EARLY DESIGNS FOR COMMONWEALTH PARK OVERHAUL REVEALED

Commonwealth Park Concept Vision 2025 outlines the National Capital Authority's early ideas on how the park could evolve over the coming decades, exploring options and opportunities for renewal while preserving the park’s current uses and character.

The vision seeks to uphold the integrity of Dame Sylvia Crowe’s original master plan and recognise the park’s ongoing role as a venue for major events and a much-loved public space — while identifying ways to meet the future needs of Canberra and the broader community.

“The NCA is committed to reflecting Dame Sylvia Crowe’s original master plan and Commonwealth Park’s importance today as a home for major events and a much-loved public resource, while exploring opportunities for the park to respond to the future needs of Canberra and the Capital,” National Capital Authority chief executive, Karen Doran PSM, said.

The new plans include permanent garden beds for Floriade, with drop in planters for year-round blooms to reduce the overall need for construction and demolition each year.

An upgrade for Stage 88 is also on the cards, with the plans identifying an expanded and improved outdoor performance venue. That would include upgraded amphitheatre lawns, a new stage, new technology and a green room.

"The addition of new paths, arrival points and crowd control fence line options for different event sizes would allow the park stage to run more autonomously, with less impact on everyday park users," the plans state.

The Commonwealth Park Concept Vision also includes general improvements for walking, cycling and public transport in the park and upgrades to Regatta Point.

NCA chief executive Karen Doran told the ABC, “not all ideas are possible, but if we don't consider ideas, we'll never know. It's a vision not a plan, so I think it can be responsive and flexible."

Plans are open for public feedback for 10 weeks.