A key element in the urban renewal plan to revitalise the city centre is now being realised with the demolition of Macarthur House on Northbourne Avenue.
Part of the Federal Government’s Asset Recycling Initiative, Macarthur House is one of the older buildings the ACT is to sell with the vacant site expected to go to market in 2018-19.
Once sold, the Commonwealth will reward the ACT by paying it 15 per cent of the sales revenue achieved.
Director-General of the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate, Ben Ponton said the first stage of the demolition project was well underway with specialist contractors removing hazardous material.
“Macarthur House consists of an eight-storey building and a three-storey annex comprising many materials such as concrete, bricks and steel that can be reused,” Mr Ponton said.
“We have a target of recycling 95% of the material that comes from the site.”
He said measures had been put in place to limit impacts from the demolition activity on nearby residents, including defined working hours, management of dust, restricting contractor parking to the site, and truck movement routes.
“The site has great potential to complement the ongoing urban renewal in and around the city centre, including current light rail works and future development of the city and gateway corridor,” Mr Ponton said.
“As Northbourne Avenue undergoes significant revitalisation, the development site that will be known as Macarthur urban village is expected to become a distinct destination on the light rail network.”
He said buildings with small convenience shops, cafes and employment around the light rail station, combined with increased pedestrian and cycle priority, will create a more people-friendly environment to activate the landmark node on Northbourne Avenue.
