Wandering down to Kingston Foreshore over the Easter break and it was clear that not everyone had left town for the four-day break.

As the final pieces of the puzzle slowly come together, the city’s premier waterfront precinct is close to realising the potential that was announced almost 20 years ago.

 

 

One missing element is the undeveloped space between Eastlake Parade and the Old Bus Depot Markets – a site in excess of 40,000 sqm.

The Land Development Agency is certainly excited, glowingly describing the The precinct already features the Megalo Arts Centre, The Glassworks and the Fitter’s Workshop building.

Once in a lifetime an opportunity arises to create a significant legacy – one that will inspire, move and influence people for generations to come. That opportunity is the Kingston Arts Precinct at Kingston Foreshore, Canberra’s premium waterfront destination.

As part of this process, the dirty, pot-holed car park will likely be the last parcel of land to go under the hammer.

 

 

Interestingly, the ACT Government is not even throwing it to the open market – rather the job will be awarded as a result of Request-for-Proposal process where potential developers put forward their ideas for consideration.

Today, Chief Minister, Andrew Barr announced three potential developers for the Kingston Arts Precinct. Geocon, Doma and Englobo in the mix to be awarded rights for the project.

The pressure will be on the ACT Government to ensure the development is in keeping with the historic feel of the legacy buildings. To date, Kingston Foreshore has been criticised for lacking a cohesive feel and polish at street level.  

With the timelines posted on the Land Development Agency’s website already slipping, we can expect the announcement of the successful proponent around the middle of the year.