The ACT Government has commenced planning work on the Southern Gateway Corridor.
The development of the Southern Gateway Planning and Design Framework (the framework) will establish an integrated land-use and transport plan for the extension of Canberra’s mass-transit light rail line to Woden.
Engagement on the draft framework will guide future development along the Light Rail 2B corridor.
Much like the City and Gateway Design Framework [14.8 MB], urban regeneration along this southern corridor provides an opportunity to revitalise this part of Canberra.
It will demonstrate design excellence and celebrate Canberra’s unique landscape character while placing more value on public places that prioritise pedestrians, cycling and public transport as well as the provision of social infrastructure required for sustainable communities.
This may include more housing, commercial activity, active travel and public transport connections as well as improvements to landscape, streets and public spaces.
During planning for the Southern Gateway Corridor the community will have an opportunity to provide input on the draft framework through a consultation process.
The Southern Gateway is identified in the Minister for Planning’s Statement of Planning Priorities as a priority project for the Territory Planning Authority.
How did we get here?
The ACT Planning Strategy set the direction for a liveable and accessible Canberra. The Planning Strategy aims to build 70% of new homes in existing urban areas. The strategy highlights the importance of exploring the possibility of a light rail corridor from the City to Woden to improve accessibility in Canberra.
The ACT Government aims to release land in existing urban footprint areas. This involves strategic planning and investigations for gradual development in ‘key sites’ and ‘change areas’ in each urban district, including precincts near rapid transport services. This is outlined in the District Strategies.
The 2018 City and Gateway Design Framework [14.8 MB] established the planning and design framework for Stage 1 of light rail. A Southern Gateway Planning and Design Framework will be developed, to shape the growth of the City to Woden corridor.
A Southern Gateway Planning and Design Framework also intends to shape the growth of the City to Woden corridor by establishing a vision and principles for this key corridor supporting future planning which draws upon the legacy of historic planning and contemporary design.
The Southern Gateway includes designated areas that are of national significance leading into the National Capital Area. The Framework will consider the Griffin legacy on Adelaide Avenue and surrounds and other heritage matters that need to be examined with the National Capital Authority.
The Corridor
The Southern Gateway Corridor area incorporates the Inner South and Woden Districts. The below is a summary plan outlining the strategic direction for the development of Canberra over the next 30 years and beyond.
Figure 1: Summary plan outlining the strategic directions for the development of Canberra over the next 30 years and beyond.
Have your say
Consultation on the draft Southern Gateway Planning and Design Framework will take place over the next two years. Sign up to YourSay Conversations to receive updates on upcoming projects.
North Curtin Residential Area
The ACT Government is starting early planning for a new residential development. More than 1300 homes will be developed in the North Curtin area within the Southern Gateway Corridor.
This new neighbourhood will be located between Yarralumla and Curtin, alongside the future Light Rail to Woden. The Woden District Strategy identifies this site to take between 0 - 10 years for urban intensification.
This is the first step in consultation for the Southern Gateway Corridor. Further information on this project is available on the YourSay Conversations webpage.
Your feedback and ideas will contribute to the finalisation of the draft Planning Conditions for the North Curtin Residential Area.
The Planning Conditions will set out the principles that will guide future development on the ACT land closest to Yarra Glen. Covering aspects such as urban design, landscape design, built form, access and design quality.
Light Rail 2B corridor: City to Woden
The ACT Government is expanding Canberra’s light rail network to ensure Canberra remains a connected, sustainable, and vibrant modern city.
An Environmental Impact Statement is being prepared as part of the approvals process before construction can commence.
Engagement has now closed. To keep up to date or to read the ‘What we heard’ report, which outlines the findings of the engagement, on the YourSay Conversations webpage.
The investigations to determine the planning principles and opportunities for urban intensification within the Corridor are in response to an action item from the ACT Planning Strategy 2018. It will address the planning intent along the Light Rail Stage 2B Corridor from the Inner South and Woden District Strategies.
The Southern Gateway Corridor investigations aim to find urban intensification opportunities. Commonwealth and ACT statutory rezoning and environmental processes may form part of the investigations. These approvals will be required before any land use change could occur in the Southern Gateway Corridor area.
