Northbourne Avenue transformation continues with new land for sale at Lyneham

Another significant stretch of Northbourne Avenue is set to be transformed after the ACT government called for tenders last Saturday on a huge development site at Lyneham.

The former public housing site is being sold to accommodate up to 500 new apartments, as well as shops and offices along a nearly half kilometre frontage of Canberra’s gateway boulevard.

Most of the existing units will be demolished, but some heritage-listed buildings will remain as examples of post-war architecture.

Acting Minister for Urban Renewal Meegan Fitzharris says the site covers nearly 25,000 square metres, and more than 450 metres of Northbourne Avenue frontage between Macarthur Avenue and Murdoch Street.

“Lyneham on Northbourne is close to Dickson, the CBD and is in a perfect position to take advantage of the fast, reliable and comfortable public transport that light rail provides,” she says.

“This large release of land in an established suburb close to shopping, universities, employment hubs and first-class recreation facilities provides an exciting opportunity for a high-quality mixed-use development that allows for more residential, retail and commercial activity on our major transport corridor.”

Fitzharris says urban renewal is a core priority for the government.

“For Canberra to grow as a sustainable city, we need to create opportunities for people to live near great public transport and close to where they work and play,” she says.

“The location and size of Lyneham on Northbourne means this development will be important in helping shape Canberra as it continues to grow into a more liveable, sustainable and connected city.”

Buildings in the new development will have a maximum height of 25 metres, or eight storeys, and 12 metres, or four storeys.

Any proposed development would need National Capital Authority input and development approval.

The Lyneham tender follows the August auction of a 30,000-square-metre site on Northbourne Avenue in Dickson that sold for $40 million.

The Art Group snapped up the huge site, previously home to the Dickson Towers and Karuah public housing blocks, as well as the original tourist information centre.

The site includes 500 metres of Northbourne Avenue frontage and will incorporate 697 dwellings in a mix of configurations including a hotel, restaurants, retail outlets and a childcare centre.

Art Group director Johnny Roso says the development would be a “world-class precinct” with a village atmosphere.

Knight Frank’s Nic Purdue says he believes the area could become next New Acton or Kingston Foreshore.

LYNEHAM

Blocks 2 and 3, Northbourne Avenue

PRICE GUIDE: Comparison sale Dickson, August 2016 – 30,000 square metres sold for $40 million

AGENT: Andrew Stewart and Mark Nicholls, CBRE Canberra, 0418 248 717 and 0417 239 551

TENDER: Closes Wednesday, March 15 at 2pm

INSPECT: By appointment

SEE MORE: goo.gl/wodZk9