The ACT Government is building our city's future by leading work on a proposal to the Commonwealth to reclassify the Molonglo Group Centre as Canberra's sixth town centre.
"The commercial centre proposed in the suburb of Molonglo is currently classified as a 'group centre' which reflects the original planning for Molonglo Valley as a home for around 55,000 residents," said Minister for Planning Chris Steel.
"Following planning work undertaken to develop the District Strategy for the Molonglo Valley, the district is now set to grow to more than 70,000 people by 2050.
"At current projections, the area could even surpass the population of the City Centre and Woden Valley. That's why it is time to reclassify the suburb of Molonglo to reflect the scale and status of this district.
"The ACT Government is now commencing work to develop a case to the National Capital Authority to change the National Capital Plan and recognise Molonglo as a Town Centre. Following this we will also develop a similar amendment to our own Territory Plan.
"This change will cater for projected higher growth expected in the Molonglo Valley and will guide the Suburban Land Agency's work in developing Molonglo's major commercial centre."
Planning for the commercial centre already includes provision of key infrastructure expected in a Town Centre, such as a college, library, community centre, transport interchange, a town park, and other recreational facilities.
The ACT Government will also soon progress consultation work on a community needs assessment for the whole Molonglo Valley district.
This work will look at the broad needs of both existing and additional future residents of the district.
"With the process now started on reclassifying Molonglo as a town centre, we will also conduct a detailed community needs assessment across the whole of the Molonglo Valley," said Minister Steel.
"This includes understanding what additional community infrastructure and services are required to support this growing and vibrant community, such a places of religious worship, cultural facilities, government and social services and recreation facilities.
"This feedback will help not just to finalise plans for the proposed Town Centre but also in existing and future suburbs which will be released in 'Molonglo 3'."
Consultation with Canberrans will include surveys and pop-up activities throughout the district.
"We are keen to hear from a diversity of Molonglo residents, those from different backgrounds and faiths as well as community members in all stages of life. This will help us to continue to plan for a Molonglo Valley district that caters to a variety of needs," said Minister Steel.
Re-classifying the Molonglo Group Centre will form part of the Minister's Statement of Planning Priorities, which will be released soon.
