Canberra’s Kingston Foreshore could become a bustling entertainment precinct with a lakeside cinema and cafes.
A Government-commissioned study prepared for Arts ACT outlines ideas to turn the precinct into an arts hub offering activities seven days and nights a week.
It would build on the success of the Canberra Glassworks and Old Bus Depot Markets, with new tourist attractions including a fashion design centre and sculpture exhibits.
It is hoped many of Canberra’s arts bodies would also relocate to the site by Lake Burley Griffin.
Arts Minister Joy Burch says there are plans to trial night markets later this year, and she is keen to start work on the other proposals.
“There’s a raft of ideas out there and we’re looking for the community’s comment on that – outdoor cinema, microbrewery, fashion design,” she said.
“These will take some years to build up but once we have a clear position and a view of the community, I know that I’m very keen to start working on it as soon as we can.”
Ms Burch says art groups and the community will be consulted about the ideas.
“We have artists coming internationally to visit the glassworks there at Kingston and this is the reputation we want to build on,” she said.
She says the Government will consider the needs of Kingston residents and housing developers as it changes the precinct.
But the report issues a note of caution over the financial viability of cultural precincts.
“We would certainly be looking to, if we get the mix right, the dynamics right, the diversity right that this will be sustainable in the long term,” Ms Burch said.