Work steps up on Anzac Park East mixed-use development

Work has begun in earnest on Amalgamated Property Group’s ambitious Anzac Park East mixed-use precinct after the National Capital Authority gave the project the green light.

The 18,000 square metre heritage-listed Anzac Park East site on the corner of Parkes Way, Anzac Parade and Constitution Avenue will be home to 345 apartments across five buildings up to eight storeys high and a nine-storey office block, as well as a village food and dining offering.

Early works have been under way, but the final approvals mean Amalgamated can forge ahead with full construction. The entire precinct is expected to be completed by late 2025.

Amalgamated bought the site from the Commonwealth for $34.3 million in 2017, and architects May and Russell and DBI produced a precinct masterplan for the high-end residential community and retail village.

The former Anzac Park East Portal Building, which mirrored its partner Anzac Park West opposite on Anzac Parade, was demolished in 2019 after standing vacant for more than 20 years.

Echoing the ‘stripped classical’ style of the former APE Portal building, the design offers a high quality and unique architectural outcome, according to the NCA.

Its 18,000 square metres of lettable floorspace and flexible floorplate design for adaptive workplaces is pitched at corporate organisations and federal government departments, says Amalgamated general manager Phil O’Brien, “including those with specific Defence and/or security considerations and those who want a workplace where they can champion progressive sustainability initiatives”.

Sustainability is a key theme of the development with a 100 per cent electrified plant system, 100 per cent green electricity supply and solar capture.

Amalgamated is aiming for a 5.5 Star NABERS Base Building and a 5-star Green Star rating for the office building.

“The configuration will allow for maximum light penetration and leading sustainability initiatives to meet the aspirations of corporate Australia,” Mr O’Brien said.

The Works Approval said it would include rooftop solar panels, a building façade design to reduce reliance on mechanical heating and cooling and design, and construction and fixtures to support reduced energy and water consumption.

Mr O’Brien said the commercial building would also feature end-of-trip facilities with over 210 lockers plus shower facilities, 177 basement car parks plus bicycle and e-bike storage, as well as a premium lobby with concierge, business centre and lounge, and access to the village retail.

Mr O’Brien said apartments would range from one to three bedrooms to penthouses, but it was not known when they would be released for sale.

Amalgamated will curate the food offerings in the village retail.

Mr O’Brien said there would be an abundance of choice, from coffee and quick lunches to casual meals, gourmet groceries and trendy restaurants.

“Atmosphere and quality for the retail is a priority to ensure the village becomes destinational, delivering an all-encompassing culinary experience,” he said.

The NCA took almost a year to clear the project, considering a range of concerns raised during the consultation period.

These were building heights, building designs, bulk and scale of the development, a lack of public and visitor car parking, traffic congestion, and impacts on the Parliament House and War Memorial vista and Anzac Parade.