Design and planning for the proposed Lake Burley Griffin waterfront precinct at West Basin has received a boost by an ACT government allocation of $500,000.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
ACT Treasurer Andrew Barr said construction on the waterfront was expected to get under way from late next year. It would include a new lakeside aquatic centre and urban beach, a public promenade, boardwalk, piers and jetties.
Mr Barr has previously said he expected a combination of public and private funding would be used on the project, which will also include restaurant pavilions, bicycle paths and playgrounds.
''This will generate an extraordinary level of activity all year round,'' he said.
''It is where the daily life of the city will intersect with special events, and national and international ceremonial occasions.''
Last year the government unveiled blueprints for a 10 to 15-year plan to develop the area from Anzac Parade to the west basin to include a new stadium, convention centre, apartments and splitting Parkes Way to create a ''smart boulevard''.
The new design work is expected to be considered alongside engineering feasibility studies for the lowering and bridging of Parkes Way, funded through the 2013-14 budget.
Mr Barr said the City-to-the-Lake masterplan would extend Canberra's CBD towards Lake Burley Griffin.
He said access would be improved between the city centre, the lake, Commonwealth Park and the parliamentary zone and would better link institutions including the Australian National University and the National Museum of Australia.
Under the plan, ferries and water taxis could deliver tourists and Canberrans across the lake.
''Like Christchurch and other places, pop-ups, containers and outdoor cinemas can be used to seed activity and experiment and test different ideas and formats,'' Mr Barr said.
''Early activation and place-making efforts will be planned to enhance the sense of public ownership and to program and support new activities, events and festivals to create an authentic and memorable place.''
An announcement said stormwater would be captured in the area and treated to ensure that the water quality of the lake was protected.
Mr Barr said consultation with the National Capital Authority was continuing.
''[City-to-the- Lake] will transform Canberra's city centre and enhance its significance as the national capital,'' he said.