In April–⁠May 2021 we invited community to have their say on a new streetscape design concept for Lonsdale Street, Braddon. We shared the proposed design, information about the sustainability features of the project, and a short survey to receive feedback.

More than 300 Canberrans and local community groups provided input to the proposed streetscape designs, with top feedback including:

• improving connections between Lonsdale Street and the Elouera Street light rail stop
• auditing the parking supply with the goal of increasing short stay and accessible spaces and loading zones appropriate for deliveries
• planning upgrades to Mort Street.

The full response to consultation findings is now available to view in the listening report . Thank you to everyone who participated.

The draft streetscape design seeks to make Lonsdale Street more accessible, attractive and safer for local businesses, residents and visitors to enjoy.

The $4 million upgrade (approximate budget) will include:

• intersection upgrade at Girrawheen Street
• widened verges at the Cooyong Street intersection
• two landscaped mid-block pedestrian crossings between the above intersections and Elouera Street
• new paving, improved lighting, and more street furniture, bike racks and litter bins
• protection of existing trees, as well as new canopy trees and low garden beds
• new urban art at each location.

To complement these works, Braddon has now recieved a decorative lighting upgrade to Lonsdale Street’s median trees which was completed mid 2022. This upgrade, which was partially funded by the City Renewal Authority and partially by the City Centre Marketing and Improvements Levy, ensures the precinct continues to be a prime destination for visitors, supporting the region’s night economy.

The upgrade to Lonsdale Street aims to:

• further improve the amenity and appeal of Braddon by making it more pedestrian friendly
• improve the visitor experience with informal gathering spaces to break the journey and stay longer
• increase the opportunity for alfresco dining with extended kerbs and new paving at crossing points
• improve the pedestrian connection from the city to Haig Park.

This work was initially announced in June 2020 alongside the Woolley Street upgrade in Dickson and formed part of Canberra’s COVID-19 stimulus package. The scope of the project has been revised to reduce construction disruption to businesses and the community who may already be experiencing hardship following the health emergency.

The new concept design reflects the recommendations of the Braddon Place Plan, which was developed in partnership with the local community in 2018­–2019 to guide improvements to public spaces in the area. Community aspirations outlined in the plan included:

• a focus on interventions that retain the existing urban fabric and keep it interesting and gritty
• community hang out spaces, more greenery and street seating
• traffic reduction and calming, and more pedestrian crossings to improve safety
• more street art and public art, with the emphasis on supporting local artists and arts culture
• better access for prams and wheelchairs
• shops to engage more with the footpath, and
• improved street lighting.

Construction is expected to commence mid-2023.

The levels of participation indicated below are based on the International Association for Public Participation's Spectrum of Public Participation. We are:

• Consult you to identify and understand any unforeseen issues with the concept designs so we could consider and aim to resolve them before finalising the designs.
• Involved you in the choice of artworks. Your preferences will be used to commission and brief artists.
• Involved Lonsdale Street traders and residents in shaping the construction program to minimise impact on their businesses and homes.