Six new building projects demonstrating innovative housing choices for homebuyers in Canberra have been given a notional go-ahead by the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate.
Minister for Urban Renewal, Rachel Stephen-Smith said the projects had been approved to participate in the Demonstration Housing Project, which supported best practice design and formed part of an approach to planning for the future housing needs of Canberra.
“An increased housing choice is an integral part of the Government’s priority for urban renewal, creating sustainable, safe and attractive communities,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“These demonstration projects are much more than medium density housing. They show excellence in design, provide more options for public and affordable housing, options for ageing in place, and a range of sustainability initiatives.”
Minister for Planning and Land Management, Mick Gentleman said Canberrans were asking for more flexible housing in their neighbourhoods and suburbs.
“We’ve clearly heard the community does not just want single dwellings or high-rise apartments,” Mr Gentleman said.
“They want a variety of medium density housing such as dual occupancies, villas, terrace houses and townhouse.”
He said the successful projects were terrace and micro homes in Forrest; a manor house in Griffith; ageing in place townhouses and housing in Chifley and Weston; compact affordable dwellings in Lyneham; and small scale co-housing in Ainslie.
“Before lodging their development applications (DAs), the successful proposals will undertake community engagement to develop a final design and to receive endorsements from the National Capital Design Review Panel,” Mr Gentleman said.
He said the first DAs were expected to be lodged in the middle of the year.
