Shipping container retail complex at Lake Burley Griffin to open this weekend
The ACT's long-awaited retail destination made up of shipping containers on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin will open its doors this weekend.
The pop-up village at the side of Commonwealth Avenue bridge was originally due to open in time for Canberra's annual flower festival Floriade in September, it then also missed a Christmas deadline.
The village is designed to enable local businesses to come together to create a new shopping experience in the National Capital.
Westside Acton Park will be home to businesses including food stalls, a bar, cafe, artist studios and a gym.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the village was the latest addition to Canberra's cultural overhaul.
"We as a city need to grow up, to move beyond the shackles of just being a Federal Government town," he said.
"Part of that is completely changing what we project to the rest of Australia and the rest of the world."
Situated on Canberra's old futsal slab, Westside will also hold community and sporting events, such as roller derbies, futsal games and street basketball.
Mr Barr said the new precinct would help rejuvenate the abandoned area.
"It is a coming of age for Canberra in terms of pop-up spaces utilising areas that have otherwise sat dormant," he said.
"It's all part of a bigger picture urban renewal agenda for our city by stimulating economic activity and supporting local business."
Mr Barr said Westside would be the first of many pop-up attractions around the city.
"Where it's clear that there's a downturn in terms of business and commercial activity, solutions like this can work."
The structure is built out of shipping containers so it can be disassembled and moved elsewhere.
Westside Acton Park will remain at the lake for two years before it moves to a new home.
