An artist’s impression of how the Acton Waterfront precinct might look. Images: ACT Government.
Development of the Acton Waterfront at West Basin is a step closer with the City Renewal Authority (CRA) seeking a consultant to lead the planning and design of the proposed mixed-use precinct, including devising an Estate Development Plan and land release strategy.
Tender documents state the consultant and team will also provide a financial analysis of development options, a costing of a staging plan and a business to be submitted with a Works Approval to the National Capital Authority.
The CRA stresses to tenderers the importance of the site, what the government is hoping to achieve there, and the desire for innovative approaches.
“The national significance of this location and the vision for Acton within the Place Plan should not be forgotten, with the priority given to high-quality people focused on urban design outcomes,” the tender document states.
CRA CEO Malcolm Snow told Region last August that the mixed-use precinct would stretch from Parkes Way to Albert Street, with the first blocks to go to market in the 2024-25 financial year.
Mr Snow said it would include a mix of residential types, including affordable and build to rent, commercial offices, retail and hospitality.
The extent of the Acton Waterfront precinct, taking in New Acton which will be connected via new pedestrian bridges.
The tender documents state tenderers will need to take into account the government’s Housing Strategy, including its requirement of 15 per cent affordable dwellings, and the build-to-rent scheme which encourages the development of long-term rental accommodation.
About 2000 residents are expected to make the Acton waterfront home in hundreds of apartments with building heights limited to four to six storeys along Commonwealth Avenue to protect the vistas.
Mr Snow said there would also be room for a five-star hotel to take advantage of the lake view.
The tender documents show sustainability is to feature strongly in the new precinct, with the consultant having to meet the CRA’s sustainability goals, the government’s Climate Change Policy and pursue a 6 Star Green Star Communities rating.
The consultant will have to consider how the new precinct will connect to the city and surrounding areas, such as the major design feature of pedestrian bridges over Parkes Way including a “green road”, road access, and the new light rail line to Commonwealth Park and on to Woden.
It will also need to decide on the most effective and efficient land release approach – a direct CRA sale, englobo or undeveloped land capable of subdivision, or a joint venture.
The Acton Waterfront Park, expected to be finished by the end of 2024, is being dealt with separately but the consultant will have to take its design into account and integrate the new urban precinct with it.
When this project is completed, the consultant may be able to stay on to help take specific blocks or a large part of the estate to market.
The entire Acton Waterfront development will be a decade in the making.
The tender closes on 8 June.
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