Consultation has started on plans to reshape the gateway to Canberra's heart, including allowing buildings of up to 15 storeys on parts of Northbourne Avenue.
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The National Capital Authority is seeking public feedback on the City and Gateway Urban Design framework, which seeks to pave the way for construction of 37,000 new dwellings between Federal Highway and the city.
Designed to help create a "visually stunning" entry point to the nation's capital, the strategy involves raising building height limits along Northbourne Avenue, and rezoning land to allow housing at Yowani Country Club golf course and Kamberra Winery.
Under the proposal, building height limits on Northbourne Avenue would be lifted from 10 to 15 storeys - or 32 to 48 metres - on land at the intersections of Macarthur Avenue and Wakefield Avenue.
Developments of up to five storeys would be allowed on the stretch from the Antill Street/Mouat Street intersection street to Panton Street, an increase from the existing two-storey cap.
New buildings would have to be set back at least 10 metres from Northbourne Avenue under the proposed planning rules, which also set guidelines for apartment sizes, ceiling heights and facade designs.
In a report explaining the changes, the authority said the corridor should be of a standard which "placed it alongside significant urban boulevards both nationally and internationally".
"A traveller’s first perception of a city’s character is gained upon approach and arrival," the report stated. "When arriving in Canberra it is important that the traveller is aware of the special symbolic and functional significance of the National Capital."
The ACT Government and National Capital Authority, which share responsibility for setting planning rules along the corridor, unveiled the strategy in December after community consultation in early 2018.
An initial suggestion to reduce Northbourne Avenue to two lanes was scrapped amid concerns it would increase traffic congestion, while proposed building height limits on the thoroughfare were also scaled back as a result of public feedback.
A public meeting on the new guidelines will be held from 5.30-6.30pm on February 6 at the National Capital Exhibition, on Barrine Drive.
Submissions on the proposal are open until March 9 at https://www.nca.gov.au/public-consultations
