How Canberra developments can change a neighbourhood

Residential developments have never been more prominent in Canberra. Likely because of our growing population, the need for more affordable housing options and because we have a finite amount of land, so going up (as opposed to going out) seems logical.

But developments don’t merely offer an abundance of townhouses and apartments in one area; they also have the ability to completely transform a neighbourhood.

Let’s look at this from a visual standpoint first.

“Developments can help rejuvenate established neighbourhood by breathing new life into the suburb, but often the best results are when it finds the right balance of contemporary style and timeless design, complementing the existing area,” says Amalgamated Property Group marketing manager Sophie Bearse.

“When this balance is achieved, the effect is a more seamless integration into the neighbourhood. This often highlights the existing attributes that were an attraction in the first place and enables the development to contribute to the area’s evolution in a positive manner.”

Bearse uses Amalgamated’s recently completely Kiara development in Narrabundah as a perfect example of this. 

“Kiara completely transformed what was the old Gowrie Court public housing flats,” says Bearse.

“The architectural design uses materials, structures and tones that are also inspired by Kiara’s existing environment to harmonise seamlessly with its surrounds. It also features space and privacy in its design, with large spaces between the buildings and a central village green.” 

“Narrabundah is known as a garden suburb, so we wanted to ensure that was a feature in our design. Landscaping at Kiara was a priority to ensure longevity for a development that will flourish through the years and enhance the mature green surroundings that it already sits in amongst,” she adds. 

Alongside the visual enhancement of a neighbourhood, developments can also add to the enrichment of the local community.

“An injection of new people to the area is particularly beneficial for the local shops and the community vibe. Kiara’s open and spacious design was purposeful to encourage people to get outside for fresh air, get to know their neighbours, and partake in activities like walking the dog or spending time with family at the village green, adding to the area’s ambience and the residents’ overall comfort.

“We’ve also designed the development so that engagement with the community oval right behind it is encouraged and easily facilitated,” she explains. 

Then, of course, there’s the amenity that new developments can create for a neighbourhood that can completely uplift or transform an area for the better. 

Take, for example, the Atria development just up from Kiara in old Kingston, which sits where the rundown outdoor car park once stood. 

The development brought an array of exciting commercial offerings like Supabarn, Gelato Messina, and Tokyo Canteen that have instilled new life and vibrancy into a once tired and underutilised space. 

Now there’s never a dull moment with the area always filled with people grabbing lunch, a quick coffee, indulging in gelato or a sweet treat, catching up with friends (and their dogs) or doing their regular grocery shopping.