An artist’s impression of the proposed mixed-use development on what will be the reimagined corner of London Circuit and Commonwealth Avenue. Images: ACT Government.
An innovative, environmentally conscious mixed-use precinct planned for Civic West will transform the area and advance the CBD towards the lake after the sale of a landmark site to the Snow family’s Capital Property Group for $66 million.
The City Renewal Authority released the government-owned, almost two-hectare site on London Circuit near City Hill and opposite the QT Hotel in 2023, through a two-stage tender process.
The land extends to Commonwealth Avenue and the development will be a southern gateway to the CBD and part of a reimagined Civic West with the raising of London Circuit and the construction of light rail Stage 2A.
Capital Property Group proposes an ambitious six-building project of diverse architecture up to 13 storeys that includes offices, a high-end hotel, retail and dining and apartments set around a central park. the precinct will be home to about 1000 residents and 1200 workers.
It plans to build four residential buildings that will deliver 502 homes, 76 of which will be affordable rental dwellings.
The project – designed by architects Bates Smart, EM BE CE and JPW – has strong green credentials with the precinct to be carbon neutral and gas-free, and the hotel to be a striking timber hybrid structure.
The almost 2-ha block is a gateway site to the CBD’s south and on the light rail route between the city and Woden.
The large park will boast landscaped green spaces, public art, water play and outdoor dining.
The precinct will be served by the coming light rail extension to Commonwealth Park, which is expected to take its first passengers in early 2028.
Formerly part of the clover leaf arrangement and now a site compound for the raising London Circuit project, the key site was released to the market with CRA looking for strong innovation in bidders’ proposals, including “top-notch” sustainability features.
Depending on the approvals process, construction could commence as soon as 2026, with completion in stages expected between 2028 and 2034.
This is the fourth sale of a landmark city site to Capital Property Group, which is looking to put its stamp on the CBD and leave a lasting legacy.
It has already developed the award-winning Constitution Place precinct, has started work on an office block nearby on Vernon Circuit and plans a big mixed-use precinct for the courts carpark on the corner of Northbourne Avenue and London Circuit.
Green spaces: The buildings will present to a large central park.
Capital Property Group CEO Stephen Byron said that in tough economic times this ongoing investment in the Canberra CBD underlined the importance of the area as the focal point for Canberra civic life and recreation, as well as the group’s continuing commitment to Canberra and its prosperity.
Mr Byron said the company’s vision was to create a vibrant and diverse urban place that all Canberrans and visitors could be proud of.
“We are thrilled to be entrusted with this unique opportunity and make a lasting and environmentally responsible impact in the heart of the city,” he said.
“The precinct prioritises environmental responsibility, embraces outstanding design, and will be fossil-free in operation.
“Our proven track record and commitment to excellence demonstrates we can deliver on all these elements in a way that is architecturally distinct from other city developments.”
Group Head of Property Richard Snow said the six distinct buildings would each have their own architectural language and style.
“We purposely commissioned three world-class architects to achieve this variety and create a vibrant, distinct precinct,” he said.
“The heart of the development will be the large urban park where all the various buildings will present to.
“The mix of different uses including a high-end hotel, retail and commercial space and large residential component, will complement each other to create maximum vibrancy and activity around the clock.”
The goal is to create a vibrant, people-focused space including outdoor dining spaces.
City Renewal Authority CEO Craig Gillman said the proposal was fitting of the ‘remarkable’ location and the best possible outcome for the Canberra community .
“The competitive, two-stage public tender process has ensured a sustainable and high-quality development will be delivered to benefit all Canberrans,” he said.
“We set very high expectations for the market with this sale. We asked for architectural diversity, outstanding design, connections with the light rail and surrounding places, and exemplary responses to environmental and social inclusion criteria.”
Mr Gillman said the development would bring more people into the city centre and have important flow-on benefits for the local economy.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the city centre was expanding southwards towards Lake Burley Griffin and this development, near two new light rail stops, would deliver much better connections from the city to the evolving Acton Waterfront.
When the sale is completed, the draft design will proceed to the National Capital Authority for approval, including public consultation.
First advertised by public tender on 4 May 2023, the sale was run by JLL over two stages with the first stage, request for expressions of interest, closing on 4 July 2023 and the second stage, request for tender, closing on 12 December 2023.
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