Tall & Urban News

Canberra Gives Green Light to New Tallest Building

20 March 2018 | Canberra, Australia

Geocon’s AU$1 billion (US$770 million) mixed-use precinct in Belconnen, Canberra, has been given the green light by the state government.

Set to become Canberra’s largest-ever development, the project includes three towers, with the tallest reaching 32 stories.

To be delivered over three stages, the project, known as Republic, will comprise 1,213 residential apartments and terrace houses, a hotel precinct, an amphitheater and Melbourne-style laneway retail.

Geocon acquired the 16,314-square-meter block of land in mid-2015 for AU$22.1 million (US$17 million).

Architecture firm Fender Katsalidis will design the development. The firm is best known for Hobart’s MONA, Melbourne’s Eureka Tower and Canberra’s NewActon cultural precinct.

Geocon managing director Nick Georgalis said the 113-meter tower will look completely different to anything else in Canberra, with a 100-percent glazed façade.

“We’re delighted that the ACT Government shares our vision on this project, and of the scope for exciting, well-planned development in town centers,” Georgalis said.

“No one can accuse Canberra of being boring or stuck in the past with this type of project going ahead.”

Located on the corner of Cameron Avenue, Eastern Valley Way and Emu Bank in Belconnen, construction on the tower will begin immediately.

Stage One has 70 percent sold out and expressions of interest for stage two are invited come April.

For more on the story, go to The Urban Developer.