Residents of Canberra's inner north are expected to provide robust commentary around the proposed redevelopment of the former CSIRO site on Limestone Avenue as the public consultation period begins.
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Development on the prime site next door to Campbell High School, and in the foothills of Mt Ainslie, had been the subject of heated debate since the developer purchased the 4.1 hectare site for $20 million in 2016.
Shortly after purchase, redevelopment was held up while debate continued around the protection of its perceived heritage value and 1970s "reserved character" architecture. Meanwhile, the decommissioned buildings were vandalised and looted and internal fittings of value were gutted and stolen.
It took two years for the issue to be resolved, with National Capital Authority permission for demolition to proceed finally granted in September last year.
Extensive details on the "Foothills" development have been publicly released by the NCA for comment, including the survey plans, perspectives, site elevations and tree plantings.
The public commentary period is open until August 9, and a survey form will be made available. A public information night is also set down for 6pm on July 10 at the National Capital Exhibition building at Regatta Point.
The Doma Group's original plans included 650 apartments but now have been revised to 112 apartments and 129 townhouses.