberra.

“This funding demonstrates the Government’s commitment to the Canberra Central Program and City West Master Plan, where this location will become the major arts and cultural precinct of our City,” he said.

“The Childers Street project will provide spaces that allow for food and art markets, outdoor cafes, low key recreation and a more formal program of cultural events associated with theatre, multicultural and community groups.

“Reinstatement of the Childers/Rudd Street intersection across Marcus Clarke Street, and an upgrade of Childers Street from Marcus Clarke Street to the ANU boundary will strengthen links between the City and the ANU’s Baldessin Square at the southern end of the street.

“The development of a park at the northern end of Childers Street will include furniture, lighting, and play equipment, reinforcing the visual and physical aspects of the pedestrian route from City Walk along Alinga Street and will provide access to the Childers Street precinct.

“Best practise water sensitive urban design stormwater systems will be installed to service streets, buildings, the new park, as well as future commercial and residential developments helping to attract smart industries and businesses to Canberra.

“These capital works projects will establish a focus for the continued mixed-use development of the precinct, with active and multiple frontages for business, arts, community, environmental, health and residential uses.

“These improvements to Childers Street will create a vibrant precinct in City West that will become a benchmark of sustainable urban design in the inner-city.’’
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