Construction will begin later this year on Woden’s new public transport interchange on Callam Street with the development application for the project now open for public comment.
Minister for Skills, Transport and City Services Chris Steel said the new, state-of-the art facility is a significant investment in jobs and will improve public transport connectivity to Woden.
“Better public transport is a key commitment of the ACT Government, and the new public transport interchange will facilitate future growth in transport services to Woden.” Minister Steel said.
“The project will also lay the groundwork for operations as a new bus interchange and the arrival of light rail including building the light rail station.”
The new interchange is the first stage of the exciting new CIT project that will bring state of the art learning facilities and 6500 students to Woden.
“Woden will be transformed into a modern, vibrant and well-connected town centre with a new CIT campus, passenger-friendly public transport interchange next to community and commercial facilities,” Minister Steel said.
“The project will deliver more than 520 jobs with local Canberra construction companies, and we’re asking those businesses to register their interest in delivering the transport components.”
Community consultation was held late last year with a high level of feedback and public support for the new public transport interchange.
“The response was impressive and shows the public’s excitement for a safer, more vibrant and better-connected Woden,” Minister Steel said.
The consultation findings showed that the community want ample protection and shelter from the weather, the inclusion of green spaces and a safer, better signed and accessible interchange.
“The community has spoken, and their concerns and suggestions were heard, particularly in relation to the future bus priority on Callam Street and the addition of more green space,” Minister Steel said.
“Following community feedback the ACT Government will consider the design of a new North/South road connection through Woden by connecting Bradley Street with Bowes Street as part of the CIT project.
“Woden has historically been a concrete jungle, so the new interchange will include new tree plantings and additional canopy cover with new green spaces to be built as part of the CIT Woden project.
“The Government has also consulted with bus drivers on the new layovers which will be built on Launceston and Easty Streets to ensure there are appropriate facilities including toilets provided.”
During the consultation period, more than 650 conversations with the public were recorded, including 21 in-depth stakeholder briefings, 11 community information pop-ups, 1236 visits to the CIT virtual consultation room and 183 survey responses.
This comprehensive public consultation has informed the Development Application submissions for the new interchange, and associated bus layovers and road upgrades, which were submitted earlier this month.
Construction on bus layovers and road upgrades is likely to commence in the coming months, and the public transport interchange in the third quarter of 2021.
The project is part of the ACT Government’s $14 billion Infrastructure Plan and commitment to grow our employment base to 250,000 by 2025.
“The DA is now available at https://www.planning.act.gov.au/development-applications/pubnote for the next 14 days, and I encourage everyone to visit the website, view the plans and have your say,” Minister Steel said.
