Denman Prospect will soon be home to a 410-unit development, complete with a rooftop garden and palm tree-lined swimming pools, if plans by Canberra developer Core Developments are approved.
The development has largely been welcomed by the Molonglo Valley Community Forum, however a representative for the local residents group expressed concerns with the precinct's tropical-inspired design.
The proposed Boulevard, or BLVD, development will comprise three separate buildings up to seven storeys each, on the corner of John Gorton Drive and Holborow Avenue.
According to the development application documents, the total cost of works is estimated to be upwards of $51 million.
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Core Developments director Ryan Cappello said the precinct, designed by Canberra architecture firm Judd Studio, would feel like a "luxury holiday" destination.
"It consists of the affordable option with one-bedroom lofts with five-and-a-half-metre glazing window frontage that wraps all three buildings, with big light-filled voids in between each level and it caters all the way through to the three-bedroom penthouse with rooftop terraces and landscaped areas," he said.
One-bedroom apartments are estimated to start from $335,000, while two-bedroom apartments are expected to be priced at $450,000 and above.
Mr Cappello said the buildings will be well spaced to allow for public access and green areas, while community amenities will include car charging stations, a bike workshop, co-working spaces and a private dining room for hire.
"We're currently looking at all the common areas being powered by solar," he said.
Ryan Hemsley, interim spokesperson for the Molonglo Valley Community Forum, said the proposal included a good use of green spaces but questioned whether the tropical style was the right fit for the area.
"I'm pleased to see that this development does have a significant portion of on-site communal green space, certainly higher than a lot of the other developments we've seen in other parts of the Molonglo Valley to date," he said.
"I'm less convinced by the Miami Vice-inspired landscaping with its heavy emphasis on palm trees and pink flamingos. But ultimately, there is nothing in the territory plan that will stop them from taking that approach."
Overall, Mr Hemsley welcomed the Boulevard proposal.
"I think given the rapid speed with which these developments come through, it's hard to gauge community sentiment," he said.
"I think the thing that people are most concerned about is, is it consistent with the territory plan? Is it consistent with the lease conditions for the site?"
"I'm pleased to see that this development is consistent with the maximum dwelling units outlined in the lease conditions for the site."
The development will also include a portion of affordable housing dwellings in accordance with the Suburban Land Agency guidelines.
Public comments on the proposed development close on November 19, 2021.
