An artist’s impression of the Coggans Village buildings viewed from Elouera St. Images: SJB.
The historic Coggans bakery site in Braddon will be reborn as part of twin developments that will transform the area into a new residential and commercial precinct.
Proposed by Roland Development Group (RDG) and DISH Developments, the Coggans Village project spans the old bakery’s Mort Street site and the carwash site on the corner of Elouera and Lonsdale streets.
The historic Coggans building fronting Elouera St will be restored as part of a new 14-storey (with mezzanine) West Building, with 12 levels dedicated to 129 one (35), two (74) and three bedroom (15) apartments and six penthouses, as well as a residents’ lounge and communal workspaces.
The ground level will also host food and beverage outlets, an 848 sqm supermarket and small-scale commercial office spaces.
A 12-storey East Building will rise on the carwash site and include a boutique 191-room luxury hotel, a rooftop garden, and an additional 64 apartments.
Residents and hotel guests will share a wellness podium with pool and gym, while shops and hospitality outlets will, like its partner building, bring a new vibrance at street level.
A feature of the proposal is a softened streetscape with a new pocket park on the corner of Mort and Elouera Streets, capable of sustaining large trees.
This landscaped grove and a colonnade along Elouera Street will create a forecourt to accommodate pedestrian flow and informal gatherings.
The existing street trees will be retained, and additional trees will be planted on the north and west sides of the bakery building to reduce urban heat island effects and provide shade for the walls.
Dual laneways are a key feature of the proposal, promoting walkability and connection.
The development aims to promote pedestrian flow and connectivity by introducing two new laneways.
A north-south laneway will divide the two buildings, while a separate shared-use east-west laneway will provide a clear connection between Mort and Lonsdale Streets.
The Indesco traffic report says the proposed development is expected to generate 146 vehicle trips in the morning and 145 vehicle trips in the afternoon peaks.
It states the proposal is expected to have a minor impact on the surrounding road network, with only marginal delays, typically less than one second at most intersections.
Both buildings will sit on three levels of basement parking, providing 357 spaces (248 residential, 33 retail, 56 hotel, and 20 commercial) overall, four short of the requirements. The proponent says these can be found on the surrounding streets.
Basement access will be from Mort Street. Bicycle parking and end-of-trip facilities will also be provided.
SJB Architects partner Adam Haddow said the project was about stitching the old and the new together.
“The vision draws heavily on the materiality of Braddon’s heritage buildings and charm,” he said.
“The opportunity here is not just to restore an icon, but to enrich Braddon’s character as a creative and progressive suburb, through timeless and bold architecture that will energise Braddon’s heart and play a role in Canberra’s modern urban landscape.”
RDG director Chris Roland said the precinct reflected both the community’s history and aspirations.
“This represents a new chapter not just for these sites, but for Braddon as a whole,” he said.
“We’re creating a place that honours the area’s heritage while delivering the amenities and safe connections that Braddon needs.”
Dual development applications have now been lodged with the Territory Planning Authority, with community consultation opportunities to be announced.
A separate DA has been submitted and approved for the Coggans heritage site.
Comment on the West Building DA closes on 27 January.
