The ACT Government is supporting new innovative building projects to demonstrate how more housing choices can be offered in Canberra.
Six proposals have been approved to participate in the Demonstration Housing Project. The project supports best practice design and forms one part of the Government's approach to planning for the future housing needs of Canberra.
Minister for Urban Renewal Rachel Stephen-Smith said increased housing choice was an integral part of the Government's priority for urban renewal, creating sustainable, safe and attractive communities.
"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 Stephen-Smith said.
"This project shows how innovative planning, design and delivery can create viable housing solutions that contribute to the renewal of our city," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
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. They want a variety of medium density housing such as dual occupancies, villas, terrace houses and townhouses," Mr Gentleman said.
Minister Gentleman said the project would also inform possible changes to the Territory Plan to allow for more housing diversity.
The first round of successful applicants includes architects, co-housing groups, a community housing provider, developers and families. The successful projects are:
- terrace and micro homes in Forrest
- a manor house in Griffith
- aging in place townhouses and housing in Chifley and Weston
- compact affordable dwellings in Lyneham
- small scale co-housing in Ainslie.
Before lodging their development applications (DA), the successful proposals will undertake community engagement to develop a final design and to receive endorsements from the National Capital Design Review Panel.
The first DAs are expected to be lodged in mid-2019.
