City traders have welcomed another opportunity to express their concerns over the planned closure of car parking on London Circuit to make way for a temporary light rail construction compound.
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Last week the ACT government said it had scaled back unpopular plans to close the entire car park adjacent to the ACT Magistrate Court during the four-year construction period, after traders and shoppers said the loss of about 250 parking spaces would result in some businesses folding.
Instead two new options are being considered, taking the total number of car parks across two sides of London Circuit from about 460 to more than 500. Both plans would have half of the car park opposite the Melbourne Building closed for the temporary compound, but a new multi-deck car park could be built.
New overflow car parking could also be built near the Canberra Theatre complex.
On Monday, traders met with Capital Metro officials near the site and spokesman Joe Trimboli, of Mezzalira Restaurant, said many had welcomed constructive conversations.
"We asked if they'd taken into account that we actually required those car parking spaces," he said. "That area is essential to many in this building and around the city. Without it, it becomes difficult to get people across here."
"I think today they realised themselves the impact it could have on businesses. We can't minimise the number of spaces and we brought up the fact reorganising the car park might not be viable."
If a temporary structure were built quickly, the impact on traders could be limited, Mr Trimboli said.
"Let's say they're taking it on as consideration. We haven't been able to get a firm answer out of them yet."
Capital Metro Minister Simon Corbell said he hadn't received any significant correspondence since last week's announcement.
"I am aware there are a small number of traders who don't support any change at all, but the overwhelming feedback the government has had from its place managers who have been out talking is that people are pleased the government has scaled back the amount of space required at the car park site.
"They're also very pleased that they've been offered the opportunity to have their say on what the options should be to replacing car parking that is lost."
Mr Corbell said further consultation was planned ahead of a final decision later this year.
Option one would have reconfiguration of Magistrates Court and Canberra Theatre car parks, as well as a new temporary overflow car park built off Theatre Lane to increase capacity. It would take six months to complete.
Option two would have a new temporary parking structure built to create multi-levels in about half of the Magistrates Court car park, adding about 40 new spaces and taking six months. Half of the Magistrates Court car park would be closed.
