Concepts for aquatic centre, new outdoor stage and Ferris wheel revealed for Canberra's Commonwealth Park
The National Capital Authority (NCA) has released a vision for the renewal of Canberra’s Commonwealth Park, which includes an aquatic centre to replace the city’s ageing Olympic Pool in Civic.
The proposed renewal plans also include an upgrade of Stage 88, permanent beds and year-round gardens for Floriade - the park's annual tulip festival, a light rail stop and Ferris wheel.
Releasing its "early thinking" for the future of the park, NCA Chief Executive Karen Doran says the plans are flexible and able to be responsive to public feedback.
Doran told the ABC “not all ideas are possible, but if we don't consider ideas, we'll never know.
"It's a vision not a plan, so I think it can be responsive and flexible."
The concept features expanded gardens which would see Floraide become more of an owner-occupier than a tenant.
An upgrade for Stage 88 outdoor venue is also proposed, with the plans identifying an expanded and improved outdoor performance venue "equivalent to other capital cities in Australia".
The concept includes upgraded amphitheatre lawns, a new stage, new technology and a green room, noting “the addition of new paths, arrival points and crowd control fence line options for different event sizes would allow the park stage to run more autonomously, with less impact on everyday park users.”
Doran said the NCA had floated the idea of an aquatic centre in the park prior to Labor's latest Federal election pitch - pledging to fund the proposed Canberra Convention and Entertainment Centre precinct, with plans to relocate the Olympic Pool.
The Commonwealth Park Concept Vision also includes general improvements for walking, cycling and public transport in the park, and upgrades to Regatta Point.
The concept plans are available on the NCA's website, with public feedback invited up to 20th June.
Click here for more information.
Images: Concepts for upgraders to Commonwealth Park. Credit: National Capital Authority/ Mark Gerada.
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