Ageing stormwater infrastructure at the heritage-registered Sydney and Melbourne buildings will be upgraded as part of a close to $10 million package in the upcoming ACT budget.
It's part of broader works to revamp the Civic landmarks, with the government planning works in the laneways of the building and facade works.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the stormwater upgrades would make way for the broader works on the buildings.
"These heritage buildings are a special part of Canberra's history and the ACT government is investing in important restoration works and also working closely with the multiple owners to reinforce their role as a distinctive gateway to our city," Mr Barr said.
"This project is the next step in the heritage restoration of both the buildings and lays the groundwork for further restoration work in the years ahead."
The government plans to progress design work on the buildings upgrades while works are under way on the stormwater upgrades. This would include resurfacing of the laneways, better car and pedestrian accessibility and lighting upgrades.
The ACT government has allocated $9.7 million towards stormwater system upgrades.
City Services Minister Chris Steel said this included upgrades to systems in Narrabundah and Mawson.
"We will also be upgrading stormwater systems in Narrabundah as well as improvements in Mawson to address flooding issues at the group centre. This will include design for upgrades to the path network, landscaping, tree planting and street lighting," Mr Steel said.
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Mr Barr, who is also the ACT's Treasurer, will hand down the 2021-22 territory budget on August 31. It will be the second budget this year, after the 2020-21 budget was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The government has also announced it will allocated $17.5 million to upgrades of 11 Canberra local shopping centres.
Local shopping centres that will receive upgrades are Calwell, Campbell, Cooleman Court, Duffy, Evatt, Gwydir Square in Kaleen, Kippax, Lanyon, Macquarie, Monash and Narrabundah.
