A vision fulfilled: How the landscape and lifestyle of Kingston has changed from pre-foreshore to now

Kingston Foreshore has, arguably, been one of the most visionary developments in the ACT in the past 20 years – perhaps longer.

Since 2007, it has risen out of a large tract of lakeside wetlands and transformed into a world-class, cosmopolitan precinct with a buzz all of its own.

Stylish apartments and townhouses now reside comfortably alongside bars, cafes, restaurants and other commercial offerings. Kingston Foreshore is home to many, and a weekday and weekend destination for the rest.

A heralded arts precinct is likely to be the last major piece to fall into place before this landscape-changing development can be considered complete.

Over the years the Kingston Foreshore’s skyline has been shaped by residential developments including Quayside, Waterfront Apartments, The Prince, Sapphire and Kingsborough – just to name a few.

“Give it five to 10 years and the unique vibe and amenity that is here will be well recognised,” Kingsborough developer John Gasson of Construction Control says.

“The Kingston Arts Precinct is also a major component to realising the vision of the original planners for this unique area in Canberra.”

Gasson says until development occurred, it was a large wasteland of rundown buildings and storage yards. But, fast forward to now and it’s a new hub used by so many across Canberra.

“I think there are some significant gaps in the precinct that need to be filled before the original vision can be realised, in particular, the electrical substation needs to be demolished,” he says.

“Once complete, it will be a statement infill project recognised nationally and internationally.”

Rowan Glanville of Rowan Glanville Property has been part of the selling momentum at the foreshore for more than 10 years.

“I think it has changed the face of Canberra for the better,” he says.

“And it’s definitely given Kingston, one of our favourite Inner South suburbs, a new lease on life.”

Glanville says it had long enjoyed its proximity to the lake but had been missing a greater sense of connection.

“That all began to change as the foreshore development gradually began to take shape and residents and businesses began to move in,” he says.

“We now have a successful mixed-use precinct where people live, work and play. It’s given Kingston – and Canberra – a waterside precinct that rivals the best the country has to offer.”

And Glanville has endorsed that opinion by moving into the Kingsborough development himself.

• On the rise. The unit median price in Kingston is $537,200, up 3.8 per cent year-on-year and 2.3 per cent over the previous five years, according to the latest Domain House Price Report.
• Location. The Foreshore has delivered an attractive lifestyle option that appeals across the demographics. Where else in Canberra can you live in a development next to the lake with all its amenity?
• Lifestyle. And Kingston Foreshore is also unique in its cosmopolitan buzz with its boardwalk packed with restaurants, bars and cafes – a natural magnet not only for residents but all Canberrans and visitors.

Allhomes top pick of homes in Kingston on the market:

Woolstore Apartments Type C, at Kingsborough

There’s a definite appetite among certain home buyers for something different, something beyond the formulaic.

The Woolstore Apartments at Kingsborough may just satisfy that particular itch with a post-industrial warehouse vibe expressed through its signature big, arched windows and recycled red brick facade.

The narrative continues inside the development where soft bamboo greenery contrasts exposed steel beams in its central atrium, a big statement feature that draws light and airflow into the heart of the building.

Exterior appeal? Tick. Internal common area? Tick. So far, so good. But how has the theme continued within the apartments?

North-facing orientation gets them off to a great start and ensures they soak up the light and offer premium views over the lively Kingsborough Village.

Raw meets refined in the living areas through exposed concrete walls contrasted by shadow-line ceilings. Underfoot treatments include terrazzo tiles and engineered oak floors.

The kitchen balances sleek design and practicality. Home chefs will love the Ilve appliances including oven, induction cooktop, rangehood and stainless steel dishwasher.

“The Woolstore is predominately two-bed, two-bath apartments. They are designed with effectively two en suites that allow flexibility in living and great rental potential,” Gasson says.

Both bedrooms are generous with south-facing windows. Oversized mirrored wardrobes magnify the room size and help draw in more natural light.

A shared rooftop terrace takes in sweeping views – the ideal spot to take in sunsets among the citrus trees and communal outdoor dining spaces.

The development also includes a state-of-the-art gym and a temperature-controlled magnesium swimming pool in a glass-constructed statement space.

Gasson says he hopes that Kingsborough has given the foreshore another flavour.

“We tried to create a framework to allow communities to grow,” he says.

“The diversity in housing typologies that are at Kingsborough allow a mix of people to live, play and work that is not possible in the new suburbs or the older mature suburbs.

“With the mix of dwellings on offer, that diversity and community are sure to stay long after we have moved on.”

The Woolstore Apartments will be ready for occupation in October.

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Price guide: $1.1 million-$1.25 million

Agent: Kingsborough Developments, enquiries@kingsborough.com.au