Proposed Tuggeranong expansion alarms Brindabella Residences buyers

A Canberra developer hopes the expansion of Tuggeranong west of the town centre does not impinge on a boutique residential project.

Crafted Developments director Matt James said his organisation supported land release in the region, but was surprised by the new suburb’s proposed border.

The company is behind Brindabella Residences, a townhouse and apartment development bordering the proposed new suburb and boasting uninterrupted views to a wetland area and the Brindabella mountain range.

ACT Planning Minister Mick Gentleman on Thursday announced plans to redevelop more than 80 hectares of space between Greenway and the Murrumbidgee River.

The suburb, likely to be named Thompson, could take up about 190 hectares, including close to 90 hectares of river corridor and nature reserve.

“I guess the surprising thing for us was that it was said, ‘this is going to be a new suburb’,” Mr James said.

“That image [of the new suburb] startled us more than anything and the purchasers within our development. It’s alarmed several of our buyers.”

Mr James said he was more concerned about worry among buyers than the overarching redevelopment, which must undergo several formal processes and investigations before being approved.

He believed it was unlikely new residential development would encroach on a natural wetland between the Brindabella Residences and the proposed new suburb.

“From Rowland Rees Crescent, which is the street our project is on, the land falls away quite sharply to what’s depicted … as a lake – it’s a natural wetland,” he said.

“So, it’s actually run-off for overland flow and for water. We don’t believe that area of land in front of our site is suitable for development.

“I’m sure the process will ensure an area suitable for redevelopment will be identified, which we think is a positive thing, and areas unsuitable for development will also be identified.

“I think we’ll be able to ensure our buyers are protected.”