The architect behind the Westside container village has defended the merits of the controversial mixed-use precinct and the right of Canberrans to pass judgment.
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Ronan Moss, the chief designer of the village and architect with Stomping Grounds Collective, said a successful BMX competition on Sunday proved the precinct was adaptable and popular.
"The event demonstrated that we have achieved what we aimed to do – set up a new public space that could reach out to multiple demographics," he said.
In the past week, the village was cast as a "damp squib" by the head of the National Capital Authority, Malcolm Snow, and as "the beginnings of a detention centre" by Western Australia senator Glenn Sterle.
"What I take from this is that Westside is a public space and because of that it is being discussed in the public forum and that's a positive thing," Mr Ronan said.
"There needs to be an open line for Canberrans to engage in conversations about their city."
His comments come after the NCA granted approval for a BMX pump track on the eastern side of the precinct, which will be maintained by village tenant Back Bone BMX.
"We've been working closely with the NCA to get all aspects of the precinct approved and the BMX pump track was one of the final things we needed to have ticked off," he said.
"The track was part of the early plans as there are many in the collective who are BMX riders or into bikes in general, so there was always an idea it may be feature."
While Mr Moss praised the support provided by the NCA, Mr Snow said his organisation was concerned and confused about a lack of activity at the village.
But there was certainly no lack of activity on Sunday afternoon with Canberra's BMX community gathering for the annual ACT Jam, one of the biggest meets in the country.
Crowds gathered to watch local riders Michael Puniard and others launch themselves over makeshift ramps and rails on the basketball court.
Mr Moss said Back Bone BMX were part of a growing subculture of riders in Canberra and had played a significant role in holding multiple events at Mt Stromlo in recent years.
The project is being funded mainly by the government with a budget of $880,000, although Stomping Grounds have said they spent almost as much of their own money on the project.
Despite being announced in July 2014 with intentions to be open by September, the project was delayed with new additions and food trucks installed in previous weeks.
Construction has also been delayed by a financial dispute with some tradesmen claiming they are owed almost $40,000.
