A re-imagining of Civic's Bunda Street as a shared space for cars, bikes and pedestrians has been given a mixed report card by Canberrans, with work on the project due to begin on Monday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
While some residents liked the government's efforts to modernise and improve the major city road, others were concerned at the loss of car parking spaces or thought it unnecessary.
Territory and Municipal Services minister Shane Rattenbury announced plans to turn Bunda Street into a combined pedestrian, cyclist and motorist shared zone on Saturday and sait it would help revitalise Canberra's city centre.
He said redevelopment would lower speed limits to 20km/h, raise roads to pedestrian level and remove all parking spaces along Bunda Street, while trees, lighting and street furniture were added.
Richardson resident Andrew Fulford, 24, said, as a pedestrian, he supported the idea, saying it would make the area safer for people on foot.
"You get a lot of big cars driving around the area and pedestrians often walk between them. All it takes is one pedestrian not paying attention and bang," he said.
Mr Fulford said he thought getting rid of roadside parking would also improve the area.
Bec Cargill, 22, said she thought Civic needed a shot in the arm. "It's not like they'll have nowhere to park [once it's built]," she said.
But Rivett resident Kate Reid, 63, said removing the disabled spaces along Bunda Street would severely affect her ability to get around and could force her to quit her job.
She said turning Bunda Street into a shared zone for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists could cause havoc.
"I work here but I have a disability sticker so I can get to my car and get home. Where can we park [if this happens]? That would affect my job because I'm given so much time to get to the car and get home," she said.
"I'd have to give up my job. I think it'd be dreadful."
STREET TALK: What are your thoughts on the Bunda Street redevelopment?
Michal Rodzos, 38, Forde: "It's a waste of time. All the traffic goes here already... the other side of the city is dead."
Benedict Holland, 20, Dickson: "I personally think that's a good idea, it will be helpful for controlling traffic and encourage people to use public transport more."
Kate Reid, 63, Rivett: "I think it'd be dreadful. There isn't enough parking in the city as it is."
Eleanor Cannon, 23, Lyneham: "They need to think about other solutions, either by encouraging cycling or buses. As it is, everyone drives."
