ACT Govt Tries Again with 200-Home Watson Subdivision

Revised plans for a housing precinct in the ACT are moving ahead after residents shot down the Territory Government’s original proposal.

The 200-home development that also includes a public park is proposed for vacant land at Watson, about 6km north of the Canberra GPO.

Original plans for the site went on display in June of last year, comprising about 200 new homes, including a demonstration project with 20 to 30 homes.

The demonstration was to be led by Cohousing Canberra, which aims to deliver a co-housing model with spaces and resources to be shared by residents.

After feedback from about 1200 people, the ACT Government redrew its plans, adding more natural space—part of the block will be rezoned to urban open space in perpetuity to protect bird species including gang-gang cockatoos and the superb parrot.

The project now comprises two apartment blocks, 90 townhouses and a public park on the site between Aspinall Street and the Federal Highway.

▲ Renders of the park due to open this year and a satellite image of the site at Watson. Image: Nearmap

After further public consultation that closes August 2, the Government will apply to subdivide the land, which will then clear the way for it to offer the site to market.

Sale of the land was originally planned for last financial year. It is now expected this financial year.

The ACT Government had indicated that once the subdivision application is approved, the construction of site services, landscaping and a new access road will begin.

Construction is already under way on the playground on the Aspinall Street side of the site, and is due to open this year.