16 September 2021

Morris triples size of boutique Griffith apartment project

| Ian Bushnell
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MPG Griffith apartments

An artist’s impression of the proposed Griffith apartments. Image: Morris Property Group.

Morris Property Group has expanded its one-block apartment project in Griffith to cover three, taking the four-storey proposal from 27 apartments to 76.

MPG, which is also developing the Renaissance multi-unit development in nearby Manuka, first proposed its ’boutique urban renewal project’ for 52 Leichardt Street in May, but it has re-launched the proposal for community consultation ahead of lodging a development application.

The proposal now comprises three parcels of land (Blocks 2, 18 and 19 Section 23) totalling 3,620 square metres at 52-56 Leichhardt Street in one of Canberra’s most sought-after locations.

The site is currently occupied by three brick houses and zoned RZ5 and subject to the RC controls of the Griffith Precinct Code, which allows buildings up to four storeys in height.

READ ALSO Demand drives four-storey apartment proposal for Griffith house site

Several properties in the surrounding area have already been developed to a similar level of density, but across the road, the land remains RZ1 for single residential development.

The project website says the top floor will be set back so that the building has a ‘soft presence’ to the street frontage. The development will include landscaped open spaces and basement car parking, including garages for the larger apartments.

Of the 76 apartments, 16 per cent will have three bedrooms, 63 per cent two bedrooms and 21 per cent one bedroom.

MPG Griffith apartments map

The site location for the proposed apartments.

The minimum car parking provisions will be one space per one-bedroom apartment, 1.5 cars per two-bed and two car spaces for three-bedroom apartments.

A total of 19 spaces will be provided for visitors on-site or within 100 metres.

The development may include a range of sustainability features, including passive solar orientation of buildings, stormwater capture and reuse on-site, energy-efficient apartments with water and energy-efficient appliances and use of sustainable building materials.

MPG plans to remove two of the existing driveways to 52 and 54 Leichhardt Street and use the existing driveway of 56 Leichhardt Street for access to the site.

The development will meet the intense demand for housing in the inner south and is within easy reach of retail shops, cafes, restaurants, and sporting ovals in Kingston and Manuka.

READ ALSO Rare super pod of humpback whales sighted off Sapphire Coast

MPG says the project will offer a range of dwelling types suitable for singles, young professionals, families and active older residents seeking to downsize.

It says the project’s high-quality architecture will also improve the local area.

“The proposed plan is consistent with government policy for redevelopment of the site and demonstrates continued investor confidence as well as employment in the construction sector in Canberra,” MPG says.

But the project will also stir debate in the inner south about appropriate densification.

MPG will conduct two online consultation sessions – Thursday, 23 September from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, and Friday, 24 September from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

To participate or submit feedback, email MPG at info@morrispropertygroup.com.au.

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Is this the mob that built the Kingston Place apartments? And Governor Place in Barton? Any purchaser needs to do their due diligence.

Will the design include the lovely coloured metal support poles that are at Kingston Place?

Capital Retro6:07 pm 15 Sep 21

“1.5 cars per two-bedroom apartments”

What sort of sophistry is this?

It either means you have to saw one of your cars in half or possibly just an average. Not sure but suspect the latter is more likely

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