CANBERRA CBD LTD have responded at length to the Capital Metro environmental impact statement.

They are most concerned about the works depot for the project taking over the car park opposite the Melbourne Building for three years.

Here are their conclusions:

While CCBD supports the principle of modal shift, we are concerned that some elements of the
proposed light rail – stage 1 create disadvantages for businesses in the CBD, particularly those west of
Northbourne Avenue.

These disadvantages include:

• loss of parking spaces for 3 years
• potential additional taxes and levies to fund the infrastructure
• impacts on business operations relating to 3 years of construction activities, including traffic and pedestrian movement, air quality, noise and vibration.

To support the CBD during construction, CCBD seek the following:

• an alternate location for the CBD construction compound, preferably elsewhere in the corridor so as to maintain parking at the existing public car park south of the Melbourne Building.
• high quality hoarding around any CBD compound – where possible, public art to be incorporated along with the avenue planting to soften the visual impact of the hoarding.
• relocation of the proposed CBD stop to between the Sydney and Melbourne buildings (option 6) as it is located along the east/west pedestrian movement patterns.
• ongoing engagement with business owners during the construction period and implementation of initiatives to support them.

To further ensure the survival of our CBD we urge the Government to:

• rule out absolutely any specific value capture proposals once and for all time.
• consider opportunities for temporary rate relief or other mechanisms to reduce operating costs during the construction period.
• take a holistic approach to initiatives that affect the CBD.