[ad_1]
A former medical centre within the Canberra suburb of Belconnen designed by Ken Woolley is going through demolition underneath an ACT authorities plan to interchange it with a mixed-use improvement.
The previous Kippax Well being Centre was the primary well being centre for west Belconnen. Residents are opposing the demolition as a part of the enlargement over Holt District Enjoying Area, which is meant to accommodate retail enlargement and make approach for a brand new mixed-use improvement. The block earmarked to supersede the well being centre may see the event of 80 new dwellings.
Sketch perspective of the proposed Kippax Well being Centre, 1974.
Picture:
Courtesy of the Division of Well being
Dissident residents have stated that whereas they don’t seem to be against the event of the Kippax centre, they’ve objected to the appropriateness of this explicit proposal, which might see the demolition of the revered well being constructing and native enjoying fields.
“In fact we want group housing however not on the group centre, placing the well being centre and enjoying fields in danger,” stated native resident and chair of the Save Kippax Enjoying Fields Christopher Watson.
Watson has additionally urged that the well being centre, which operated as a public clinic from 1975 to 2005 earlier than it shut for personal follow, be reopened to the general public on the grounds that close by medical amenities don’t present sufficient entry to essential psychological well being companies.
The ACT Heritage Council declined to record the Woolley constructing again in February 2022 on the grounds that it was not eligible for provisional registration, thereby paving the way in which for the rezoning and enlargement.
“The Heritage Council is just not happy on affordable grounds that the Place is prone to have heritage significance as outlined by part 10 of the Heritage Act 2004,” the choice learn.
The ACT authorities then lodged an utility for the demolition of the centre as a part of a masterplan for the Kippax group centre.
In keeping with the ACT authorities, group engagement on the Kippax Group Centre Draft Masterplan in early 2016 indicated robust assist for the proposed suggestions that included the institution of a brand new central hub with new group amenities and a retail enlargement for the centre.
Watson has urged that any submission in opposition to the proposed demolition will help their trigger, “irrespective of how small.” Written and on-line submissions have to be acquired by the authority by shut of enterprise 18 Might.
[ad_2]
Source link
