Canberra developer Morris Property Group has submitted a development application for a 76-apartment complex in Griffith, almost triple the number of units from its original plans.
Plans released in May showed the development, dubbed Walter and Whitley, would comprise 27 units in one building on 52 Leichhardt Street.
Since then, the group has acquired adjoining blocks at 54 and 56 Leichhardt Street, allowing a revised design of 76 apartments across two buildings.
MORE PROPERTY NEWS:
- 'Still undervalued': Why the regional pub boom might just be getting started
- Experts predict when Canberra property prices are tipped to fall
- Inside the ski lodge-inspired Griffith home on the market for more than $3.5m
Located near Kingston Oval, the complex will comprise one-, two- and three-bedroom units, with prices expected to start from $580,000.
Morris Property Group director Barry Morris said the larger development would help to meet local demand for apartments.
"The project's design is lifestyle-driven and intended to attract singles, young professionals and downsizers seeking to reside in one of Canberra's most sought-after locations," he said in a statement.
Mr Morris said the revised design included "generous setbacks from all boundaries and between the buildings in response to community feedback from the initial proposal".
Several members of a local residents Facebook group recently raised concerns about the ownership of one of the blocks, which is currently listed under the Commissioner for Social Housing.
Morris Property Group confirmed it had bought the block of land, entering into a contract for sale with the commissioner in January. The sale is due to settle on December 23.
Subject to approvals, Morris Property Group intends to commence construction in the second quarter of 2022, for completion in early 2024.
The development application states the cost of works is estimated to total approximately $24.6 million.
Morris Property Group is also developing a $300 million, 414-unit residential precinct on the former site of the Stuart Flats public housing complex in Manuka.
The first stage of Renaissance includes 93 apartments and will welcome its first residents in the coming weeks, while stage two is expected to settle in mid-2022.
Stage three, a build-to-rent complex with 282 apartments across five buildings, is expected to be complete in mid-2023.
Public representations for the Leichhardt Street development are open until December 10.
