Released 23/10/2017 - Joint media release
The ‘Section 72’ site in the heart of Dickson will be home to a new Common Ground and new public housing as the government works with the community on a new plan for the site.
The Government purchased Blocks 6 and 25, Section 72 Dickson in 2012. The precinct is within easy walking distance of Dickson shops, Dickson pool and the first stage of light rail. The purchased blocks along with land already available is large enough to combine a mix of uses, including community facilities and private homes, in addition to the planned social housing so we will soon begin a consultation with the community on what they would like to see.
“This is such a versatile site and a fantastic opportunity for the community to help shape urban renewal in Dickson,” Minister Gentleman said.
“The ACT Government has committed to deliver new public housing and a new Common Ground project within Section 72, providing new homes on the light rail corridor and close to services.”
Minister Berry said that a second Common Ground will deliver a key 2016 Labor election commitment.
“Alongside the planning conversation I will be bringing together the views of the Common Ground board and the housing and homelessness sector and also drawing on consultations around the recent housing summit to decide on the best model for this Common Ground,” Minister Berry said.
“The nature of this facility, the different needs of people who live there and the way services are provided will also influence more detailed building design and consultation.
“The amazing community response to Common Ground 1 in Gungahlin was one of the keys to its success and I’m sure that will be repeated in Dickson.”
Minister Gentleman emphasised that collaboration will be key as government works with the community and stakeholders to explore options for the future of this site, both in terms of land use and also design.
“There are some really exciting opportunities for this site. It would be a great place to live and we’d like to hear from residents, businesses in the area and community service providers currently within Section 72 about how we should use the rest of the site.”
“Recognising its value for providing community and other services, the ACT Government has purchased land within Section 72. The government has also been negotiating with the Salvation Army over their site and their ongoing needs for servicing the Canberra community,” Minister Gentleman concluded.
It was foreshadowed in 2015 that change for the area would be on the agenda. It is timely given these earlier conversations as well as upcoming major new developments in Dickson to begin a new conversation with the community about this site.
Work for Section 72 will build on the commitments made in the ACT Government’s Statement of Planning Intent. These conversations will continue the government’s commitment to work more collaboratively with the community and industry to deliver high quality, usable spaces and buildings that everyone has helped to create, including possible recreational opportunities.
There are some highly valued community groups and service providers in this area, and there will be no immediate changes to these services. The government encourages these groups to get involved in the conversations.
Further details about the consultation will be announced soon.
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases
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