Palmerville Heritage Park in Belconnen sits in an historic cultural landscape that represents a connection to the early rural settlement of the ACT. Now, the ACT Government is planning to build a new approximately 650-metre loop path through the park.
"The Palmerville Heritage Park contains evidence of past land use in this area as a rural settlement from the early 1800s to the 1950s and is a popular open space in Belconnen, sitting near residential suburbs McKellar, Evatt and Giralang," said Minister for City Services Tara Cheyne.
"We heard strong community feedback requesting the continuation of the existing walking trail and are now planning for a new loop path so people can better explore the area. It is a great opportunity to improve the visitor experience to this valued recreation area."
As part of the planning process, heritage and environmental approvals and assessments will need to be completed to finalise the path alignment.
"One of the main reasons for creating this loop path is because this popular area is also flood prone, with Ginninderra Creek running along the east side of the park. This will be taken into account to determine the final alignment of the path."
Once heritage and environment approvals are complete, the final alignment will be released prior to construction procurement. Construction procurement is expected to commence in early 2025.
"The new loop path forms part of the ACT Government's ongoing commitment to improve our recreational spaces and walking and cycling infrastructure across the city."
Minister Cheyne said the ACT Government was also continuing with its upgrades of suburban shopping centres.
"Local shopping centres are the lifeblood of their surrounding community. I am pleased to announce that a construction contract has been awarded for upgrades at Evatt shops."
Work is expected to start on site in October 2024 and will deliver new seating and tables, nature play elements, an art mural, improved landscaping, a toilet block and more.
"We know the north Belconnen and broader community greatly values their suburban infrastructure, and we look forward to making it even better with these investments," concluded Minister Cheyne.
