8 July 2023

New tower proposed for Gungahlin Town Centre corner

| Ian Bushnell
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Gungahlin Town Centre

An artist’s impression of the proposed tower in the Gungahlin Town Centre. Image: Oztal Architects.

An 11-storey tower to provide commercial accommodation is being proposed for a small block in the north-west corner of the Gungahlin Town Centre.

Canberra developer Benchmark Projects is behind the project slated for the 573 square metre block on the corner of Gribble Street and Anthony Rolfe Avenue (Block 6 Section 2 Gungahlin).

The project website prepared by Canberra Town Planning states the single building will occupy most of the site to gain optimal use of the block, which has maximum height limit of 12 storeys or 50 metres.

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It is to contain 45 two-bedroom units, including 10 that are accessible/adaptable, with balconies from levels 2-10, and a commercial tenancy and/or community use space planned for the ground and first floors.

The building is designed with a two-storey void so vehicles can enter into a five-space carpark which, with services and a waste enclosure, takes up about two-thirds of the ground floor.

Aerial view

An aerial view of the small corner site. Photo: Canberra Town Planning.

A further 10 parking spaces are available beneath in a single basement floor.

The website states the floor plates are designed to make best use of limited site area while offering 137 square metres of complementary commercial/community space within the building and convenient access to support nearby services.

The ground floor will also contain a foyer, lift and stair entry.

The commercial/community spaces aim to create active street frontages along Anthony Rolfe Avenue and Gribble Street.

“The proposed development will integrate with the surrounding development character in the area,” the website states.

“The proposal incorporates high-quality design and materials aimed at bringing appropriate development to a prominent corner location within the town centre.”

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The building may include a renewable energy source such as rooftop solar, while large windows are designed to reduce the reliance on artificial light.

Other sustainability measures include rainwater harvesting, some sun shading in the building facade to reduce heat in the warmer months and energy-efficient fixtures and fittings.

To learn more about the proposal and consultation sessions visit the project website.

Benchmark Projects is a Canberra-based residential development and building company. Frank Porreca is managing director and Nick Porreca is chief financial officer.

The company did not respond to questions.

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This render is so awful it suggests an overall low budget and does not do the development any favours..

HiddenDragon8:37 pm 07 Jul 23

Gunners goes full-on Minecraft (but without the cute bits)?

I wish new unit developers would consider not using glass for balcony’s, there’s nothing that makes a unit block look more messy and unclean than being able to see everyone’s bits and pieces. It would also provide a little more privacy for the apartment dwellers.

If folk want to live without a vehicle and rely on public transport, let them! I’m always surprised by the NIMBY gallery who look to deny anything that they themselves dislike. If you dislike it, steer clear but don’t deny others the opportunity.
We should let newcomers live near the amenities that are available. I’m all for this type of development that cleverly uses the limited land available to accommodate the city’s growing population.

Nick Stevens5:51 am 08 Jul 23

I’m never surprised by the NIMBY gallery, if anything, I’d make it taller…tall slender buildings for aesthetic form, allowing light and space to it’s setting.
I think the building looks fine, hope it goes ahead.

Another wall for the canyon. Even on the stillest day everywhere else that collection of buildings is a massive shadow covered wind tunnel. And I suppose when the Emergency Services are relocated there will be another one.

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