This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE ACT government has put the remaining two significant public housing blocks on Canberra Avenue to the market, and will be looking for high-quality design elements in submissions for the 39,000 sqm of mixed-use land.
The Northbourne Avenue corridor is undergoing intensive redevelopment, taking in comprising government-owned residential and non-residential properties intended for conversion into a mix of residences, businesses and retail space. It government program will also see the introduction of the the light rail service, running along Northbourne Avenue’s median strip, which will be funded by the program’s property sales.
The latest blocks up for grabs are positioned opposite each other, and are zoned CZ5 for high-density development, with planning guidelines allowing for developments up to 25 metres high and a maximum of 886 dwellings.
They both include the Turner block of 23,372 sqm, which is also bordered by Forbes, Greenway and Condamine Street, and the Braddon block, of 15,607 sqm, next to the Rex Hotel and bordering Henty Street. Haig Park is to the south.
Colliers International’s Josh Reid and Shane Radnell, along with JLL are marketing the site via tender closing on October 4.
Proposals will require a masterplan for the two sites that considers the location, constraints, interface with Haig Park; and a site design, known as the Weave Design, which was the winner of a design competition in 2011.
They also need to demonstrate how they will adopt a people focused approach to the redevelopment; and include a place proposition plan and community consultation plan.
City Renewal Authority chief executive, Malcolm Snow said releasing the two sites together by tender allowed for design quality to play an important role in the sales process.
“Braddon and Turner on Northbourne are very important sites in the renewal of our city precinct and we want to see designs that reflect their importance to Canberra,” Snow said. “The two sites are being released as a package because they need an integrated design that unites the two sites as a cohesive precinct that welcomes people to the heart of the city.
“Using a tender process allows us to judge proposals based on design and build quality as well as price. This method also makes it easier for national and multinational companies to prepare bids, ensuring we give ourselves every opportunity to receive the best proposals,” he added.
The Government Architect has been engaged to provide technical services to the tender evaluation team, while the successful proponent will be required to work with the City Renewal Authority and the National Capital Design Review Panel prior to submitting development applications.
Northbourne Avenue blocks previously sold as part of the ACT government’s divestment program include the Dickson site, purchased by Art Group for almost $40 million almost two years ago. Overseen by Johnny Roso, the developer submitted plans for 409 apartments as the $92 million first stage of a $400 million project.
In March last year, JW Land paid $45 million for the 25,000 sqm Lyneham block, which could potentially yield more than 500 apartments and commercial space.
Macarthur House is the remaining Northbourne building under government ownership, and a sales campaign is slated for later in 2018.
Australian Property Journal
