Hill Thalis Architecture and Urban Projects has prepared a design framework for a new village at the intersection of John Gorton Drive and Fred Daly and Steve Irwin avenues in Canberra’s Molonglo Valley.
Prepared for the ACT government’s Suburban Land Agency, the Coombs and Wright village design and place framework lays out a vision for a “distinctive, mixed-use precinct that embodies the best of contemporary Canberra [and] builds on its memorable landscape setting.”
Mixed-use and commercial sites in the village will be released to developers through a two-stage expressions-of-interest and design-based tender process.
A new community activity centre will be built fronting Coombs central park and the corner of Fred Daly Avenue and Beecroft Street. The Suburban Land Agency will also deliver public domain improvements, including the transformation of Steve Irwin and Fred Daly avenues into a pedestrian-friendly main street and the enhancement of Coombs central park with a shade structure, toilets and a children’s play space.
Hill Thalis’s design framework calls for “a complementary mix of uses, activities and events,” with “an integrated, permeable network of well-designed public spaces” and “buildings and structures of high architectural quality and environmental performance.”
The new public square and laneway opening onto Steve Irwin Avenue.
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Hill Thalis Architecture and Urban Projects
The design framework establishes firm limits on apartment layout and design, in line with the NSW government’s Apartment Design Guide, and mandates a mix of commercial, retail and hospitality uses at ground.
Hill Thalis notes that the community expressed a strong preference for food and beverage, retail and recreational facilities along with outdoor dining, community gatherings and markets. The community was also keen on green and comfortable outdoor spaces and a community activity centre within the village centre.
“The ACT government has listened to the Molonglo Valley community and their desire to see more retail, hospitality and community-focused facilities in the area,” said Yvette Berry, minister for housing and suburban development. “The village framework will create a buzzing suburban core and will be accompanied by a significant investment in offsite works, delivered by the Suburban Land Agency.
“Works include reimagining Steve Irwin and Fred Daly Avenue as a village main street with multiple rows of shade trees, and a new public square which will become a community meeting and outdoor dining space.
“The works also include a small public pavilion, toilets and a performance space in the nearby Coombs Park which will be welcome additions to what is currently an underutilised space.”
Expressions of interest for the commercial blocks are open until 19 August.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
