The ACT government says it is "making inquiries" about Empire Global's move to partner with Geocon to deliver a $270 million development on the site of its Jardin complex, two months after the same developer, Empire Global, ripped up contracts with buyers into that project.
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The two property groups might also have to lodge a new development application for their proposed 571-unit Aspen Village complex, seemingly contradicting statements following the project's unveiling.
Empire Global and Geocon last week announced a joint venture to redevelop the site of Empire's now-abandoned Jardin complex, at the corner of Anketell Street and Oakden Street, in Greenway.
The announcement came after Empire Global rescinded contracts with buyers of the 237-unit first stage of the Jardin development in December last year.
In a letter to buyers, the developer's lawyers said their client would not be able to deliver the project on time, requiring it to cancel the contracts and refund buyers' deposits.
News of Empire's involvement in the new proposal has angered some Jardin buyers, who had become increasingly frustrated as the original project failed to get off the ground.
Buyers were told last year about Empire's intention to seek out another developer to deliver the project, but it was never made public - until last week - if that search had been successful.
Kathleen Bennett, who bought a one-bedroom apartment at Jardin in 2017, said she had been "outraged" to learn Empire would still be involved in a redevelopment of the site.
Empire bought the block for $4.5 million from the ACT Government in 2014.
"Now that it has finally been revealed that Empire Global is going ahead with the project in partnership with Geocon, I am outraged," Ms Bennett said.
An Access Canberra spokeswoman said it had not received any formal complaints about Empire's involvement in the project, but was "aware of the issue and was making inquiries".
When asked by The Canberra Times to clarify what was meant by "making inquiries", the spokeswoman did not respond.
Planning Minister Mick Gentleman and Consumer Affairs Minister Shane Rattenbury were also asked about the new scheme at the same site.
The inquiry was directed to Access Canberra, which said: "Before signing contracts Access Canberra always encourages consumers to do their due diligence and ensure they thoroughly research any company they engage with. When making significant purchasing decisions such as buying residential property independent legal advice should be obtained."
The Canberra Times has made numerous attempts in the past week to contact Empire Global.
Clarification was also sought from the ACT government as to whether the developers would need to lodge a new development application for the site, after Geocon last week said Aspen Village would be built in line with existing approvals for the site.
The ACT Planning and Land Authority has approved a maximum 580 dwellings on the site, as well as four commercial tenancies and basement car parking, according to property records.
The Aspen Village proposal would feature 571 units, 2500 square metres of commercial space, a 200-space carpark, an IGA supermarket and Club Lime.
A government spokeswoman said the independent planning and land authority would have to consider any proposals which might vary from existing approvals for the site, potentially triggering the need for a new development application.
A Geocon spokeswoman would not comment on the need for a new application.
"As with all our developments, we will comply with the planning and development laws of the ACT," the spokeswoman said.
