The Author needed serious therapy earlier this month when he read in other publications about the pushback on the brand new, state of the art Giralang Shops.

This is a mixed-use, predominantly residential but with ground floor retail precinct that will probably become the envy of every single suburban shopping centre in Canberra.

I mean just look at it – wouldn’t you seriously want that for your suburb?  Those who complain at the lack of community amenity ought to take note:  this development is within stone throwing distance of a school and a servo.

The fact is, this precinct automatically takes Giralang to the top of the list of local shops in Canberra, with its variety of unit types, not to mention the fact it will have an IGA literally at the doorstep of the occupants.

Just think about that:  No need for the car anymore, just walk downstairs.

If you want dead quiet, shop at Richardson.  If you want hipster, shop at Downer.  If you want serious and sensible, shop at Giralang.  We should demand these types of standards for our suburban redevelopments of the future.