Minister for Territory and Municipal Services Shane Rattenbury released three potential designs for a new and improved Bunda Street, which will be displayed for public consultation and comment.

The redesign will form part of the $6m Civic Cycle Loop project, a 3.2 kilometre bicycle path that loops around the City and connects to existing paths that lead into the City.

Rattenbury says the Bunda Street section of the Cycle Loop, between Mort and Akuna Streets, “requires special design consideration as it has high pedestrian and traffic volumes and a busy retail and hospitality environment.”

Three urban design consultants were contracted by the ACT government to provide plans for the busy strip, with one plan by consultants GTA proposing a 10km/hour speed limit “shared zone” between Akuna Street and Mort Street.

A Spackman, Mossop and Michaels proposal would see a two directional bicycle path on the southern side of Bunda Street, and would make the road one-way, south-bound for motorists.

The design also includes “shared zone” intersections where cyclists could turn onto other cycling routes.

Rattenbury says he will be consulting with cyclist groups and traders in the coming weeks about the plans.

“These are exciting new designs for Canberra’s city centre that we hope will encourage pedestrians and cyclists, improve safety, and also create a vibrant and user-friendly urban space,” he says.

The three designs will be on display in the Canberra Centre, on the upper level opposite Big W, until January 30, then in the Civic Library until February 7.

To view and comment on the designs click here or visit www.timetotalk.act.gov.au.