Mega development and smashed suburb records: The rise and rise of Belconnen

Belconnen celebrated its 50th birthday in 2016 and the milestone year proved to be one of growth.

A $700 million mixed-use precinct unveiled, suburb records smashed and several new developments on the cards paint the picture of a region hitting its stride.

Geocon managing director Nick Georgalis said his company’s new mixed-use precinct, Republic will build on the region’s success.

“Belconnen has changed enormously since all the apartment developments have commenced over the past five to eight years,” Mr Georgalis said.

“Instead of it being emptied at 5pm and people going home to the suburbs, they’re living here.”

Suburban Belconnen is also reaping the benefits of a rejuvenated town centre.

According to Allhomes data scientist Nicola Powell about 50 per cent of Belconnen’s suburb records were broken in 2016.

In November alone, four suburb records were smashed and Kaleen and Evatt recorded their first million-dollar sales.

Luton Properties Belconnen director Tim McInnes has sold record breaking homes in Evatt, Scullin and Weetangera this year and he said demand has outstripped supply.

“Stock levels have been down on previous years in terms of the volume of listings,” Mr McInnes said.

Ray White Belconnen principal Ben Faulks said inquiries have doubled over the past two or three years and the growing town centre was a major drawcard.

“It’s now opened up with more eateries, the bus interchange and residential developments,” Mr Faulks said.

“It feels like a hub or a centre.”

It’s also had a positive impact on local business. Raj Singh and Aman Singh purchased Belconnen’s Cafe 2617 in January and business is booming.

“We weren’t expecting it to happen that quickly,” Raj said.

“There are lots of new people and they’re finding good cafes in Belconnen, so they don’t have to travel all the way to Civic.”

The federal government’s decision to keep the Department of Immigration and Border Protection and 4000 public servants in Belconnen was another win for the town centre. 

Belconnen Community Council committee member Damien Hass said the council has been working closely with government and the University of Canberra to connect the university with the town centre and encourage positive development in Belconnen.

Mr Hass said new developments such as the Canberra Labor Club’s proposed 90-room hotel and quality residential complexes were well-received by most members of the community.

“People are embracing change and understanding the reasons why we need to change,” he said.

Mr Hass said some residents didn’t like high-rise buildings but understood the need for these developments and appreciated that they were contained within the town centre.

He said diverse mix of housing types has allowed the region to retain its multi-generational population.

A Belconnen townhouse complex aimed at downsizers was recognised by Master Builders Australia last week when it picked up a national award for best medium-density development.

Bellevue Building won the award for its 10-unit townhouse development Elevate in Aranda.

In addition to the 1300-unit Republic development, a 300-unit complex next to Westfield and a 169-unit development next to the Belconnen Fresh Food Markets will expand the town centre.

“I think Belconnen is going to be one of those world-class town centres,” Mr Georgalis said.

“It is going to have some extraordinary architecture, it has amenity, it’s a place of employment, people will choose to live and work in Belconnen and not have to leave.”