Mawson next for increased density as Canberra’s population swells
Businesses are throwing their support behind boosting Mawson’s population to rejuvenate the town centre, after plans to increase density were unveiled by the ACT Government.
Mawson in Canberra’s south is the next cab-off-the-rank for increased density as part of a citywide strategy to put the brakes on urban sprawl and make room for another 168,000 residents in the capital by 2041.
Local businesses have thrown their support behind plans to boost the suburb’s population and rejuvenate the tired-looking town centre while paving the way for another supermarket.
The ACT Government has revealed it will allow buildings on the western side of Mawson Place on Athllon Dr to be redeveloped up to six storeys with shops, restaurants, cafes and community uses on the ground floor and commercial and residential above.
The Mawson Club, Masonic Centre, Austrian Australian Club and Serbian Club along Heard St could be redeveloped up to four storeys for residential, retail, entertainment and commercial uses.
Up to eight storeys on the corner of Mawson Pl and Athllon Dr will be allowed for a new “marker building”.
Planning Minister Mick Gentleman said building heights would remain low around the public square after several businesses and residents raised concerns about loss of sunlight.
He said a Territory Plan Variation would allow new construction opportunities and rejuvenation of buildings and public spaces within the centre.
“The variation puts key recommendations of the Mawson masterplan into action, which will guide the centre’s development over the next two decades,” Mr Gentleman said.
Woden Valley Community Council president Fiona Carrick is concerned the draft plans allow for four storeys along the west side of the square “which will significantly overshadow it”.
“While the WVCC welcomes development, we want it to be done well with the needs of the community at the forefront of planning,” she said.
The group has called for green space and a playground to be located near the cafes.
“It is preferable to retain the surface carparks at this time and reconsider parking requirements once people move into the proposed residential buildings in the area,” she said.
Capital Chemist Southlands owner Stacey Fuller also wanted to see sunlight in the square preserved and called for the replacement of parking that would be lost to make way for the new supermarket in front of the clubs on Heard St.
“Anything that builds Mawson up is a good idea as long as it’s not overshadowing Mawson Square where people gather and have their lunch and wait for scripts,” she said.
Other areas undergoing similar transformations include the Erindale, Kambah, Curtin, Calwell, Weston and Kippax group centres as the ACT’s population is set to balloon from 420,960 currently to 589,000 in 2041.
ACT Chief Planner Ben Ponton said a “refresh” of the State’s planning strategy between 2012 and 2018 increased the split between urban infill and greenfield development from 50/50 to 70/30.
Mr Ponton said a more “compact” city would prevent further urban sprawl and help preserve the natural landscapes which make Canberra such a beautiful place to live.
“In terms of protecting what’s important to Canberrans, we can’t keep spreading out,” Mr Ponton said.
“We need to manage our growth in a compact way but it’s not just about building up, it’s also about providing opportunities for good quality urban public spaces as well.
“The best way to achieve that is by locating high density along key transport routes like in Mawson, it’s a key transport link to the south to Tuggeranong along Athllon Drive.”
Southlands Shopping Centre Newsagency owner Greg Gow welcomed plans to boost density and news the supermarket would be located in front of the clubs rather than by the tennis courts “which would alienate all the businesses this side of Woolworths”.
“Bringing more people into the area is going to be good for business,” Mr Gow said.
“The more foot traffic there is, the more viable my business is.
“There’s probably as many empty shops as I’ve seen in the 14 years I’ve been here and retail is struggling so if we can attract more people that’s going to help.
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“Mawson is looking a bit tired and run down so I think the rezoning is a good thing to force the hand of the developers.”
Austrian Australian Club general manager Mark Robertson said they were open minded to being approached by a third party to redevelop the site.
“I support anything that will increase business in the area,” he said.
“The more people there are the more chance there is of someone coming in and spending a few bob.”
An ACT Government spokesman said parking would be managed through a range of strategies including the maintenance of on-street parking in the centre, ensuring adequate parking is provided in new developments and providing a future carpark near the Tennis Club.
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