15 October 2024
Labor’s ambition for Canberra - growing our CBD
Labor is ambitious for Canberra and with our population nearing half a million people we are getting on with the job of expanding our Central Business District (Civic).
Civic is already undergoing a major transformation to the south and there is more to come.
Labor will start building the new 2,000 seat Canberra Lyric Theatre as the first stage of the Canberra Theatre Centre transformation. The project will create a performing arts centre of national significance. The new theatre will attract major productions like blockbuster musicals, circus shows, ballet and opera that audiences will travel to Canberra to see.
A new community park is currently under construction at the Acton Waterfront supporting our long term vision to bring the city to the lake. The precinct will also include space for new cafes, restaurants and bars and a build-to-rent housing project - supporting our commitment to enable 30,000 new homes by 2030.
On the other side of Commonwealth Avenue from Acton Waterfront, a re-elected Labor Government will build the Canberra aquatic centre in Commonwealth Park, having secured support for the land use from the Albanese Government. We will work in collaboration with the National Capital Authority (NCA) on the project, aiming for construction to commence in the next term.
Acton Waterfront and the Canberra Aquatic centre will be serviced by the next stage of light rail, with construction underway with the raising London Circuit.
Labor will also further progress detailed design and precinct planning for the convention and entertainment precinct. The 8,000 seat entertainment centre will firmly place Canberra on the live music touring map and provide a venue for major indoor sporting events like basketball, netball and tennis.
Labor will continue to partner with the University of New South Wales to deliver a new campus on Constitution Avenue. This will bring a major new university to our city building a new education, residential and commercial precinct. It will cement Canberra’s position as the education capital with two G8 universities anchoring the east and west of the CBD.
A re-elected Labor Government will also continue to build the new Acton fire station, and we’ll construct a new police station. Work is also underway to improve existing areas of Civic, such as Garema Place and the Sydney and Melbourne Buildings.
To make sure all Canberrans can access Civic, Labor will also make public transport free on Fridays, encouraging everyone to enjoy our CBD on the busiest hospitality night of the week.
It’s all part of our plan to make the Canberra you love even better.
Statement ends
Media contact:
Kaarin Dynon 0422 772 215 [email protected]
