Urban infill sites in Campbell and Higgins offer world of development opportunity

Demand for urban infill sites is drawing strong interest from developers with options in Campbell and Higgins heading for auction on Thursday.

A 1270-square-metre block at 2 Blamey Crescent in Campbell could be developed to suit a variety of purposes according to LJ Hooker Commercial principal Mark Thompson.

“It could be a mixture of residential and retail or, perhaps, a row of terrace-style townhouses,” Thompson says.

“Zoning permits residential, community, non-retail commercial, a shop, restaurant or a veterinary hospital.

“Interest on this block has been extremely high and I believe it will be very competitive on auction day.”

The LJ Hooker Commercial boss points to Campbell’s demographic profile and the proximity of the block to existing shops, including an IGA, that make it a compelling proposition as far as any developer is concerned.

“There’s so much going on in Campbell and so much going for the suburb,” he says.

“Its population ranks highly as a socio-economic demographic; it’s close to employment hubs like the city, many government offices and the Parliamentary Triangle – and Campbell 5 is being built right on its doorstep.

“A new development on 2 Blamey Crescent will be a winner, no doubt.”

Further north, a 1713-square-metre block at 42 Fullager Crescent, Higgins, will go under the hammer at the same auction, which will be held at the Campbell site for both properties.

Thompson says the northern block has similar flexibility on development.

“It’s in a great location, close to the local shopping centre and between the Belconnen Town Centre and the Kippax Group Centre,” he says.

“Zoning allows for either multi-unit housing of up to 13 dwellings or for child care or a health facility.”

Thompson believes the site lends itself to a townhouse or terrace-style housing rather than a unit development.

“This is a great opportunity to capitalise on a resurgence of interest in Higgins,” he says.

Childcare could well be a favoured option for the site as the sector continues to be one of Canberra’s strongest with demand driving development not only in new suburbs, but in established ones where existing facilities may no longer serve contemporary needs.

Earlier this year, a tenanted Casey childcare centre sold for more than $6 million, while a 1943-square-metre Rivett childcare site sold for $1,450,000 on the same day.

2 Blamey Crescent, Campbell/ 42 Fullager Crescent, Higgins

Agents: Mark Thompson and Greg Lyons, LJ Hooker Commercial, 0438 624 042 or 0406 995 383. Auction: Both properties auctioned on Thursday, December 15, 11am at 2 Blamey Crescent, Campbell. Inspect: By appointment

Who’s in the market: Zoning permits residential and community opportunities in Campbell and Higgins.