The first part of this week’s class focused on Canberra’s planning history, and really highlighted the unique nature of Canberra, as Australia’s only fully planned city as shown by the following quote, “Canberra achieves the difficult feat of being one of the last cities beautiful. And also the World’s biggest Garden City”. Although Canberra and the planning processes that have shaped the city have been criticised by some, an interesting point was raised about what the Nation’s Capital would be like without the foundation of Griffin’s plan.
After focusing on Canberra’s planning history, it’s interesting to think about the current and future direction of planning in the city. This week COAG released a Review on Capital Cities Strategic Planning Systems (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-04-02/cities-fall-short-of-the-mark-on-planning3a-report/3926318). Each of the city’s planning systems was rated against nine criterion, including areas such as: integration, hierarchy of plans, capital city networks. Canberra rated reasonably well in most areas, however, the need for increased integration between ACT planning and NSW planning was raised as an area in need of attention. In particular, improving transport links between Queanbeyan and the ACT was identified as a priority and after recently visiting Queanbeyan Council and discussing issues facing the area it seems that such measures would have many benefits, particularly since so many Queanbeyan residents commute to Canberra for work each day.
The second half of the lesson focused on the redevelopment of the Belconnen Town Centre and involved a short walk around the area. After the $2.4 million spent on road works and $100 million spent on upgrading the mall, we noticed many positive features, but also room for improvement. The Emu Bank area along the Lake, with its wide walkways and shade providing trees, offers an inviting recreational area for those living and working in the area.
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| Source: LJH Commercial, 2012 |
One of the main negative aspects of the development is the disconnected nature of the shopping mall to the Lake. As the picture below shows, the mall exists in isolation and does not interact with the street, despite the prime location on the Lake front. Charles Landry, a renowned planner visited Civic in 2010 and commented on the way that shopping malls ‘suck the energy’ from their surroundings. He also stated that redevelopment projects are too often considered separately, and need to be integrated in order to create vibrant places (http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2010/11/12/3065333.htm?site=canberra&source=rss). Although he was talking specifically about Civic in this interview, similar aspects can be seen in Belconnen. If the side of the mall closest to the Lake was developed with linkage to the Lake in mind, with active street frontages such as cafes, and glass windows instead of a car park and bare walls, it is likely that both the mall and lakefront would enjoy increased use.
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| Source: Wikipedia, 2011 |
Good and timely reference of COAG's review.
ReplyDeleteExcellent discussion on Belconnen Town Centre.
In terms of the transport between Canberra and Queanbeyan, what do you think the options?(public transport(bus, train) or road improvements?)
How do you think about Charles' comment? Do you agree?
Road improvements would definitely help, it would be good if some sort of arrangement between ACT and NSW could be reached about funding since the transport between Canberra and Queanbeyan benefits both. The addition of bus routes would also be great, as long as viable.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with Charle's comments. Often walking around the City I notice the disconnect between the mall and surrounding areas. Cities like Melbourne that have active street frontage seem to have an integrated approach to projects, and the presence of quirky boutique stores and cafes creates a unique and vibrant atmosphere.