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The new development will be constructed in Griffith and potentially duplicated elsewhere throughout Canberra.
The ACT government has approved a site-specific variation to the Territory Plan in order to test out the suitability of multi-dwelling “manor houses” for residents of the capital.
Mick Gentleman, Minister for Planning and Land Management in the ACT, explained that the building, to be constructed on the corner of Blaxland Crescent and Frome Street in Griffith, 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”.
He said the government was using this first build as a test to see whether manor houses might help solve the “missing middle” of the city’s housing market.
“Medium density manor houses are quite common in other cities, but this is a first for Canberra,” Mr Gentleman said.
“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,” he added.
Mr Gentleman noted that the city’s current housing options do not extend far beyond the standard detached house, townhome, or unit offerings.
This variation, he said, showed the government’s commitment to working with the private sector to expand on the diversity of housing options available in the region.
“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,” Mr Gentleman said.
“While the property is being built by a private developer, subject to the development approval process, it is part of the 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.”
And he added that the government was ensuring new builds were up to date with the environmental priorities of modern Australians.
“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.
“We want every Canberran to have access to green space and the opportunity to stay connected to their community,” he said.
But community members have not been universally in favour of the new structure.
“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 minister acknowledged.
One of the concerns was the scale of the development, which the government tried to address 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,” Mr Gentleman said.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Juliet Helmke
Based in Sydney, Juliet Helmke has a broad range of reporting and editorial experience across the areas of business, technology, entertainment and the arts. She was formerly Senior Editor at The New York Observer.
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