The ACT Government is planning upgrades to Dickson Shops, on Ngunnawal Country in Canberra, to create a more accessible, modern, and welcoming public space for locals and visitors.

OCULUS – working with Accessed, Canopy Tree Experts, Purdon, WSP, and WT – prepared draft designs for the ACT Government City Renewal Authority. Informed by the Dickson Place Plan and community feedback, these designs have been thoughtfully crafted to refresh the shopping precinct while aiming to retain its distinct character and charm.

The upgrades are focused on creating a sustainable public space that encourages people to visit and stay longer, driving social and economic activity in the process. Proposed features include:

• improved paving, incorporating the reuse of existing bricks.
• enhanced lighting and other features to make this place safer and more attractive after dark.
• decluttering to create more spacious, accessible, and adaptable areas for hosting small events and activities.
• preservation of mature trees in elevated planters, expanding root zones where feasible to support tree health.
• increased greenery to help achieve canopy cover goals and mitigate the urban heat island effect.
• consideration of existing and new public artworks to retain the area’s distinct character and provide a sense of playfulness.
• a series of spaces that encourage socialisation, conversation, and opportunities for incidental play.
• widening a key east-west pedestrian link to create a more generous pedestrian environment, with increased seating and amenities.

The draft designs are open for feedback and suggestions until 23 April 2024.