19 March 2018

High times for Belconnen with approval of Republic development

| Ian Bushnell
Join the conversation
29

The Republic will be the largest mixed use development in the ACT. Images: Supplied.

Construction of Canberra’s largest mixed use precinct, including the city’s tallest building, will start immediately after the approval of Geocon’s $1 billion Republic development in Belconnen.

Geocon Managing Director Nick Georgalis said the Republic – at Section 200, on the corner of Cameron Avenue, Eastern Valley Way and Emu Bank – would be the largest mixed use development in the ACT, include a 113-metre high tower, and be delivered in three stages.

He said it would contain 1213 residential apartments, an Abode hotel, a retail centre including a supermarket, and more than 500 public car spaces in addition to parking for residents.

Stage One (Republic and Dusk) was 70 per cent sold and expressions of interest for Stage Two would be invited in April.

“The 113-metre tower will look completely different to anything else in Canberra with a 100 per cent glazed facade. The amenities are spectacular and the views will be breathtaking,” he said.

Fender Katsalidis – the architects responsible for NewActon, Melbourne’s Eureka Tower and Hobart’s MONA – are behind Republic, which will also have terrace houses, an amphitheatre, Melbourne-style laneway stores, boutique office space and climate-controlled wine cellars.

There will also be a wellness centre with lap pool, spa, sauna, snow fountain, yoga and meditation; concierge service and a children’s wonderland with a library and recreational activities, and a landscaped sky park.

“We’re delighted that the ACT Government shares our vision on this project, and of the scope for exciting well-planned development in town centres,” Mr Georgalis said.

“No one can accuse Canberra of being boring or stuck in the past with this type of project going ahead.

“The national capital has changed today with this vision set to become a reality, and its a taste of things to come.”

Join the conversation

29
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest

This government is really destroying our beautiful Canberra, overpopulation is the real global problem why do we need it here? I wonder how much these politicians are being paid by property developers.

And no light rail in sight…

So where are patrons of the Belco Labor Club going to park now?

The Labor Club has already started construction on a new building adjacent their current clubhouse. It is mainly a parking structure for their club and patrons but also has a gym and a hotel built into the structure. I thought I had saved a copy of the DA but had not, so if you google “Belconnen Labour Club Redevelopment” you will find a Canberra Times article with details and renders.

Belconandonandon1:53 pm 20 Mar 18

Looks like a positive development. The extra people, amenities, shops and public space will be good for Belconnen town centre – it really needs some more activity outside of the shopping centre.

bringontheevidence1:36 pm 20 Mar 18

A good outcome.

There will be predictable cries from the ‘no more apartments’ crowd, but really how can anyone hate a project that will house the same number of people in 2 hectares as you fit in 2 square kilometres of ‘normal’ suburbs? Not to mention that most of the people living here will either work in Belconnen or study at UC, so the traffic impact will be tiny, plus it’ll add plenty of demand for new services and facilities in Belco.

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.