Consultation on bus depot building announced

The ACT Government will consult the community on the future of the Kingston Bus Depot Building in April 2010, but has guaranteed the popular Old Bus Depot Markets will remain in the Foreshore precinct, Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said today.

The ACT Land Development Agency (LDA) is considering options for the Building as part of a review of the planning and design of the entire Kingston Foreshore. These options include whether to retain the Building as a site for the markets or sell the site for redevelopment and move the markets to a new multi-purpose building.

Mr Stanhope said options and detailed costings would be presented to the community in April 2010.

“I think it’s appropriate that the LDA explores the possibilities of this site, in terms of the maintenance costs associated with keeping the building as well as the site’s redevelopment potential.

“The Government doesn’t have a formal view on the future of the Building. We will await formal advice from the LDA.

“Once we have received this advice we will invite the community to have their say.

“An extensive public consultation program including public forums is planned for April 2010.

“Following the community’s consideration of the various options and costs, the Government will consider its position on the future of the site.

“I guarantee the Old Bus Depot Markets will remain in the Kingston Foreshore precinct, whatever the decision.”

The Heritage Council has reviewed the heritage potential of theBuilding twice, but decided it should not be listed on the ACT’s heritage register.