There are big plans for the land around the Hume Place roundabout in the inner south. Photo: ACT Government.
Areas around the Hume Place roundabout in the inner south could be rezoned to allow residential apartment buildings up to 15 storeys high, under a proposal from the National Capital Authority that would enable the development of the unrealised eastern gateway to Canberra.
The NCA has issued a draft Amendment to the National Capital Plan designed to fulfil the original intent of the Griffin Plan for a radial street design and enable the renewal of a Hume Circle Precinct, converting an area of light industry to a mix of residential and commercial uses.
The Hume Circle Precinct is at the junction of Canberra, Sturt and Wentworth avenues, with the outer boundaries of the circle formed by McMillan Crescent, extending to the southern boundary of Mildura Street and the western boundary of Dalby Street.
As well as light industry, a hotel and St Clare’s College border the roundabout.
DA102, developed with the ACT Government, will identify the land as ”designated land”, which will change the current zoning under the ACT Territory Plan, Commercial Zone 2 (CZ2) and Industrial Zone 2 (IZ2), to the proposed land use.
But the precinct will remain Territory land.
The proposed renewal of the precinct into a “high-quality urban node” and gateway to Canberra will mesh with the ACT Government’s plans for redevelopment of East Lake, and support its housing targets.
The NCA says the experience of Hume Circle as Canberra’s eastern arrival has not been achieved, with land largely developed for low-scale industrial uses.
But as these facilities age and with development proposals already being flagged, there is an opportunity to reimagine Hume Circle and the adjacent land, it says.
“Consequently, it is timely and an opportunity to seek good planning outcomes and address national urban objectives, by planning for this area as a precinct,” the NCA says.
A key part is to complete the circle envisaged by the Griffins, by extending McMillan Crescent, and reinstating axial streets and a visual connection along the Causeway axis.
The proposal contemplates much higher density than the current levels. Building heights up to a strict maximum of RL617 (15 storeys) are to be allowed on land surrounding the completed Hume Circle (McMillan Crescent extension).
The inner circle directly surrounding the Canberra, Wentworth Sturt avenues intersection will be able to support eight storeys as part of its gateway character, while 12 storeys to Dalby Street are to be permitted.
The 12- and eight-storey buildings can be taller to accommodate rooftop plant and equipment, but no habitable room is permitted above the maximum prescribed height limits.
Heights in the heritage areas near the former dairy site would remain the same.
The proposal envisages the completed Circle being publicly accessible through a pedestrian connection from Canberra Avenue through to Mildura Street.
“This amendment aligns with the Griffins’ original vision for Canberra, which envisaged Hume Circle as a major gateway and activity hub linking the city through scenic approach routes,” the NCA says.
“The renewal responds to national housing supply targets and ACT Government strategies for urban intensification in well-located areas close to transport and services.”
The draft amendment is out for consultation until 3 February, after which the feedback will be considered, and a Consultation Report prepared.
The next steps will include finalising the draft amendment and making a recommendation to the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain, to approve it.
