Your comments
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Firstly as a practicing town planner working in Canberra I think we need to accept that if we want this development to happen in the near future than a 1000m2 supermarket it is. This is not a small supermarket. It is the average size of an Aldi in Australia and is bigger than the IGAs in the surrounding suburbs. Otherwise we are looking at 2 years for a territory plan variation or convincing the ACT and NCA that Giralang should be a group centre because of the growth of Lawson and the Ginniderra development.
I think that the height is an ambit claim and either Nikkias Diamond will back down or the government will require them to resubmit with less floors. There is increasing push back on height - look at Curtin shops, Air Tower in Gungahlin and the planning committees recommendation on the Woden Town center territory plan variation.
I am not convinced that there is demand for 1 bedroom units and that it would be better to provide a mix of 2 and 3 bedroom units.
I think the entire ground floor should be retail and professional suites with no units on this level.
I also think that this area should be designed as a precinct - the retail end closest to the governments proposed park should include cafes/restaurants that overlook the park - think Riccardos in Jamison.
I think that the height is an ambit claim and either Nikkias Diamond will back down or the government will require them to resubmit with less floors. There is increasing push back on height - look at Curtin shops, Air Tower in Gungahlin and the planning committees recommendation on the Woden Town center territory plan variation.
I am not convinced that there is demand for 1 bedroom units and that it would be better to provide a mix of 2 and 3 bedroom units.
I think the entire ground floor should be retail and professional suites with no units on this level.
I also think that this area should be designed as a precinct - the retail end closest to the governments proposed park should include cafes/restaurants that overlook the park - think Riccardos in Jamison.
Am almost to the point that anything is better than nothing.
I think the current suggestion is more aimed at profit for the developers than consideration of the locals
I think the current suggestion is more aimed at profit for the developers than consideration of the locals
Clearly a lot of work has gone into the new proposal - lets get on with it. I accept that the developers need a significant residential component to make it viable. The height should not be a major concern - c.f. The Central/Goodwin at Crace
I am happy to see some sustainable shops developed - even North Lyneham size. As long as shop is sustainable and safety at Giralang primary school and area is secured, I am happy to support and actual development going.
Someone mentioned he would not care if development takes 5 extra years - but I do. Enough negotiation must have done! Feasible timely development is welcome
Someone mentioned he would not care if development takes 5 extra years - but I do. Enough negotiation must have done! Feasible timely development is welcome
Must admit to now being at the stage of just wanting the current eyesore developed into something. Agree that I don't particularly like the height and number of Units but as long as it includes a "real" Supermarket then let's get on with it. Regret missing the meeting but we were out of town.
Congratulations and sincere thanks to those in GRAG who have, and are, doing so much to help our community and get the situation resolved.
Congratulations and sincere thanks to those in GRAG who have, and are, doing so much to help our community and get the situation resolved.
I think there are a couple of newish shopping centres that give us some idea of what could work for Giralang - both Casey and Crace have merit in this regard. I would still prefer to see a 1500 sq m supermarket. Alternatively, I like the idea of a growers/ fresh produce shop. Ainslie shops show what can be done with a good eatery/ bar
I agree with comments in your response around reducing number of units to better suit parking spots and thus the height of development. Also if developer to keep the site that they should be make shop work - reducing rent - we know they have done that for previous take away. If they operate it they won't have any rent to pay themselves.
Also in terms of community park I think developers should have to help pay for it. Their construction workers helped degrade the site and the shutting down of shops and locking up of the land for 14 yrs also helped lead to its poor state. If they have money to put into the school facilities such as bus lane and bike shed ( and sponsorship) then how about an area that is communal for the whole Giralang community and the residence of the units they want to build. The original site had green space but the new designs all have none bar a few street trees in concept drawings. The original shops complimented the surrounds and design for function rather than the Mc Mansion model approach of dropping a building into a block of land with little to no regard to what is along side it. Could be in the middle of Paddington.
By park I mean minimal landscaped green space. No fixed equipment and no special 'nature play'.
Trees, shrubs paths and seating. A micro Haig park. We have lots of fixed equipment, we all know needs maintainence and could do with age expanding. True nature play can already take place all over our suburb, in the pine Forrest, along the green space along the ridges, around the soccer fields. And could in micro Haigh.
Just some thoughts
Also in terms of community park I think developers should have to help pay for it. Their construction workers helped degrade the site and the shutting down of shops and locking up of the land for 14 yrs also helped lead to its poor state. If they have money to put into the school facilities such as bus lane and bike shed ( and sponsorship) then how about an area that is communal for the whole Giralang community and the residence of the units they want to build. The original site had green space but the new designs all have none bar a few street trees in concept drawings. The original shops complimented the surrounds and design for function rather than the Mc Mansion model approach of dropping a building into a block of land with little to no regard to what is along side it. Could be in the middle of Paddington.
By park I mean minimal landscaped green space. No fixed equipment and no special 'nature play'.
Trees, shrubs paths and seating. A micro Haig park. We have lots of fixed equipment, we all know needs maintainence and could do with age expanding. True nature play can already take place all over our suburb, in the pine Forrest, along the green space along the ridges, around the soccer fields. And could in micro Haigh.
Just some thoughts
We’ve lived in Giralang for over 11 years. Quite frankly I like the design... we were getting single level shops, and now we’re getting single level shops with units above.
I think the target of “downsizing “ is flawed being so close to UC. The height doesn’t bother me, but I would like to see more professional suites... medical or accounting or something a little more
Couldn’t care less about the park, cause the playing fields is closer to me to walk the dogs
I think the target of “downsizing “ is flawed being so close to UC. The height doesn’t bother me, but I would like to see more professional suites... medical or accounting or something a little more
Couldn’t care less about the park, cause the playing fields is closer to me to walk the dogs
The plans look ok to me, if something was to change I would like to see more shops at the expense of units. It is the quality of the execution that is important to me though, I would to see a food pub type setup, with somewhere overlooking some nice statues or something. I like that indigenous star idea for that reason.
Yes, proceed with the shop design as is. The survey question 'yes - anything is better than nothing' wording suggests that the current proposal is not suitable, while I believe it is.
I do support the redevelopment, but share the concerns of other residents- id like to see it one story lowered. I'd like to see a supermarket tenant secured as a guarantee.
Even if we get a more boutique style supermarket like the Barton grocer - and I am aware he will be looking for new locations in the near future for expansion, something like that, that provides specialist products will be a draw card and something unique to our area. It has a café within, and still provides regular grocery lines. I would certainly be open to that style of supermarket.
I would love to see space set aside as a function/community space and enough retail space to attract small restaurants/ takeaway and other professional services and perhaps a medical Centre. ( wishful thinking!)
Even if we get a more boutique style supermarket like the Barton grocer - and I am aware he will be looking for new locations in the near future for expansion, something like that, that provides specialist products will be a draw card and something unique to our area. It has a café within, and still provides regular grocery lines. I would certainly be open to that style of supermarket.
I would love to see space set aside as a function/community space and enough retail space to attract small restaurants/ takeaway and other professional services and perhaps a medical Centre. ( wishful thinking!)
the recent community meeting was a JOKE.
It was not community consultation as it was not made aware to all of the Giralang residents and it was held in a venue which could not cater for all that attended.
It was not community consultation as it was not made aware to all of the Giralang residents and it was held in a venue which could not cater for all that attended.
Issues are:
- Large number of apartments and the height of the proposed complex
- Small size of proposed supermarket area (which has been retrospectively reduced from original agreed and approved size of 1500 square metres)
- No prospective tenant for shops so a supermarket may not eventuate
- Traffic congestion around complex
- No other public infrastructure facilities such as toilets or walkways near/around the complex
Must admit to now being at the stage of just wanting the current eyesore developed into something. Agree that I don't particularly like the height and number of Units but as long as it includes a "real" Supermarket then let's get on with it.