Plans have been lodged for a $170-million office development next to Veterans Park in the city. The development would almost be double the height of buildings currently on the central city block.
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The long-awaited Northbourne Square project will comprise three 11-storey commercial buildings joined by a central atrium, and include retail and cafe space on the ground floor.
Buildings currently on the site, bordered by Northbourne Avenue and Cooyong, Bunda and Mort streets, will be demolished.
The five buildings are known as the Myuna Complex and include the former national headquarters of the Australian Federal Police.
According to documents lodged with the ACT Planning and Land Authority, the proposal has changed since first proposed more than five years ago by Stockland, the site's previous owner.
The project was originally mooted to be two office and retail towers of nine and 12 storeys costing upwards of $200 million.
Stockland owned all five buildings under four leases, which were consolidated under a single lease in 2009.
The company later shelved approved plans following a dispute with the ACT government over the controversial change-of-use charge.
Stockland then sold the land to Walker Corporation in 2011.
Under the latest development application, Veterans Park will remain in its current location and not be moved closer to Cooyong Street, as foreshadowed previously.
Community reaction at the time had been mixed over whether moving the park was a good idea.
According to documents lodged with the application, architects peckvonhartel have developed a "high quality contemporary design characterised by clean lines, modern materials and sustainable technologies".
The architects have designed a highly transparent and "iconic style" building with external facades set to maximise frontage to the streetscape and a central atrium to unify the interior.
"The clean lines of the building, and the comprehensive redevelopment of the entire section, will serve to promote Veterans Park and the surrounding streetscape through the striking building forms proposed," the document says.
The proposal also includes three basement levels for 414 car spaces, 28 motorcycle spaces and parking for 270 bicycles. There will be showers and lockers.
Once approved, the demolition of the five existing buildings is expected to take about four months beginning with 68 Northbourne Avenue.
A new lay-by area on Northbourne Avenue will be installed and car access off Mort Street reconfigured.
Red Box has been appointed to complete the landscaping work at the site.
The commercial buildings have been designed to merit a five-star Green Star rating for design and built form, and a five-star NABERS energy rating.
Public submissions on the proposal will be accepted by ACTPLA until Thursday, March 13.
