The Lathlain Street Precinct is located in the heart of Belconnen between Luxton Street and Cohen Street. It will 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.

A concept plan and three design themes have been prepared for community feedback. They are:

• contemporary
• natural
• industrial.

The concept plan strikes a balance between community aspirations and technical feasibility however it is indicative only and will be further developed. We are inviting comments on the general layout proposed for the urban park.

The main purpose of the current stage of engagement is to understand how you would like the Lathlain Street Precinct to look and feel. We want to know which of the three design themes will best create the type of precinct where you could relax, play, visit, work and connect with people.

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

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.

In December 2024 SLA held two community workshops, one online and one in person. The purpose of these workshops was to reintroduce the site to community members and to reconfirm the community’s aspirations for the Precinct and identify any changes in these aspirations since the 2021 Place Design Brief engagement. This phase was crucial in ensuring the development aligns with the evolving needs and desires of the community. The current stage of engagement builds on the feedback received in the two community workshops.

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 continuing 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 via the basements of the future development sites. 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 2021 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).