A proposed $35 million 12-storey apartment complex in Belconnen would be a good fit for the future of the booming district and give locals much-needed additional parking space, residents say.
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The complex, proposed for Chandler Street, would be 42 metres high and contain 121 apartments and two commercial stores. About 186 resident car parks would be spread across three basement levels.
A separate basement car park, to be constructed on an adjacent part of the site, would provide 179 car parks to an existing office and commercial building on Cameron Avenue via underground access.
Other parts of the site that have existing car parking space have been flagged for future development by the developers HTI Group, although it has not been decided what would be constructed there.
Construction on the apartment building would begin in March 2020 under the proposal, with completion expected in June 2021.
"Our view is that the infill program that seems to be going on at a great speed is certainly welcome because we need to bring more people into the district," Belconnen Community Council chair Glen Hyde said.
"We're concerned about increases in traffic density through Chandler Street and Aikman Drive but because they've got underground parking in their design, that's something we've been championing for a long time.
"If we can get residents into underground parking that makes [a building] manageable and attractive. The additional parking is off-street, which we think is a good thing."
Nine of the car parks on site would be accessible, and 12 residential apartments would be adaptable. About 73 per cent of the apartments on offer would be large two- and three-bedroom units, while the rest would have one bedroom.
A rooftop terrace would provide a communal space for residents.
"Retail units at street level will provide further amenity and services for the broader community," HTI codirector Jon Tanchevski said.
HTI had consulted extensively with neighbours, stakeholders, and government authorities over the past few months about the building, including delivering 2000 information flyers to surrounding neighbours and hosting a community consultation session, Mr Tanchevski said.
Overall, attendees were supportive of the design, the extra car parking space it would offer, and the height of the building, considering it would be consistent with the Belconnen master plan and the territory plan, he said.
"Matters of concern were raised in relation to the performance of the immediately surrounding street network noting the extent of the developments currently under construction as well as that proposed," Mr Tanchevski said.
"The community was advised that a suitably qualified traffic engineer had been engaged for the project."
The HTI development would be directly opposite Geocon's 'Republic' development, which is currently under construction on Edmonstone Place.
The complex, which is expected to be finished in mid-2020, will contain two 27-storey buildings - the tallest in Canberra - 1250 apartments, a 152-room Abode hotel, and a 500-space car park.
More than $350 million worth of apartments have already been sold at the development.
"There is an unprecedented demand for apartments and the rental crisis is worsening," Geocon managing director Nick Georgalis said previously.
"The booming population and employment market here will be driving demand even higher over the next few years."
With Dan Jervis-Bardy
Cassandra Morgan
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
