Stewart Architecture has designed a $200 million mixed-use precinct in Canberra in March, located on a key corner of the Northbourne corridor.
Plans include the creation of an “urban village,” comprising residential and office buildings, a retail marketplace, community spaces, and restaurants and cafes.
Five buildings, varying between six and 16 levels and containing up to 424 units, will rise from a podium level with a central courtyard area in the middle of the block. The site fronts three roads - Northbourne, Macarthur and Wattle Street - and according to the plans, four of the buildings will form a perimeter around a community plaza at the centre.
Known as the Macarthur precinct, the site was previously home to Macarthur House - a former government building demolished in 2018.
Developer Art Group has sought planning approval in two applications: one for basement levels and another for above ground construction. Pending approvals, construction is expected to start by late 2023, with early works to begin within the year.
The developer has a history of development in the Northbourne corridor. It held a design competition for a 2.9-hectare site in 2016 after it purchased the land on 2.9 hectares from the government for $40 million. Two other developments in the precinct are due to be finished later in 2022.
