As a result of several background studies and extensive consultation with the community during these studies, ACTPLA undertook the Planning Study on the Braddon commercial precinct.

The new Territory Plan

The new Territory Plan came into effect on March 31 2008. The policies and controls from the existing Territory Plan were translated, as much as possible, without changing the policy intent. 

There were, however, areas where the Government believed a change to the existing planning controls was appropriate as a result of recent planning studies and consultation. Braddon was one of these areas, following consultation on the Braddon Commercial Area Planning Study Draft Report (PDF 1.1Mb), which outlined over 40 recommendations aimed at making the Braddon commercial area more inviting.

The Braddon Commercial Area Planning Study Final Report (PDF 3.35MB) incoporates the original draft report with changes resulting from comments recieved during the consultation period. The report explains intended character and sustainability opportunities for the area, aspects which are not part of the planning controls outlined in the Territory Plan.

The new Territory Plan establishes building envelope controls that may provide for buildings up to four to six storeys. These controls will provide opportunities for commercial development on the ground floor and first floor levels with residential development on upper floors.

Why the study was done

The Canberra Spatial Plan identified residential intensification within 7.5 km radius of the City Centre as a long term planning strategy to manage urban growth.  As Braddon falls within this radius, there is a great potential for the redevelopment of Braddon commercial precinct.

As part of an earlier Neighbourhood Planning process for Braddon, extensive community consultation was undertaken and a final Braddon Neighbourhood Plan (PDF 2.6MB) was released in 2003, which identified the future direction for Braddon. 

A Social Impact Assessment completed in 2005 identified significant safety and amenity issues caused mainly by through traffic and lack of active frontages during after hours. 

The City Area Infrastructure Capacity and Catchment Study for Braddon, completed in 2006, recognised that the stormwater network capacity is adequate to cater for existing and future redevelopments.  Current high density developments in the City, three storey apartments along Torrens Street and taller buildings along Northbourne Avenue have triggered interest among the industry and community. 

As a result of several background studies and extensive consultation with the community during these studies, ACTPLA undertook the Planning Study on the Braddon commercial precinct.

Consultation process

Consultation on the Braddon Commercial Area Planning Study Draft report occurred between November 14 and December 17 2007.

A draft restructured Territory Plan was initially released for public comment between 4 April 2007 and 1 June 2007 with the community asked to provide feedback on the format and structure. The ACT Planning and Land Authority considered those suggestions, the feedback from a Minister’s Reference Group of industry and community stakeholders, and the recommendations of the Minister’s Independent Assessor and made changes to the format and structure of the draft Territory Plan. A second round of consultation was then held which concluded on 7 December 2007.

Result of consultation so far

The new Territory Plan establishes building envelope controls that may provide for buildings up to four to six storeys. These controls will provide opportunities for commercial development on the ground floor and first floor levels with residential development on upper floors.

The Braddon Commercial Area Planning Study Final Report (PDF 3.35MB) incoporates the original draft report with changes resulting from comments recieved during the consultation period. The report explains intended character and sustainability opportunities for the area, aspects which are not part of the planning controls outlined in the Territory Plan.