Resort-style, 16-storey tower for downsizers planned for Woden Town Centre

A 16-storey resort-style apartment complex will be built in the Woden Town Centre if a development application is approved by the ACT government.

The DA outlines plans for an $84.8 million, 280-unit tower to be built on the 9680-square-metre site, which is positioned on the corner of Irving Street and Melrose Drive.

A basketball stadium has already been demolished to make way for the Amalgamated Property Group development, named Ivy.

Described as “the first of its type for the Woden Town Centre” the 274 apartments and six townhouses will be larger than other units in the town centre, according to the application.

Amalgamated Property Group general manager Phil O’Brien said Ivy will provide a broad range of living options for existing Woden Valley residents looking to downsize.

He said almost 30 per cent of the apartments have been designed to be adaptable. 

“Our community consultation has identified this as a key attribute, so that existing Woden Valley residents can remain in the precinct they love, within the security and comfort of a new home,” Mr O’Brien said. 

Mr O’Brien said residents will have access to an on-site rejuvenation centre with spas, saunas and a resort-themed pool. 

Other features include dining pavilions, barbecue facilities, a library, an outdoor recreation lawn for families and integrated site access for cyclists.

The DA said the building’s Y-shaped footprint and curved exterior will “provide a contrast with the very angular built form which dominates the Woden Town Centre”.

The tower will range between 12 and 16 storeys, stepping up and away from Melrose Drive.

According to the Woden Town Centre Masterplan, the site is limited to 12 storeys.

However, the DA noted that it was being lodged to be assessed alongside a “Territory Plan variation enabling the assessment of greater heights”.

It’s not the only development seeking a variation to height restrictions in the Woden Town Centre.

A development application at 15 Bowes Street sought to increase its site’s height restriction from 12 to 24 storeys. The masterplan currently allows 24-storey buildings across the road from the site.

The ACT government is rezoning a section of the Woden Green development on the corner of Hindmarsh Drive and Callum Street to allow up to 18 storeys on the site.

Mr O’Brien said Ivy will bring a new lease of life to the ageing town centre.

“The high-quality design will set a new benchmark for future developments in the town centre, encouraging a more considered design ethos and community engagement model,” he said.