Essential stormwater works are the next step in the restoration of the heritage-listed Sydney and Melbourne buildings.
These works form a central part of the ACT Government's 2021-22 Budget infrastructure package creating more jobs as we work towards our goal of reaching 250,000 jobs in our economy by 2025.
The first works at Sydney and Melbourne buildings are set to take place in Odgers and Verity Lanes and will lay the foundation for further improvements for the buildings. The buildings require work to ageing stormwater and drain infrastructure which will significantly help to improve their appearance and longevity.
Coinciding with the stormwater work, the ACT Government is also progressing design work on projects in the laneways to improve safety, connectivity and service functions for businesses operating out of the buildings. The improvements will improve both day and night-time activities and will involve activity like resurfacing of the laneways, enhancement of pedestrian and vehicle accessibility and lighting upgrades.
Transport Canberra and City Services and the City Renewal Authority will integrate restoration works as part of the stormwater improvement to help minimise disturbance to business and the community. These works will also be coordinated with early works on the London Circuit section of the Stage 2 light rail route to ensure disruption in the area is minimal and only happens once.
"These heritage buildings are a special part of Canberra's history and the ACT Government is investing in important restoration works and also working closely with the multiple owners to reinforce their role as a distinctive gateway to our city," ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.
"This project is the next step in the heritage restoration of both the buildings and lays the groundwork for further restoration work in the years ahead."
Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said that the upgrades to Canberra's stormwater system would support the future revitalisation of the Sydney and Melbourne buildings from the bottom up.
"This investment will renew these historic and iconic Canberra buildings and support the local businesses operating within both precincts," Minister Steel said.
"We will also be upgrading stormwater systems in Narrabundah as well as improvements in Mawson to address flooding issues at the group centre. This will include design for upgrades to the path network, landscaping, tree planting and street lighting."
These commitments provide $9.7 million in investment for upgraded stormwater systems across the ACT, this is a combination of ACT and Commonwealth Government funding. This is in addition to $5.75 million of laneway refurbishments and façade works in and around the buildings that will be delivered by the City Renewal Authority.
