Demolition of Canberra's Northbourne Flats is under way as the government prepares to choose a winning tender to redevelop the sites.
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In June, the ACT government called for tender applications for the two prominent blocks in Turner and Braddon, a combined 39,000 square metres. At the time, the government said buyers would be judged not only on price but on design and build quality. Tenders closed on October 4.
The demolition is part of the Commonwealth government's asset recycling program, from which the territory is expected to reap $79 million from asset sales and $11 million in incentive payments in 2016-17.
City Renewal Authority chief executive Malcolm Snow said the redevelopment of the former Northbourne Flats sites would set a benchmark for the ongoing transformation of Northbourne Avenue as one of the exciting renewal areas in Australia.
"The replacement of the outdated public housing along the corridor is central to the government’s vision for Northbourne Avenue and will make a significant contribution to the City Renewal Authority’s renewal program," Mr Snow said.
Block 1 Section 68 and Block 4 Section 60 are opposite each other and zoned CZ5 mixed use for high-density development, with design guidelines that envisage buildings up to 25 metres high.
The flats were built in the 1950s in response to high demand for housing for public servants in Canberra but have fallen into disrepair in recent times.
The planning directorate said demolition, which was being done by contractor AGH Demolition and Asbestos Removal, would cost about $6.8 million and was expected to finish in March 2019. Demolition began in September.
The buildings are being demolished by first removing hazardous materials, including asbestos, and then removing walls and internal structures floor by floor. The contractor will complete structural demolition using equipment positioned at ground level.
Tender documents described Northbourne Avenue as the most significant approach route to the city and one of the most important streets in Canberra. They envisaged new "urban villages" centred on light rail stops in the corridor.
The government is undertaking the tender evaluation and an announcement is expected to be made once the process has been completed in early 2019.
