ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr has expressed strong confidence that large, publicly listed developers are the key to delivering high-quality, community-focused overhauls of Canberra's major town centres.
Long-Term Partners for Community Benefit
Mr Barr argued that companies like the Scentre Group, which owns and operates Westfield centres, have a significant long-term stake in the capital and are therefore committed to creating outcomes supported by residents. "They're in it for the long term," Mr Barr told The Canberra Times. He highlighted that such firms, with their public accountability, are not likely to "phoenix and disappear" and have the expertise and resources to deliver.
The Chief Minister emphasised that partnering with these major entities on mixed-use precincts is an economically sustainable model that can deliver community facilities sooner. "Undertaking that in a mixed-use development form with a development partner is a way of getting the facilities delivered more quickly," he said, pointing to streamlined construction processes compared to separate government contracts.
Woden and Belconnen Transformations in Focus
The comments come as Scentre Group's ambitious plans for the Woden town centre are under scrutiny. The company's concept masterplan, released in October, proposes up to 4000 new homes across 17 buildings, with some towers reaching 55 storeys. The plan also expands retail and community space to 100,000 square metres and includes a major community building featuring four basketball courts.
The first stage of this transformative project is currently slated for construction between 2030 and 2036. A Legislative Assembly inquiry is currently examining the future of the Woden town centre, with the Woden Valley Community Council calling for a clear strategic plan and prioritisation of community space and transport access.
Similarly, Scentre Group is also planning a revamp of the Belconnen Mall, having sought community feedback for that town centre redevelopment in 2023.
Government's Role and Broader Housing Strategy
Mr Barr stressed that the ACT government plays a crucial role in shaping these private proposals to ensure community needs are met. He said the government's focus remains on increasing housing density in established town centres while also developing greenfield sites in areas like Molonglo and East Gungahlin.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister expressed optimism that consensus would be reached on changes to planning laws to allow for greater housing density in Canberra's suburbs, stating he would be "very disappointed" if this was not concluded within the next 12 months.
"I think, in the end, the community is probably not as fixated on whether it's a design-and-construct procurement from the government, or it's part of an integrated development," Mr Barr said. "We certainly hear loud and clear that people want facilities delivered sooner rather than later."
