Acton Peninsula Precinct Draft Structure Plan

The National Capital Authority board has endorsed the Acton Peninsula Precinct Structure Plan.

Introduction

The Acton Peninsula Precinct Draft Structure Plan proposes a long-term plan and vision for this important area in central Canberra.

Acton Peninsula is being re-imagined to become an internationally recognised precinct where education, culture and the public meet to celebrate Australia’s national identity and respect Canberra’s local heritage. We want to create a place which encourages the exchange of ideas and is attractive for everyone, a place which can be used for a wide range of activities and stimulates economic investment and growth. 

What is structure plan?

The structure plan sets the principles for Acton Peninsula and provides a clear direction on the physical organisation and future character of the peninsula. The draft structure plan provides a cohesive and long-term framework for future detailed planning and design.

Background

This area has not been examined since the mid-1990s when planning policy was changed to facilitate development of the National Museum. Acton Peninsula and the institutions play a significant local, national and international role for Canberra. The National Capital Authority (NCA) has worked collaboratively with the National Museum of Australia (NMA), the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), Australian National University (ANU) and the ACT Government to develop this plan. 

Project Purpose

The Acton Peninsula Precinct Draft Structure Plan intends to: 

• deliver world-class core functions of education and museum facilities that exceed the expectations of a domestic and international population of visitors and employees
• reaffirm Acton Peninsula as one of Canberra’s premier gathering places by creating an exciting, connected, active and vibrant precinct that focuses visitors, educators and researchers on Australia’s culture and intellectual capital

Key proposals of the structure plan

The key proposals include:

• improve the access routes into Acton Peninsula and reorganise the street network to achieve more permeability
• consolidated carparking into a central area, with some convenient on-street parking
• new links with the pedestrian and cycle network from West Basin, central Canberra and ANU, all the way around the Peninsula
• consolidated built form into key areas and develop active frontages to the public domain
• creating open spaces around the buildings that are flexible, that can be used day and night for a variety of activities and experiences
• a consistent approach to the use of materials and landscaping, incorporating references to the history of Acton Peninsula

Public Consultation

Community consultation on the Draft Acton Peninsula Precinct Structure Plan ran for six weeks and closed on 13 June 2017. The final structure plan incorporates feedback and outcomes based on public consultation.

Attachments: The Consultation Report and Acton Peninsula Precinct Structure Plan can be downloaded below.

Final Structure Plan and next steps

The Acton Peninsula Precinct Structure Plan provides a cohesive and long-term framework for future planning and design.  NCA will shortly commence the preparation of a Draft Amendment to the National Capital Plan regarding the Acton Peninsula Precinct. The Draft Amendment will be released for public comment, in accordance with the NCA’s ‘Commitment to Community Engagement’ and Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988. This will provide a further opportunity for the community to provide feedback.