The upgrade also includes improved new energy-efficient lighting and more street furniture for visitors, with many made from recycled wood
Business owners have welcomed City Walk’s recent makeover, which is set to breathe life into the heart of Canberra. The City Renewal Authority has transformed City Walk between Garema Place and Ainslie Place into an urban retreat featuring more than 3,000 plants and 560 square metres of lawn.
The upgrade also includes improved new energy-efficient lighting and more street furniture for visitors, with many made from recycled wood. The owner of City Walk shop The Green Shed, Sandie Bigg-Wither, was excited for the recent investment in the area. “It’s going to really make Canberra look better than it has in the past, especially for interstate visitors,” she said. “We’re going to have a beautiful space outside the front of our shop, and we’re very happy about that. I think it would draw people into that area, which will in turn draw more people to the shop. “It looks like a lush area; the whole thing looks like a little park.”
Beach Burrito Venue Manager Rafael Morales said that since construction had commenced, he had noticed an increase in foot traffic. “Everyone is focused on the shopping centre, [but] with this new project I believe people will be keen to come around to this side of the City Walk. It’s going to be a very positive impact for us,” he said. Local First Nations company Rork Projects was commissioned to deliver the construction of the upgrade. Rork Projects Project Manager Nathan Spencer said his company were delighted to work on such an iconic Canberra space.
Mr Spencer said his favourite features were the garden beds, the lighting strips and the quartz aggregate concrete – which will later have artworks blasted into it. “I feel as if it will transform the city. I’m stoked to be a part of it to be honest,” he said.
For those wanting another reason to explore and relax in the revitalized space, local artists will perform at lunchtime every weekday in the city centre as part of the City Renewal Authority’s Lunchbox Acoustic program.
