A long-vacant building in Canberra's inner north that was ravaged by fire almost a year ago will be demolished and a landscaped park will take its place before potential future uses of the site are considered.
Public Service Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith announced the building at 91A Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie would be demolished with work to begin in late August.
Mr Emerson welcomed the announcement, saying it showed how community pressure could bring the government to the table.
"One clear call I've heard from local residents and community stakeholders is that they want to see this building redeveloped not in isolation but as part of a broader revitalisation of the Wakefield Gardens precinct. So it's positive to see a commitment to reconnect the precinct as part of these works," Mr Emerson said in a statement.
"I've really appreciated engaging with the Deputy Chief Minister and her office on this. I'm looking forward to continuing that engagement with a focus on ensuring what happens next at Wakefield Gardens is driven by a genuine partnership between our community and the government. This is an opportunity to do something really special for the inner north."
Read the article here: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/9322491/demolition-of-wakefield-gardens-site-to-make-way-for-open-space/