Expressions of interest open for ACT Demonstration Housing project

Architects and builders wanting to develop innovative and sustainable designs in Canberra can pitch their ideas, with expressions of interest opening on Wednesday for the ACT government’s Demonstration Housing project.

The project, unveiled in November last year, features a series of precincts across the ACT that prioritise sustainability. It is running parallel to the government’s Housing Choices policy, which is investigating how the housing needs of Canberra can be better met.

Precincts will be measured to see the impacts of possible changes to the territory plan.

ACT Minister for Planning Mick Gentleman said the project will highlight how innovative planning design and delivery can benefit Canberra.

“The Demonstration Housing project is a valuable and real-world opportunity for the government to improve housing affordability, environmental outcomes, community health, social values and economic prosperity,” he said.

“This project will provide an opportunity for architects, builders, residents and social housing providers to showcase innovative design and delivery of real-world examples that are not currently available in the ACT, including small houses, co-housing and carbon neutral buildings.”

Expressions of interests will be run in two stages, with the first stage assessing market interest, capability and experience of suitably qualified proponents.

The ACT government environment, planning and sustainable development directorate states that applicants may include architects, designers, planners, developers, community and social housing providers, builders, community organisations and individuals.

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Sites for the Demonstration Housing precinct have not been determined, with the ACT government to release a list of territory-owned sites in stage two that may be considered for sale to successful applicants. Expressions of interest will also be taken and refined in this stage.

Expressions of interest for the first stage of the Demonstration Housing project will close on May 17, around the time the ACT government’s Housing Choices Collaboration Hub – comprising 40 citizens – will be launched.

“The upcoming Housing Choices Collaboration Hub will play an important role in assisting with the development of the assessment criteria for submissions received in the second stage of the Demonstration House proposal,” said Mr Gentleman.

“The Demonstration Housing project will be able to inform the collaboration hub on potential examples throughout their expression-of-interest period, as one part of the diverse sources the hub will consider.”