A major plan amendment to the Territory Plan required for the redevelopment of the Ainslie Football and Social club has been approved by the Minister for Planning and Sustainable Development.
The approval follows a decision by the Legislative Assembly Standing Committee to not hold an inquiry process into the proposed change.
Major Plan Amendment (DPA 02) changes the Territory Plan by rezoning part of the subject area from Parks and Recreation PRZ2 Restricted Access (around the North and North-Western sides of Alan Ray Oval) to Residential RZ5 High Density and Commercial CZ5 Mixed Use.
The Major Plan Amendment was proponent initiated, put forward by Spacelab working with Ainslie Football Club.
The Minister for Planning and Sustainable Development said this major amendment was approved because it was consistent with key policy objectives in the ACT Planning Strategy, the Inner North District Strategy and the Government's housing priorities.
"The site of the Ainslie Football and Social Club is specifically identified as a category 3 change area in the Inner North District Strategy, meaning it is a prime location for considered, thoughtful, and well-designed changes," Minister Steel said.
"This site is well-located and will help to meet the growing housing needs of the community.
"The amendment also enables between 200 and 400 residential dwellings. This will mean more homes close to amenities, public transport, community facilities and only a short distance from the heart of the city."
The Major Plan Amendment also introduces assessment outcomes and requirements relating to residential density, commercial uses, vehicular parking, building heights and active travel. In addition, changes are also proposed to relevant technical specifications to support and guide these new provisions.
"The amendment was out for public consultation between 2 December 2024 and 3 February 2025, and the Territory Planning Authority received valuable feedback during this period. The Authority recommended changes to the original proposed amendment to address some concerns raised by community and to make the site more consistent with other areas in the Territory Plan," Minister Steel said.
"The Amendment includes additional assessment outcomes to limit commercial development, and to clarify building heights adjacent to existing residential dwellings. Development will be limited to 12.5 metres (3 storeys) where development fronts Angas Street.
"There will be a further opportunity for the community to provide their feedback on this site. If this major plan amendment is accepted by the Assembly, a development application is required to be lodged with Territory Planning Authority setting out designs for the development. This will enable the community to have their say on the more detailed design elements of development on the site."
Learn more about Major Plan Amendment 02 on the ACT Planning website.
