Canberrans urged to have say on ABC Flats redevelopment

A public information session will be held tomorrow on the ACT Government's proposed redevelopment of land in Braddon and Reid.

ACT Minister for Community Services Joy Burch is encouraging Canberrans to attend the information session about the future of Section 52 and 57 in Braddon and Section 7 Reid, which include Housing ACT's Bega Court, Currong Apartments and Allawah Court. The site also includes buildings owned by the Catholic Church.

Ms Burch said the Government is considering the redevelopment of the site, commonly known as the ABC Flats, and has sought the Territory Plan Variation to increase building height restrictions to up to 15 storeys on part of the site.

This would allow for the construction of more than 1100 apartments, compared with 440 units and eight-storey limit that currently exist, with a percentage retained for public housing.

"The proposed redevelopment is an important part of the ACT Labor Government's vision for the Civic precinct, and this precinct is an ideal area to establish a vibrant mix-use development that will significantly boost housing options in the city," Ms Burch said.

"We have already involved the current tenants of the complexes in earlier consultation sessions, but we expect that many Canberrans will be keen to hear more, and to have a say about its future."

The Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) has issued a draft Territory Plan Variation which allows for the redevelopment of the land in Braddon and Reid for housing and commercial uses.

Ms Burch said the draft variation is based on a planning study that was prepared by the Community Services Directorate and provided to ESDD. CSD will conduct consultation on the proposed redevelopment independent to the consultation being done by ESDD.

The period for comment on the Territory Plan variation closes on 20 February 2012. The community meeting is being held 6pm tomorrow at the Griffin Centre, Genge Street, Civic.