5 March 2021

Land sale paves way for development of Calwell community hub

| Ian Bushnell
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Community facilities zoned site on Johnson Drive

The community facilities zoned site on Johnson Drive, near the Calwell Group Centre. Photo: SLA.

A stretch of public land earmarked for a community hub in the Tuggeranong suburb of Calwell has been sold at auction for $1.65 million.

The Suburban Land Agency had put the 11,606 square metre site adjacent to the Calwell shops on the market in December, saying the community zoned land could include aged care living, a retirement village, supportive housing, health facilities, a community activity centre, childcare centre, or other complementary uses.

With a maximum dwelling limit of 30, there is also the chance of some residential development.

Colliers handled the sale for the SLA, and the director of residential land, Josh Reid, said the site on Johnson Drive was also close to a range of education and health services and sporting and retail facilities.

“The vision for the space is a community hub that possibly brings together a range of these amenities,” Mr Reid said.

“Before we know what the future holds for the site, the successful purchaser will have to lodge a development application, and the development must adhere to the Calwell Master Plan.”

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When announcing the sale, the SLA said that the community hub would also enhance public spaces through shared areas while adding green infrastructure and tree shade.

“It’s a brilliant opportunity to deliver spaces that will promote further growth for this burgeoning suburb while fostering community connection and enhancing the lifestyles of those who already live, work and play here,” the SLA said.

The SLA listed KBDC Pty Ltd, whose registered office is in Campbell, as the purchaser.

The Master Plan allows for two to four-storey height limits on this block and more commercial and residential development in the group centre.

It says that opportunities for the group centre to operate as a community hub include improving pedestrian and cyclist connections, creating activity and active frontages adjacent to public places, minimising the impact of car parking and traffic and planning for places the community can meet outside licensed premises.

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