A Place Design Brief has been released that will guide the sale, planning and future development of three sites in the heart of the Belconnen Town Centre.
The Brief defines community expectations for land to be released at three sites along the Emu Inlet Waterfront beside the Belconnen Arts Centre; the Circus Site Precinct bordered by Joynton Smith Drive, Emu Bank and Luxton Street; and three blocks along Lathlain Street opposite Belconnen Mall.
Several sites along Lathlain Street, Emu Bank and Evelyn Parker Place are scheduled for release over the coming years and this brief will ensure that future developers understand what and how to develop to meet community aspirations and expectations.
The Place Design Brief was developed through engagement with the local community to identify what the community wants to see planned and developed in the three Belconnen sites.
According to the document, the former water police site on the edge of Lake Ginninderra will be “transformed into a recreation destination for locals and visitors alike”, while the accompanying Emu Inlet Waterfront park will be activated with amenities and modern landscaping.
The former water police site could potentially attract a 750sqm restaurant/café venue and be complemented by a 150sqm commercial water activity kiosk.
The Circus precinct will look to become a residential community with approximately 500 dwellings connected to Lake Ginninderra, Lathlain Street and Belconnen Mall via accessible green spaces and laneways.
Comprising three sites, if successfully activated the idea is to transform the circus site into a “a buzzing little boutique strip of activity”.
The Lathlain Street Precinct will comprise 500 residential dwellings and 4000m2 of commercial/ community uses ranging from eight 8 to 18 storeys.
The commercial component of the Lathlain Street precinct will primarily be hospitality based so as to complement the existing hospitality venues built onto the street as part of Westfield Belconnen.
Minister for Education and Youth Affairs, Yvette Berry said the planning document focuses developing on people-friendly places and desirable urban experiences throughout Belconnen.
“For many Canberrans, the Town Centre holds fond memories of work, recreation and relaxation,” she said.
“Essential to the continued successful development is responding to community aspirations for the area.”
The sales package for the release of key sites along the foreshore will ask for innovative design and development proposals that respond to the Place Design Brief.
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