The near vacant Coombs shopping centre. Photo: Supplied
SIZE limits of shopping centres have been relaxed under a significant change to planning laws to revitalise a sagging retail industry.
The ACT government has signed off to expand the floor space from 1000sq m to 1500sq m that also ensures suburban retail outlets can secure supermarkets as anchor tenants.
It reverses a controversial 2015 red-tape decision made on regulations restricting the size of shops that has threatened their viability.
The latest move has also breathed new life into the Giralang development, near Belconnen, which has sat dormant for more than 15 years.
Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman said new draft variation laws are basically in effect immediately with the submission of development applications.