Size limits on shops are being relaxed under proposed changes to support the viability of local centres by allowing greater flexibility.
Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman said the change would make it easier for local centres to secure a supermarket as an anchor tenant.
"Local centres such as Giralang, Coombs and McKellar have struggled, leaving shops empty and community spaces under-developed," Minister Gentleman said.
"While we do have plenty of thriving local centres in Canberra, this change is aimed at helping suburban shops where development has stalled over difficulties attracting a supermarket tenant.
"The change will increase the cap on the floor area of supermarkets from 1000m2 to 1500m2 making it easier to secure a supermarket so developments can proceed and other businesses can set up at these local centres.
"Canberrans love their local shops. They help turn a suburb into a community and bring services and jobs into the heart of a neighbourhood and we've especially seen the importance of these centres during the COVID pandemic.
"The draft variation will have interim effect, meaning the new provision will apply straight away."
You can view and comment on the changes on the ACT Planning website.
