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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
Lucinda Garbutt-Young

Approval granted for 380 homes in the Canberra Brickworks development

Work on the historic Canberra Brickworks has been given the green light, after a long-running history between the developer and government over the site.

Developer Doma submitted estate development plans for the Yarralumla site in October 2023, after being selected to work on the site more than five years prior.

These plans have now been formally approved.

The site will include 380 homes, across 40 single-dwelling blocks and eight multi-unit residential blocks.

These homes will be a mix of townhouses, standalone dwellings and apartments.

An artist's impression of outdoor spaces from earlier in the design process. Picture supplied

The brickworks have laid unused for almost 50 years since their closure in 1976.

Spanning 16 hectares, bricks for the construction of some of the ACT's most significant public buildings were produced here.

Most of the existing structures will be retained under the plans.

A render of the Brickworks development. Picture supplied

They will be used for offices, wellness facilities, including a gym and day spa, and food venues.

It is also expected some of the well-known red bricks will be used in the development.

Public green spaces, including parks, will be scattered throughout the precinct.

Landscaping plans for the development. Picture supplied

The ACT government selected Doma in 2017 to develop the site and eventually signed the deal in 2019.

But news from the government was scarce until now, aside from Doma receiving approval for a conversation management plan in 2021.

Doma managing director, Jure Domazet, said the developer was "ecstatic" about reaching a "significant milestone".

"Substantial approvals have followed years of intensive work that will now see us move to a development that truly honours an important piece of Canberra's history," he said.

Acting chief executive of the Suburban Land Agency, Fiona Wright, said Doma's plans for the site showed how urban renewal could "unlock the distinct history and character of a place" and increase housing supply in Canberra.

Most existing structures at the site will retained. Picture by Jamila Toderas

Work is expected to commence by the end of 2024.

Among the first homes to be built will be 22 three-bedroom townhouses, each with private garages for up to four cars.

In stage two, Doma will develop 138 apartments ranging in size up to four-bedroom types and 20 terrace homes.

The first stage of development is expected to be completed in 2026.

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