Syzygy Downsizes Canberra ‘Canyon’ Hotel Scheme
The scale of a six-storey hotel and “world-class” day spa project in Canberra that aims to capture the changing character of a canyon has been reduced amid objections from neighbours.
Canberra developer Syzygy plans to convert half of the vacant site of the former Braddon Bowls Club in Canberra’s inner north into two buildings of four and six storeys.
Syzygy senior development manager Nick Merriman said that, subject to approval, his company planned to start construction in 2027.
“We’ve got the [two] buildings broken into three masses and you’ll walk into this chasm, this space, and you’ll have this naturally cool environment and you’ll look up and see lots of raw and textural material, natural stone —and concretes,” he told The Urban Developer.
“You’ll have metal next to rock.
“We’re trying to do something spectacular and unique.”
Planning documents lodged on behalf of Syzygy said the architectural concept of the proposal is “the experience and sense of discovery that resembles the spatial characteristics of a natural canyon or gorge”.
“Following the canyon concept, the form creates opportunities for discovery and pause,” the documents said.
“The curved nature of the articulation creates a play with light and shadow that changes throughout the day with the movement of the sun.”
The project would comprise 72 hotel units, 33 commercial units, a shop, indoor and outdoor recreation facilities and a two-level basement with car and bicycle parking.
A pool and gym are also planned for the site that runs between Elder and Farrer streets, which was acquired by Syzygy in 2015.
The proposal received 50 objections, the vast majority of which lamented the its scale, bulk or both.
Merriman said the objections were mainly from nearby residents.
“We’re doing a world-class day spa, world-class retail, plenty of parking and some really good function spaces up on the rooftop; it’s going to be one of the best day spas in Australia for sure,” he said.
“The school across the road [the Ainslie School, which occupies a landmark Art Deco building] has been super supportive.”
The school’s parents and citizens association did however file a six-page objection.
Merriman said the project would be “a fantastic marker site for the area [with] a luxury hotel and some short-to-long-term accommodation”.
Documents filed by Syzygy, after the first of two required public consultation phases, say that building bulk and scale have been reduced, with the tallest of the structures to be 20m high.
“The development is suitably scaled as an island of commercial activity near to the city centre and Braddon commercial area,” the documents said.
“Commercial uses are provided to complement the hotel use to create a precinct inviting to locals and tourists alike.
“Noting [the project’s] easily walkable distance to the city and the Braddon mixed-use [precinct], it is well-positioned to provide great amenity to the area.”
The project is 1km from the CBD of the nation’s capital.
