The Greens’ Amanda Bresnan has noted that the Government can’t find a buyer for the legendary Currong Apartments.
She’d like to see them turned into a bigger, better, greener, housing development:
- “One way to unearth innovative solutions is to run design competitions, as the Victorian Office of Housing and the Royal Australian Institute of Architects did in 2001. The resulting K2 Apartments in Melbourne are now home to 150 people living in 96 units, around half of which are designed for people with a disability. These award-winning units use less than half the usual energy and water, incorporating solar power and hot water, good air circulation, attractive low-water gardens, and are made from low emission materials.”
“There are many other examples around the world. The BEDZED development in London is a mix of public and shared equity homes. It generates its own power, is wonderfully innovative in how it uses energy and water, and is home to a diverse, proud and engaged community of residents.”
“The sad thing for Canberra is that there are not yet any adventurous worthwhile developments like that here. But the Currong site, already owned by Housing ACT and close to the city and services, is the perfect place to build something special. A properly constructed design competition will show us all what is possible in terms of environmental, social and economic sustainability. It’s much more than we are used to.” Ms Bresnan said.
I’m sure when they built Currong in the first place they thought it was the very marvel of the world.
[Updated 18 August]
According to the ABC Hargreaves has put the kybosh on the idea, admitting that they will take the money and run, but not before redistributing the unsavoury types throughout Canberra.