The Lathlain Street Precinct is located in the heart of Belconnen between Luxton Street and Cohen Street. Building on the 2021 Belconnen Town Centre Place Design Brief, we are preparing for the area to become a lively town centre precinct with safe and active streets for people, complete with a central public park that celebrates the community’s diversity. The Precinct will provide homes, shops, dining and improved active travel provisions to better connect the local community and enhance Belconnen Town Centre West.

We want to further understand what local community and visitors would value in the future Lathlain Street Precinct.

How will you work, play, move around and relax in the Lathlain Street Precinct?

Let’s explore:

• Pedestrian-friendly verges along Lathlain Street and Rae Street.
• The new urban park and landscape opportunities.
• Improved amenity, safety, and activation.
• Connection and movement opportunities.

Your views will help shape the design of the site.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our engagement sessions in December 2024.

More community pop-up events, workshops, and engagement activities about the Lathlain Street Precinct will be held in early 2025. Please keep an eye on this page for more details or follow this page.

This Lathlain Street Precinct consultation builds on previous community engagements undertaken for Land Release Sites in the Belconnen Town Centre, and which were documented in the Land Release Sites Belconnen Town Centre Place Design Brief (PDB). This was developed in 2021 to help understand the community’s views and values. Through this next phase of community engagement, we seek to understand your thoughts on the landscape design and inclusions, as well as how you will use and experience the area to ensure the Lathlain Street Precinct reflects the values and aspirations that have been heard.

This project will use the PDB as a foundation to gather more detailed insights on how to deliver the vision for the Lathlain Street Precinct. The goal is to create walkable connections, unique local identity with beautiful spaces, enhance walkability, intimate green areas, and ample opportunities for connection and respite. The community will benefit from a new urban park, upgraded verges, and improved connections between key locations, such as the bus interchanges, Westfield Shopping Centre, and the new commercial, retail, residential, and hospitality precinct.

Engagement for Belconnen Town Centre Land Release Sites completed in 2021 included specific engagement with Ngunnawal Traditional Owners and stakeholders to understand the unique social, spiritual, and historical connection to place. This resulted in the following Statement of Cultural Significance for Belconnen Town Centre Land Release Sites being prepared to inform future development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When will the new public space be ready?
There are several stages to complete before we have a new public space that is welcoming, safe and accessible. From late 2024 to mid-2025, we will be carrying out the first stage of community consultation to develop a people-first design for the space. Following construction, the space is expected to be ready by late 2028/29.

2. Will parking be affected by construction?
No car parking is located on the sites identified for the new public space. During the planned construction phase from 2027 to 2029, street parking will be temporarily impacted. We will work with TCCS to provide maps of nearby, available parking and up to date information on public transport to nearby businesses. The new public space once completed will provide improved access to a range of nearby transport options. It includes street parking and public parking in the basement of Belconnen Village on Walder and Belconnen Village on Lathlain. The number of public carparking spots are determined by the statutory authority for planning.

3. Will access to Lathlain Street be closed during construction?
Construction is expected to start in 2027 and we will work with community, businesses, and land developers on ensuring the precinct continues to support the needs of existing and future communities. The existing pedestrian access path though the site (next to the closed underpass) will remain open until construction starts. During construction, there will be temporary closures and nearby communities and businesses will be kept informed with alternative travel options. Communities and businesses will also be informed by SLA and TCCS of road closures and alternative travel options during construction as required. Once completed in 2029, pedestrians will experience improved movement across Lathlain Street and through the precinct.

4. What impact will the surrounding development building heights have on the open space?
The Territory Plan controls height limits to surrounding buildings. There will be due consideration in developing future Section 21 and Sections 22 & 23 (designs currently underway) as an interface with the open space. Design of the open space will build on and further explore community’s aspirations for the site articulated in the 20221 Place Design Brief. These include aspirations such as a central lawn for events, urban play space, green streets, alfresco dining areas and connected pathways. Plantings that thrive in part-shade will be considered as will the potential views of the open space from above as occupants of buildings will look down onto the space.

What you tell us will inform and help shape development of the future Lathlain Street Precinct, guiding the project team through the design development process as they prepare the Subdivision Design Application (SDA).