Retro apartments on Northbourne offer "excellent value" in Canberra's Inner North

When you consider the icons of Canberra, varied landmarks, such as Parliament House, Telstra Tower or the distinct cream and orange concrete bus shelters, might spring to mind.

What likely won’t is an unassuming rectangular structure sitting four storeys high on Northbourne Avenue.

However, this particular building, constructed between 1959 and 1962, represents some of the city’s earliest examples of the post-war international design style, and as such, the ACT Heritage Council considered it a significant architectural monument worthy of preservation.

While soaring contemporary developments rise around it – including developer JWLand’s impressive four-stage Northbourne Village precinct covering 25,000 square metres – the “Bachelor Flats” (also known as the Lyneham Flats) will continue to stand proudly as a reflection of our past and, now, our present.

Designed by the late Australian architect Sydney Ancher, the flats were part of the 150 homes in the original Northbourne Housing Precinct, built to accommodate the rapidly expanding public service workforce. Over time, these homes morphed into social housing, though many have since been demolished.

Following the ACT government’s focus on renewing the Northbourne corridor, the Lyneham Flats were once again destined for a change in purpose.

JWLand undertook a complete refurbishment of the heritage-listed building as part of its Northbourne redevelopment works.

View property

JWLand project manager Nick Babic says it came to them structurally sound with “good bones” but looked tired and outdated.

A six-month restoration project aimed to inject a modern touch resulted in seven freshly renovated studio apartments being released to market.

“These unique studio apartments are located only minutes from the city or Dickson, and have the light rail on their doorstep,” he says.

“They’ve been completely redesigned and refurbished to provide the ultimate low-maintenance urban lifestyle.”

The finished product is a blend of style, comfort and convenience. Residents will enjoy a bright and airy studio space with features such as lightly-hued engineered timber flooring, double-glazed windows with blinds for thermal comfort, quality Fisher & Paykel kitchen appliances, and ducted reverse-cycle air-conditioning.

Natural light floods in from three sides of each apartment, and the open-plan space easily accommodates living, dining and bedroom zones.

There’s also a convenient separate laundry alcove and generous wardrobe space.

Each apartment also comes with a dedicated basement car space and storage cage in the newly completed neighbouring Sullivan complex. Fitness enthusiasts can use the residents-only gym there.

Babic says the building’s garden setting and location on Northbourne Avenue are major drawcards.

“Positioned in a prime location in the heart of the capital, these historically significant studios allow residents to enjoy the best the city centre has to offer, with proximity to shops, bars, restaurants and universities,” he says.

“The Lyneham Bachelor Flats are an iconic part of Northbourne Village’s heritage and offer excellent value for savvy buyers in Canberra’s Inner North.”

The new-look flats were officially declared ready for purchase in a grand opening in mid-April.

View property