The revitalisation of Woden town centre is a step closer to completion with $3.25million slated for the first stage of construction works as part of the 2014-2015 ACT Budget.
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The first set of upgrades is expected to start in August and will include the construction of new stairs, ramps and lighting to boost safety and access between Woden Town Square and the Bowes Street bus interchange.
The works will also see the detachment of the interchange from several privately-owned buildings and preparatory work ahead of development of a new bus station.
The ACT government allocated $2.5million from last year’s budget for the design of a new interchange at the existing Bowes Street site.
The government then lodged an estate development plan for the upgrade in August last year.
The plan detailed the integration a modern bus station with a new retail and mixed use precinct, including the widening of Callam Street from 34 to 42 metres to accommodate future light rail, and a lounge located inside an expanded Westfield Woden Plaza.
The project aims to support the transformation of Callam Street into Woden’s main street and the strengthening of links between public space and commercial and community activity via new pedestrian and bicycle connections.
Minister for Economic Development Andrew Barr said the new interchange and upgrades to Callam Street would transform the town centre and bring life and vitality to the area.
He said the ACT government’s partnership with Westfield Plaza was a significant factor in transforming Woden into a more pedestrian and public transport-oriented town centre.
“Encouraging the plaza’s owners to demolish the northern car parking structure and rebuilding retail activated street edges and including an internal bus lounge is a significant first step towards recasting Callam Street as Woden’s main street,” he said.
Westfield will replace the 740 spaces in its parking structure with about 1150 new spaces in a basement and rooftop arrangement.
Woden Valley Community Council previously welcomed the progression of the project and better links between Westfield and the town centre
