The Site
Block 16 Section 25 Braddon, also known as 21 Elder Street (the subject site), is located within Braddon and is approximately 8,732m2 in area. The site has 2 street frontages facing Farrer Street to the north, Elders Street to the south. The proposed redevelopment will be contained within southern part of Block 16 fronting Elder Street (shaded in green below)
The Proponent and Project Team
Bulum Group, lessee of Block 16 Section 25 Braddon (21 Elder Street), has engaged Turco and Associates, Enviro Links Design and Purdon as part of the consultant team for the redevelopment of this site. Purdon has been engaged to undertake community consultation in relation to the proposal on site.
Bulum Group are focused on providing a development that enhances the space whilst also offering the community a range of facilities that can be utilised and enjoyed by all.
The project team welcome feedback from the community on the potential uses of the commercial spaces on the ground floor to assist with the development of the proposal with the aim of achieving a space that responds to the community’s needs and wants.
The Proposal
Block 16 was formally known as the Braddon Bowls Club. It was purchased by Bulum Group in 2015. Since then the site has been vacant and not contributing positively to the local character. This proposal seeks to provide a lively and accessible leisure, entertainment, and recreation destination close to the City.
This community consultation is in relation to the first stage of the proposed development, with the remainder of the site to be delivered at a later stage.
The proponent’s vision for the precinct is for an accessible community space on the ground floor, with commercial accommodation on upper levels with both short and long-stay hotel accommodation. Associated amenities, such as a pool, gym, day spa and wellness space are also proposed, contributing to an integrated health and lifestyle style precinct.
The ground floor commercial spaces will be open to the community and complementary to the health and lifestyle facilities associated with the hotel. These will include:
- Performance spaces / conference facilities / galleries (weddings, receptions, plays, art shows, public speaking)
- Function space (conferences, events, weddings)
- Community workspaces
- Commercial space for retail uses that complements the health and wellness orientation of the development.
The proposed building terraces from 3 to 6 storeys, with associated 2 levels of basement car parking.
The proposal has been designed to maximise solar access to the commercial accommodation unit and promote cross ventilation where possible. The atrium will allow the escape of heat in the summer with plantings located to cool and capture the breeze to cool the atrium naturally. Where available roof spaces the provision of solar panels has been maximised to reduce the ongoing energy usage of the proposal. The use of native plantings will reduce the requirement for irrigation and water use.
A set down area is proposed along Elder Street to allow vehicles stop to set down passengers. A new shared zone is proposed along the northeastern boundary to connect through this site and the adjacent site from Elder to Farrer Street, along with a micro forest to connect the new shared zone to the existing pedestrian connection along the southwestern boundary and allow permeability to within the proposal.
Statutory Planning
The site is zoned CZ6 – Leisure and Accommodation under the Territory Plan. The proposed Commercial Accommodation 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:
a) Provide for the development of entertainment, accommodation and leisure facilities for residents of and visitors to the ACT and surrounding region
b) 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
c) Ensure leisure and accommodation facilities have convenient access to public transport
d) Protect the amenity of nearby residential areas, with regard to noise, traffic, parking and privacy
e) Ensure the location of facilities, and their design and landscaping is compatible with environmental values
f) Ensure that the bulk, scale, size, design and landscaping of development is compatible with the surrounding landscape
g) 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.
National Capital Design Review Panel Advice
As per the Pre-DA Community Consultation Guidelines, developments that are required to consult with the NCDRP must undertake this prior to Pre-DA community consultation.
The NCDRP comments must also be presented to the community during consultation. These comments will be uploaded once made available.
Opportunities for Community Input / Feedback
Purdon will be undertaking community consultation on behalf of the Proponent, commencing Monday 9 October until Monday 23 October 2023.
The project team will be holding two drop-in information sessions at the Ainslie Art Centre, 30 Elouera Street Braddon, as follows:
Session 1: Tuesday 17 October 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Session 2: Thursday 19 October 2:00pm – 4:00pm
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.