The East Lake Railway Precinct urban renewal program is set to receive a significant boost with a $2.8 million commitment from the Commonwealth for planning and design work. This investment is part of the Australian Government’s $150 million Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program (uPPP) and complements the Barr Government’s $3 million investment. The initiative aims to support the development of 5,000 dwellings, with the first land releases expected by 2027.
In addition to residential units, the Kingston precinct is anticipated to host new businesses, creating over a thousand jobs in commercial, technology, and service industries. Community and cultural facilities are also planned for the former landfill area in the northwest corner of the site. The announcement was made at Canberra Railway Station, where Chief Minister Andrew Barr emphasized the importance of a new railway station as part of a multi-modal transport hub for Canberra.
Revitalizing Canberra’s Infrastructure
The announcement comes as part of a broader effort to renew the NSW-owned railway station, which Mr. Barr described as unbefitting of the national capital. He highlighted the need for better integration into the new precinct, stating, “Under the partnership with the Commonwealth government under this fantastic program, we’ll see the next stages of work completed, and enable construction to commence on a number of residential, commercial and industrial projects.”
The government aims to complete the master planning work within the next 18 to 24 months, after which land could be released. However, a major plan amendment is required to pass through the Legislative Assembly. Mr. Barr expressed optimism about the private sector’s interest in development opportunities within the precinct.
Strategic Urban Planning and Environmental Considerations
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King underscored the importance of planning work in achieving successful urban renewal projects. She stated,
“The Urban Precincts and Partnerships program is very much about urban redesign, reuse of areas, trying to make sure those areas are often in inner city suburbs that really need unlocking, both for housing, for new community facilities, for new sporting facilities.”
Minister King also noted that planning would include remediation assessment, particularly for the sensitive Jerrabomberra Wetlands area. “You’ve got the Jerrabomberra Wetlands here as well, which is a really sensitive and beautiful area that will need protection, but that’s what master planning allows you to do,” she said.
Future Prospects and Housing Diversity
While the market will ultimately determine the housing mix, Mr. Barr emphasized the value of diversity, anticipating a combination of public, community, and build-to-rent housing, as well as accommodation for key workers. According to the East Lake Place Plan, the Railway Precinct will feature a mix of commercial, residential, and public buildings, primarily ranging from four to six storeys, with eight-storey marker developments in strategic locations.
Construction of the new housing and railway station is expected to proceed concurrently. Mr. Barr stated, “I think they need to come hand in hand. We want to see a multi-modal transport hub here. It’s on a major rapid bus route. It’s where the train from Sydney comes in. I think we can do better, and the NSW Government acknowledges we can do better.”
NSW has extensive experience in railway station redevelopment, and Mr. Barr expressed a desire to collaborate with them and the private sector. Key project participants will include the Suburban Land Agency, NSW Government, developers, the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust, and the Canberra Institute of Technology.
This development represents a significant step forward for Canberra’s infrastructure, promising to enhance connectivity and foster economic growth in the region. As planning progresses, stakeholders remain focused on balancing urban development with environmental preservation, ensuring a sustainable future for the East Lake Railway Precinct.
