79893

The National Capital Authority (NCA) has released a vision for the renewal of Canberra’s Commonwealth Park, which includes an aquatic centre to replace the city’s ageing Olympic Pool in Civic.

The proposed renewal plans also include an upgrade of Stage 88, permanent beds and year-round gardens for Floriade - the park's annual tulip festival, a light rail stop and Ferris wheel.

Releasing its "early thinking" for the future of the park, NCA Chief Executive Karen Doran says the plans are flexible and able to be responsive to public feedback.

Doran told the ABC “not all ideas are possible, but if we don't consider ideas, we'll never know.

"It's a vision not a plan, so I think it can be responsive and flexible."

The concept features expanded gardens which would see Floraide become more of an owner-occupier than a tenant.

An upgrade for Stage 88 outdoor venue is also proposed, with the plans identifying an expanded and improved outdoor performance venue "equivalent to other capital cities in Australia".

The concept includes upgraded amphitheatre lawns, a new stage, new technology and a green room, noting “the addition of new paths, arrival points and crowd control fence line options for different event sizes would allow the park stage to run more autonomously, with less impact on everyday park users.”

Doran said the NCA had floated the idea of an aquatic centre in the park prior to Labor's latest Federal election pitch - pledging to fund the proposed Canberra Convention and Entertainment Centre precinct, with plans to relocate the Olympic Pool.

The Commonwealth Park Concept Vision also includes general improvements for walking, cycling and public transport in the park, and upgrades to Regatta Point.

The concept plans are available on the NCA's website, with public feedback invited up to 20th June.

Click here for more information.

Images: Concepts for upgraders to Commonwealth Park. Credit: National Capital Authority/ Mark Gerada.

Related Articles

10th January 2025 - Floriade and Unisport Nationals deliver significant boost to ACT 2024 economy

21st November 2024 - Fluidra takes on naming rights for water polo’s inaugural Australia Cup

14th September 2024 - Floriade’s 37th edition opens in Canberra with ‘Art in Bloom’ theme  

11th September 2024 - ACT Liberals promise new waterfront Canberra stadium if elected

23rd August 2024 - Australian Masters Games returns to Canberra in 2025 with new General Manager

18th August 2024 - New reforms aim to protect and enhance Canberra’s nightlife

19th June 2024 - ACT Government backs planning for new Canberra Convention and Entertainment Centre

10th May 2024 - Federal Government commits $250 million to AIS upgrades and $10 million for Canberra Stadium masterplan

1st February 2024 - Further investment from ACT Government aims to elevate Canberra’s major events

24th August 2023 - NightFest to illuminate Canberra’s Floriade festival

26th May 2023 - ACT Government invites community input on urban open space management

7th November 2022 - Calls for new Canberra Stadium to replace GIO Stadium

19th September 2022 - Floriade celebrates its 35th anniversary

1st July 2022 - Design work begins on Canberra’s Acton Waterfront park

27th April 2021 - Canberra welcomes the return of Floriade

23rd October 2019 - Media report ‘fury’ over Canberra Olympic Pool’s segregated gender sessions

20th January 2016 - Canberra Olympic Pool continues to leak despite repair work

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.