The Site
Block 16 Section 25 Braddon is located within the suburb of Braddon, and has formally been known as the Braddon Bowls Club.
The Bowls Club site was purchased by Bulum Group in 2015, since then the site has been vacant and not contributing positively to the local character.
The redevelopment subject to this consultation is limited to the Farrer Street part of the block, as shown in the image below.
The Proposal
The subject area is proposed to be redeveloped for commercial accommodation use, as a serviced apartment building, with an interesting articulated facade to add character to the streetscape.
The proposed building is designed to reduce the bulk, scale and overall height perception when viewed from Farrer Street. This is achieved by a highly stepped front facade with eclectic windows and a setback fourth storey.
KUD Architects have introduced a grand entrance which will ensure the building is defined and differentiated from the neighbouring residences. The materials used are a mix of black metal panels, exposed concrete and brick style veneer, as well as landscaped stepped balconies to soften the overall scheme.
The development proposes approximately 78 serviced apartments which wrap around a central courtyard. The landscaped courtyard features a swimming pool, small dining facility, and cabanas. There are a mix of one, two and three-bedroom units including penthouses and studio style apartments.
To ensure the proposal does not impact the local neighbourhood and streetscape, there are two basement levels designed to provide 107 car parking spaces to the users of the development. The vehicle ingress and egress will be off Farrer Street.
Ground floor landscaping is proposed to complement the surrounding green spaces, including trees in deep-rooted soil zones.
Architectural Statement
‘Mati’ is a commercial short stay accommodation project that fronts a beautiful wide tree lined Boulevard in the heart of Canberra. The brief for the project was to create a dynamic and architectural building that engages with the street. A large monumental two-story arched entry breaks the form of the lowries wide street frontage and connects into the large courtyard space within the proposal which provides light, ventilation and internal vistas for amenity. A mosaic of interesting interconnecting architectural elements form the building facade and architectural language to provide visual interest and create a highly sculptural building that is dynamic and engaging to the pedestrian realm.
Materials have been selected that do not require applied finishes to ensure that rebuilding Integrity will be maintained over the duration of it’s life.
The pedestrian link between Ferrer and Elder Street is transformed from a narrow walkway to an activated thoroughfare with direct access to some of the units. The new link will also provide baffle lighting for security and create new connections to the tennis court and school along Elder Street. The upper level of the building has been recessed from perimeter of the built form and design so that it is not visible from the street and surrounding buildings thereby reducing visual impact. In addition, the parking and access to the building is all underground via a basement parking which will enable guest and visitors to check into the accommodation without relying on Street parking.
Landscaping has been a key an integral component to the design and becomes an extension to the landscaping of the surrounding area. All the balconies and terraces and other architectural elements have Incorporated landscaping to complement and soften the building and provide important vistas from inside the spaces looking out.
Statutory Planning
The site is zoned CZ6 – Leisure and Accommodation under the Territory Plan. The proposed Commercial Accomodation Use is permissible under the zone.
While the details of the design are still being finalised, the overall design is considered consistent with the relevant Territory Plan Codes as well as the intent of the Braddon Neighbourhood Plan. The relevant current Codes include the City Precinct Code, the Commercial Zones Development Code and the general codes where applicable.
As detailed below the proposal responds well to the objectives of the zone as reproduced below. The CZ6 – Leisure and Accommodation Zone Objectives are:
- Provide for the development of entertainment, accommodation and leisure facilities for residents of and visitors to the ACT and surrounding region
- Protect leisure and accommodation uses from competition from higher order commercial uses, and encourage activities that enhance the region’s economic diversity and employment prospects
- Ensure leisure and accommodation facilities have convenient access to public transport
- Protect the amenity of nearby residential areas, with regard to noise, traffic, parking and privacy
- Ensure the location of facilities, and their design and landscaping is compatible with environmental values
- Ensure that the bulk, scale, size, design and landscaping of development is compatible with the surrounding landscape
- Encourage activity at street frontage level and provide an appropriate level of surveillance of the public realm
Architectural Plans
Plans are available for download via the below link. Please note that these plans are a work in progress and may be subject to minor changes throughout the design development stage.
Traffic and Parking impact
Please refer to the summary document available for download via the below link.
Project Timeframe
Purdon is aiming to submit the Development Application for this proposal early in 2023. Construction works related to the construction of new buildings will begin once approval has been granted.
Opportunities for Community Input/Feedback
Purdon will be undertaking community consultation on behalf of the Proponent, commencing Friday, 2nd December until Friday, 16th December 2022.
We will hold multiple online information sessions for the community to understand the project further and provide their feedback, as below:
Online Session 1:
- Wednesday, 7th December 2022, commencing at 3:30 pm via Teams
Online Session 2:
- Wednesday, 7th December 2022, commencing at 5:30 pm via Teams
Online Session 3:
- Wednesday, 14th December 2022, Commencing at 3:30 pm via Teams
Online Session 4:
- Wednesday, 14th December 2022, Commencing at 5:30 pm via Teams
Please register your interest via email to engage@purdon.com.au, and nominate which session you would like to attend. A Microsoft Teams link will be emailed to you the day prior to the session so you can join online.
The project team will also be contacting various community groups to ensure their members and other interested persons have the opportunity to provide comments prior to the lodgement of a Development Application.
Further Information
If you would like further information or wish to discuss the Proposal, please do not hesitate to contact Purdon on:
(02) 6257 1511
Or use the ‘have your say’ form below to provide comments.