Released 17/08/2024 - Joint media release
The ACT Government has reached an agreement with the owners of Kippax Fair delivering substantial investment at the shops including more housing and community infrastructure in addition to expanding the shopping centre.
The sale includes agreement to $12 million of investment by Kippax Fair to provide up to 24 new affordable and public housing dwellings, a community space within the retail hub, and a 6000m2 park which will include barbeque facilities and a playground.
The broader shopping centre expansion includes new retail and shopping facilities and carparking for the growing community. This includes a total of 150 new homes as part of the shopping centre.
The agreement with the Government includes a proposed area for a community centre within the shopping centre of which 800m2 will be available for local groups to use with additional consultation to support best use of this new facility.
This significant revitalisation of West Belconnen’s premier shopping destination will be delivered in two stages starting with an expansion of the east precinct towards Moyes Crescent which will include ‘shop top’ housing.
An expanded Woolworths is also proposed at this stage, along with a brand-new Coles supermarket, more parking, and local business opportunity through specialty retail services.
Following completion of this work upgrading the existing shopping centre will start, this will include more commercial and retail stores, indoor and outdoor dining opportunities, additional parking, and the remaining housing.
This decision and subsequent investment follows an extensive EOI process for the redevelopment of Kippax Fair. The overarching revitalisation of the centre is supported by the Kippax masterplan and Belconnen District Strategy.
This project is still subject to the development application process, which will include further opportunities for consultation with the community on the final design.
Attribute to Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry:
West Belconnen is such a great place to live and as our community grows better access to high quality shops, services and public transport will be increasingly important.
The new parklands will transform this precinct into an area that is inviting for the whole community.
Importantly this agreement will deliver 24 new affordable housing options.
The new Kippax Fair will be seamlessly integrated with surrounding suburbs and I expect this investment to benefit Canberrans in this region for a generation.
Attribute to Minister for Planning Chris Steel:
This is an outstanding result for the local community in West Belconnen which will provide more housing, expanded services, business opportunities and new infrastructure.
The new precinct will make the best use of available land is an new example of our ‘shop top’ housing model that I’ve previously outlined in my statement of planning priorities.
A redeveloped Kippax Fair will provide more housing where Canberrans want to live, while at the same time expanding local services and revitalisation of public areas for the broader community.
I am excited that we’ve been able to reach this agreement with the owners of Kippax Fair to support the expansion of the shops, while securing substantial investment in public spaces as part of the agreement.
Attribute to Kippax Fair owner Philip Christodoulou:
We have undertaken significant work with government to refine the design and scope of the development to enable a modern and expanded retail centre with significant benefits and amenity being delivered to the West Belconnen community.
We are excited to get on with finally turning our vision into reality, revitalising the Kippax Group Centre with new and modern full-line supermarkets, speciality shops, food and dining options, under-cover parking, housing options, and parks and public facilities. We look forward to sharing the details with the community in the coming months.”
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases