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A new scaled-back master plan for the Curtin shops has been heralded as a win for the community, after a year-long stalemate that left part of the group centre fenced off. A stoush over building heights saw a redevelopment proposal for the southside shopping centre knocked back last year. But both developers and residents appear pleased with the revised plan, which planning minister Mick Gentleman said had lowered the scale and height of buildings around Curtin Square. While building heights will range from one to six storeys across the group centre, a general two storey limit has been proposed for the core retail area, with an allowance for new development up to 18 metres or five storeys if key planning principles are met. However near the central courtyard, maximum building heights of five metres, or one storey would be enforced. "We put in what we call solar fences to ensure we have sunlight wherever possible into the Curtin Square," Mr Gentleman said. Curtin Residents Association secretary Chris Johnson said the new plan contained a number of suggestions made by residents on a community panel last year, and would improve traffic, parking and pedestrian access around the group centre. "At first glance it looks quite good," Mr Johnson said. Greens crossbencher Caroline Le Couteur said the plan was "clearly a step forward" on some of the most contentious issues. "It clearly establishes there has to be solar access for the main square in Curtin and while it's possible there are still some details I haven’t got to or the community havent got to, at this stage I would say it’s a win for the community," Ms Le Couteur said. The developers of 44 Curtin Place are also eyeing the plan closely. They are now revising their application to build a six storey, mixed-use development in place of the current retail space, which they shut down at the end of last year. "Mrs Haridemos will consider her options once the consultant team has had a chance to review the master plan but on face value it looks like the ACT government has produced a more sustainable plan for the future of the Curtin Group Centre," spokeswoman Tania Parkes said.

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