Upgrades to Kippax Fair shopping centre are one part of the government's plans to build more affordable housing and public spaces for a growing population in west Belconnen.
A new agreement with the owners of the shopping centre revealed designs for affordable and public housing dwellings, a 6000 sqm park and a community centre surrounded by retailers.
The project was said to provide 150 new homes as part of the shopping centre upgrade.
The $12 million investment agreement by Kippax Fair revealed a proposed 800sqm area of community space inside shopping centre available for locals.
Consultation to decide how the facility would be used is said to be open to the public.
The Kippax Fair expansion also included new shopping facilities and increased parking spaces while the park would include a playground and barbeque facilities to accommodate more residents and visitors.
The agreement was a result of an expression of interest process for the redevelopment of the well-known shopping centre.
Kippax Fair owner Philip Christodoulou said the group did a significant amount of collaboration with the ACT government to bring contemporary upgrades and amenities.
"We are excited to get on with finally turning our vision into reality, revitalising the Kippax Group Centre with new and modern full-line supermarkets, speciality shops, food and dining options, undercover parking, housing options, and parks and public facilities," Mr Christodoulou said.
"We look forward to sharing the details with the community in the coming months."
Minister for Housing Yvette Berry said the community was growing in west Belconnen and needed better access to high-quality shops, services and public transport.
"The new parklands will transform this precinct into an area that is inviting for the whole community," she said.
"Importantly, this agreement will deliver 24 new affordable housing options."
"The new Kippax Fair will be seamlessly integrated with surrounding suburbs and I expect this investment to benefit Canberrans in this region for a generation," the minister added.
The much-anticipated development of the shopping centre will be done in two stages.
The eastern precinct will be the first to expand towards Moyes Crescent which is also said to include 'shop top' housing.
There is also a proposal to expand the existing Woolworths supermarket and add a new Coles outlet.
Once completed, the next stage will upgrade the existing shopping centre adding more stores, indoor and outdoor dining, additional parking, and the remaining homes.
Minister for Planning Chris Steel said the project was an "outstanding" result for the local community and made the best use of available land. "An example is our 'shop top' housing model that I've previously outlined in my statement of planning priorities," he said.
"A redeveloped Kippax Fair will provide more housing where Canberrans want to live, while at the same time expanding local services and revitalisation of public areas for the broader community."
The project will still need to go through a development application process which will allow community members more opportunities to have their say and provide input for the final design.
