AN URBAN beach, sports stadium and a new convention centre are part of an ACT Government plan to “transform” the city centre.

The developments are part of two government projects, “The City Plan” and “City to the Lake,” unveiled by ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher today.

“As we celebrate our first 100 years, and look towards our next century, it is appropriate to talk about the role of our City centre, and how it can become a more dynamic, vibrant and sustainable place,” says Ms Gallagher.

“The City Plan will provide a blueprint for future infrastructure development, land release and incentives for redevelopment right across the city. It will guide our decision-making on what facilities and infrastructure are needed, where these should be located, and what should be the appropriate mix of land use.”

Ms Gallagher says the City to Lake project will extend the city towards the lake, linking the two areas.

It encompasses an area stretching from West Basin to Anzac Parade, and may include a rectangular sports stadium; a new convention centre; cultural facilities; an aquatic facility and urban beach; and making Parkes Way a split-level boulevard to “seamlessly” link West Basin and Civic.

The City Plan will also provide context for further staging of the Capital Metro light rail project.

Ms Gallagher urged Canberrans to have their say on what they would like the City Centre to look like in the future.

Comments can be made online, by email, mail and in person at an ‘open house’ in Garema Place from 9-13 April.

For information see cityplan.act.gov.au or call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.