Work has begun on improvements to both Spence shops and Kambah Village in recent days.

It comes as upgrades to the Anketell Street courtyard, opposite the Tuggeranong Hyperdome, have also started. Upgrades have also begun on natural playgrounds in both Tuggeranong and O’Connor, with work to start on a similar site at Telopea Park in Barton in coming weeks.

An estimated $300,000 worth of upgrades to Kambah Village has already commenced, which is part of the Kambah Group Centre Master Plan. The work will include replacing the raised deck with new paving, as well as removing walls around the courtyard to improve public use.

Murrumbidgee MLA Chris Steele said the improvements would make the centre more open to the public.

“The walking connections to and within the courtyard area will be improved, including new steps and an upgrade of a ramp linking the courtyard to the shops,” he said.

A new community space with new picnic tables, bike racks and gardens will also be installed at the shops in Spence.

The upgrades, which will also focus on improving disabled access, are estimated to be completed by the middle of the year.

Stage one of upgrades to Anketell Street will also focus on improving access to the public.

ACT Planning Minister Mick Gentleman said it was hoped the space would host activities such as markets once the upgrades were completed.

“Some trees in poor condition and raised planter boxes will be removed and replaced with new pavers and more suitable tree species,” he said.

Canberra children are also set to enjoy three new natural playgrounds.

The new playgrounds at Tuggeranong Town Park, Finn Street in O’Connor and Telopea Park will include log balance beams and stepping stones as well as totem poles.

The O’Connor park area will also include space for an outdoor classroom.

“The new natural play spaces will use primary elements from the landscape such as sand, logs and rocks to encourage children to climb, jump, explore and have fun,” Mr Gentleman said.