Innovative housing project gets go ahead

The ACT Government has approved a site-specific Territory Plan Variation to trial a new type of housing in Griffith to help meet the ‘missing middle’ of Canberra’s housing market.

Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman said the ACT Government is committed to working with the private sector to support a range of housing options beyond detached homes, townhouses and apartments.

“The Territory Plan Variation tabled in the Legislative Assembly today allows for a Manor House development on the corner of Blaxland Crescent and Frome Street in Griffith,” Minister Gentleman said.

“Medium density manor houses are quite common in other cities, but this is a first for Canberra.

“The Manor House property will appear from the street to be a single, two-storey dwelling, but it will actually be four homes, each on its own unit title.

“This will allow people to live in an apartment and still have a backyard. With room for a communal veggie patch and play equipment, this type of home can suit downsizers, families, and singles looking for a sense of community,” Minister Gentleman said.

“The prototype manor house will also have a focus on environmental sustainability and climate resilience, which will be achieved through both the building’s construction and the retention of many of the existing trees and vegetation on the site.

“While the property is being built by a private developer, subject to the development approval process, it is part of Government’s Demonstration Housing Project, which is about showcasing a range of innovative housing prototypes. A co-housing development in Ainslie for a group of downsizing retirees is also underway as part of this project.

“It’s all about finding ways to meet the needs that come with population growth while improving liveability for everyone. Our focus is on facilitating a more compact, sustainable, accessible and active city with housing options for young families to singles to downsizers and everyone in-between,” Minister Gentleman said.

“We want every Canberran to have access to green space and the opportunity to stay connected to their community.

“I would like to thank everyone who shared their opinions with us on the draft variation as part of the community consultation process. I know the decision to go ahead with the project will likely be disappointing to some, but I assure you that we listened to and value your ideas and concerns.

“The decision to proceed was made after careful consideration of all the representations made by community members. One of the concerns was the scale of the development, which we have addressed by limiting the size of the building to 50 per cent of the block.

“This is an exciting development that I believe will make an important contribution to the future housing needs of Canberrans while protecting the character of this part of Griffith,” Minister Gentleman said.

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