The ‘missing middle’ in Canberra’s housing market is set to expand another notch after an innovative Manor House project in Griffith received the go-ahead today, 7 June.
The ACT Government has approved a site-specific Territory Plan Variation, which will trial a new housing type in the Inner South suburb.
Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman said the ACT Government supports looking at housing options beyond detached homes, townhouses and apartments, and is committed to working with the private sector to deliver different dwelling types.
“The Territory Plan Variation tabled in the Legislative Assembly today allows for a Manor House development on the corner of Blaxland Crescent and Frome Street in Griffith,” Mr Gentleman said.
“Medium density manor houses are quite common in other cities, but this is a first for Canberra. The Manor House property will appear from the street to be a single, two-storey dwelling but it will actually be four homes, each on its own unit title.
“This will allow people to live in an apartment and still have a backyard. With room for a communal veggie patch and play equipment, this type of home can suit downsizers, families, and singles looking for a sense of community.”
The Minister said the focus of the Manor House prototype will be on environmental sustainability and climate resilience, achieved through the construction of the building and retention of many trees and vegetation.
“While the property is being built by a private developer, subject to the development approval process, it is part of government’s Demonstration Housing Project, which is about showcasing a range of innovative housing prototypes. A co-housing development in Ainslie for a group of downsizing retirees is also underway as part of this project,” Mr Gentleman said.
“It’s all about finding ways to meet the needs that come with population growth while improving liveability for everyone. Our focus is on facilitating a more compact, sustainable, accessible and active city with housing options for young families to singles to downsizers and everyone in between,” he said.
“We want every Canberran to have access to green space and the opportunity to stay connected to their community.”
A concern from community members during the consultation process was the scale of the development. Mr Gentleman said the ACT Government has addressed the concern by limiting building sizes to 50 per cent of the block.
“This is an exciting development that I believe will make an important contribution to the future housing needs of Canberrans while protecting the character of this part of Griffith,” he said.
Greater Canberra, a community advocacy group for affordable housing in the ACT, has enthusiastically welcomed today’s announcement by the Minister, and secretary Andrew Donnellan said they’re “thrilled” the Manor House will be proceeding.
“Demonstration Housing Project is an important effort to show how new kinds of medium-density housing can help address our housing crisis,” Mr Donellan said.
“Of course, a few demonstration projects aren’t enough – the government must ensure that the results of the project are evaluated in a timely manner so we can expand ‘missing middle’ housing choices all over Canberra.”
Greater Canberra said medium-density housing options, including those similar to Manor House, could play a “critical role in housing Canberra’s growing population”.
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