Demolition of Griffith's Stuart Flats is nearly complete, with most of the former public housing complex reduced to rubble in the past few weeks.
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Of Morris Property Group's three blocks at the site, only clearing remains to be done at one - block 23, section 39, which is adjacent to St Paul's church. More than half of the buildings at its second part of the complex, block 24, section 39, have come down, and a third block was purchased vacant.
The developer expects its demolition process to be completed by November. Development manager Geordie Edwards said its 400-apartment mixed-use project, which a development application would be lodged for within days, would be called 'Renaissance'.
"[The term] speaks to the rejuvenation of the precinct formerly occupied by the Stuart Flats public housing complex," he said.
"'Renaissance' is a French word meaning 'rebirth', which we believe perfectly captures our vision for transformation of the site into a vibrant mixed use precinct."
The precinct would include a range of one, two and three-bedroom units, and greatly benefit local business owners, Mr Edwards said. Stage one was slated for market release in mid-October, and would comprise 100 apartments on block 23, to be completed by late 2021.
Owner of Kingston's East Hotel, Bisa Property, had demolished its portion of the complex, with a development application expected to be lodged for block 25, section 39 in coming weeks.
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President of Griffith Narrabundah Community Association, Leo Dobes, hoped both developers had adhered to good parking practice during demolition. In March, the association flagged potential damage to vegetation on a nature strip as its primary concern.
"Our concern would remain," Mr Dobes said. "Builders seem to have a parking program agreed [to] ... but then individuals ignore it."
It was too early to say whether the redevelopment of the former flats would benefit Manuka, which was in a state of 'depressing' decline, Mr Dobes said. Rather than support local businesses, residents might travel to Kingston or elsewhere for outings.
"We should encourage the government to do a proper before and after study, to see how development really effects [a] surrounding area," Mr Dobes said.
"They often assume it's always positive and it would be good to know whether it is or not."