More units, retail for Governor Place as Barton development nears completion

Construction has begun on the final stage of Barton’s Governor Place with more retail space on the cards.

The 171-apartment development is due to be completed in late 2017, the same time an additional 300 square metres of retail space is expected to become available for lease.

It comes as Barton Grocer, the suburb’s sole supermarket, opens in the Governor Place precinct this week.

It joins a number of existing eateries and businesses including Little Bird cafe, Vincent restaurant and wine bar, Yogi’s Kitchen, Genki Sushi, Subway and Barton Flower Bar as part of stage two of the project, which has also bought an extra 643 parking spaces to the area.

Residents have already moved into the precinct’s first 136 residential apartments, which were constructed in the project’s first phase and have sold out.

Governor Place is being developed by Doma Group and Morris Property Group.

Doma Group general manager of development Gavin Edgar said all retail space below the second stage car park was leased before construction was finished.

“Tenants including the supermarket have now completed their fitouts and opening their doors to trade,” he said.

“An additional 300 square meters of retail space will become available at completion of the final residential stage expected to be late 2017.”

Governor Place is being developed on the former car parks wedged between Blackall, Macquarie and Broughton streets and was approved by the National Capital Authority in 2013.

Mr Edgar said there was demand but limited opportunities to live in the Parliamentary Triangle.

“A significant number of people work in the Parliamentary Triangle,” he said.

“People living in Governor Place can simply step outside to enjoy a coffee, a meal with friends, to buy their groceries, walk around Lake Burley Griffin or even go to work.”

The development’s remaining 171 apartments are being marketed through Colliers International.

Colliers Residential Project Marketing director Derek Whitcombe said one, two and three-bedroom units were available for purchase off-the-plan.

“The most significant motivator for people purchasing at Governor Place has overwhelmingly been the special location next to Parliament House and the many other icons of national significance,” he said.

“Buyers are also attracted to the diverse retail amenities now on offer within the precinct, bringing convenience and entertainment right to their doorstep.”