Lovett Tower plans include serviced apartments, student accommodation

Brite Developments' application for the $45 million adaption of the 24-storey building include 184 build-to-rent apartments and 115 student accommodation units.

Lovett Tower on Keltie Street has been home to several government departments since it was constructed almost 50 years ago. However, it has been empty since the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and Veterans' Affairs left in 2016.

Brite Developments said the proposal was capturing the new market in Woden, as demand for office space had declined.

"The current proposal seeks to attract new land uses sought by evolving market preferences, as well as those of the surrounding business and residential communities," the application read.

The serviced apartments would be spread across 14 floors with the majority as two-bedroom units plus 50 luxury one, two and three bedroom apartments on the buildings highest five levels.

Level 13 would also include communal lounge areas and conference facilities.

"It is intended to offer terms ranging from nightly to up to 12 months, and all serviced apartments will be fully furnished," the application states.

"The proposed commercial build-to-rent accommodation model is intended to fill a gap in the accommodation market - where there are currently limited options - by offering flexible 'ready to move in' short-term accommodation."

Levels 6 to 8 of the building would become 115 student accommodation units which would include an en suite, bed and study area.

The existing communal bathrooms and decommissioned lift shafts will be adapted for a communal laundry area, storage and electric scoot charging facility.

The first five levels will be turned into parking spaces, adding 82 to the 17 currently in the building.

While the faade will primarily be maintained, Brite Developments plan to build open access ramps on the western side, facing Corinna Street, beyond the existing footprint of the structure.

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Retail space will be added at the ground floor and a new entrance built on the eastern side, to open onto the Woden town square.

Brite Developments has also proposed a new awning to run along three sides, except where the carpark access ramps will be.

Because the exterior won't be altered the existing windows, which don't open, will remain.

When residents raised a concern of access to fresh air during consultation, Brite Developments said fresh air would be ventilated through ducts.

The application includes a proposal to vary the crown lease to allow commercial accommodation, community and residential use.

Although the current application doesn't include residential, Brite Developments said another development application would be lodged if that was proposed in the future.

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