The following formal submission have been made public
Submitter: Robyn CoghlanRaising of London Circuit
These works are designed to completely undo the careful planning of the Menzies Government and the view from Parliament House down Commonwealth Avenue. It is very disappointing. The eventual development of apartment blocks on the steep slopes inside the current three loop roads providing access to and egress from Commonwealth Avenue must surely be detrimental to the view.
I have difficulty visualising how London Circuit can be raised to meet with Commonwealth Avenue without creating absurd slopes and retaining walls around London Circuit. Surely, this will be to the detriment of existing buildings.
The reports indicate that there will be traffic lights at the intersection of:
• Northbourne Avenue with London Circuit;
• Northbourne Avenue southbound with Vernon Circle;
• Vernon Circle with Constitution Avenue; and
• London Circuit with Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.
This will inevitably slow traffic movement southwards from Northbourne Avenue. It is a retrograde step in this respect. Additionally, traffic flow northbound along Commonwealth Avenue will be impeded by the traffic lights at London Circuit, especially if the tram line is constructed. The trams will enter and leave Commonwealth Avenue at regular intervals, thus creating a stop-start effect, rippling along Commonwealth Avenue.
The building heights of 6-8 storeys up to 25 metres in all areas with minimum 16 metres fronting Vernon Circle plus landmark buildings of 14-18 storeys will surely overpower City Hill and reduce the view of this natural landmark. City Hill will become insignificant amidst the typical city environs.
At the time of self-government, it was expected that the National Capital Authority would protect this important area from the inevitable pressure on the ACT Government by the development industry. I do hope that NCA will assess this proposal effectively to ensure the outcome will conform with past aspirations for a modern 21st century city that reflects a nation proud of its national capital.
I have difficulty visualising how London Circuit can be raised to meet with Commonwealth Avenue without creating absurd slopes and retaining walls around London Circuit. Surely, this will be to the detriment of existing buildings.
The reports indicate that there will be traffic lights at the intersection of:
• Northbourne Avenue with London Circuit;
• Northbourne Avenue southbound with Vernon Circle;
• Vernon Circle with Constitution Avenue; and
• London Circuit with Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.
This will inevitably slow traffic movement southwards from Northbourne Avenue. It is a retrograde step in this respect. Additionally, traffic flow northbound along Commonwealth Avenue will be impeded by the traffic lights at London Circuit, especially if the tram line is constructed. The trams will enter and leave Commonwealth Avenue at regular intervals, thus creating a stop-start effect, rippling along Commonwealth Avenue.
The building heights of 6-8 storeys up to 25 metres in all areas with minimum 16 metres fronting Vernon Circle plus landmark buildings of 14-18 storeys will surely overpower City Hill and reduce the view of this natural landmark. City Hill will become insignificant amidst the typical city environs.
At the time of self-government, it was expected that the National Capital Authority would protect this important area from the inevitable pressure on the ACT Government by the development industry. I do hope that NCA will assess this proposal effectively to ensure the outcome will conform with past aspirations for a modern 21st century city that reflects a nation proud of its national capital.