consultation is now closed
Gungahlin Golf Investments would like to thank the community for the feedback and insights provided during this consultation process.
Pre-DA consultation on this proposed development on Curran Drive, Nicholls, ran from 29 June 2023 to 9 August 2023. If you would like more information about the project, reach out by emailing feedback@communicationlink.com.au.
We have now lodged our Development Applications for this project. For further information or to provide feedback on the proposed DAs visit the ACTPLA website
https://www.planning.act.gov.au/applications-and-assessments/development-applications/browse-das
Have your say
on a proposed development on Curran Drive, Nicholls
Gungahlin Golf Investments is proposing to create a new commercial accommodation/build-to-rent area on a currently underused portion of the Gold Creek Country Club golf course.
This development does not impact the operations of the existing 18-hole championship golf course. The proposal takes an underutilised area of the course, and provides a revenue stream that can be reinvested into the operation of the golf course, and creation of additional amenity for the community.
The proposed development will provide a variety of high-quality commercial accommodation options, and seeks to respond to the current shortage of rental accommodation in Canberra. Currently there are limited apartments within Nicholls, and the proposed development creates approximately 700 quality dwellings, located amongst maintained mature trees, with access to communal facilities. It also provides alternative accommodation, enabling downsizers to remain in the suburb.
Build-to-rent properties are designed and constructed for rental purposes, offering additional amenities and community facilities. This build-to-rent development complies with existing zoning requirements and has been located and designed in a manner to minimise impacts on existing homes in Nicholls.
Proposed inclusions
The proposed development creates approximately 700 dwellings and construction is anticipated to be staged over approximately 10 years.
The proposed development includes a variety of commercial accommodation types to support increased choice. Attached accommodation and apartments will include up to four bedrooms, would be available at a variety of price points, with a mix of affordable and premium offerings available.
The proposed design includes:
- Terrace style town houses
- Multi-story buildings
- Ancillary uses such as shops and communal amenities such as barbecues and play areas
- A new access road from the existing roundabout on Curran Drive
- Adaptable as well as fully accessible commercial accommodation ranging from 2 to 4 bedrooms
Roadworks and services
Construction currently planned
to commence 2024
Precinct 1
Attached accommodation development
2-3 storeys
Construction anticipated to commence 2026 if approved
Precinct 2
Multistorey build-to-rent with ground floor ancillary and multi purpose spaces
3-4 storeys
Construction anticipated to commence 2028 if approved
Precinct 3
Multistorey build-to-rent with ground floor ancillary and multi purpose spaces
4 storeys
Construction anticipated to commence 2027 if approved
Precinct 4
Multistorey build-to-rent with ground floor ancillary and multi purpose spaces
4 storeys
Construction anticipated to commence 2029 if approved
Precinct 5
Communal amenity zone
4 storeys
Construction anticipated to commence 2030 if approved
Precinct 6
Multistorey build-to-rent with ground floor ancillary and multi purpose spaces
4 storeys
Construction anticipated to commence 2031 if approved
Precinct 7
Multistorey build-to-rent with ground floor ancillary and multi purpose spaces
4 storeys
Construction anticipated to commence 2031 if approved
Design informed by community feedback
In 2018 we asked the community what they would like to be considered when developing long-term plans for the Gold Creek Country Club. The community was concerned about loss of amenity provided by the golf course, particularly where it is directly connected with existing properties. During this consultation we also heard that the community valued:
- Maintaining greenery, views, and the 18-hole championship golf course
- Quality development in line with the surrounding suburbs
- Existing and additional amenity
- Development being undertaken within the existing Territory Plan rules
These values have been reflected in the proposed designs, and we are now seeking your further feedback prior to lodgement of a development application.
Where possible, we’re maintaining established trees, and increasing plantings.
We’ve carefully considered building elevation to ensure nearby properties maintain views of the Brindabella and Black Mountain.
We’re including wide, generous footpaths for active travel and creating new links for movement through the site
Undertaking the development will provide funding to support golf course and club house maintenance and upgrades
Undertaking the development will provide funding to support golf course and club house maintenance and upgrades
Ancillary uses including shop fronts, parks, and communal green spaces have been included for increased amenity
The proposed development provides increased accommodation options to combat accommodation shortages
We’re proposing quality finishes using a neutral and natural colour scheme.
Creating approximately 2.5Ha of mature parkland and activity space for the use of Nicholls residents.
Development inclusions
- Cafes and bars
- Co-working spaces
- Designated workshop areas for artists and other activities
- Cinema rooms
- Communal dining spaces
- Parks and natural play areas
- Shared power
Access and travel
The proposed development has been designed to consider vehicle and active travel.
A primary access location is proposed to connect to the existing roundabout on Curran Drive, with slip lanes added for improved access and egress.
Pedestrian flow has been considered with footpaths designed to connect with existing paths.
Maintaining views
When designing the proposed development, the elevation of the proposed buildings and nearby residences has been carefully considered to ensure nearby properties maintain views of the Brindabella Mountain Range and Black Mountain.
How to provide feedback
Consultation on this proposed development on Curran Drive, Nicholls, has been extended to Wednesday 9 August 2023. If you have missed out on attending a drop-in session and wish to talk to us further please reach out by emailing feedback@communicationlink.com.au.
A flyer summarising project information can be found HERE.
Attend the online drop-in session
Log-in at a time that suits you during the online drop-in session.
Tuesday 18 July between 5pm and 7pm
Attend our display stand
Visit us at the Gold Creek Country Club to ask questions and provide feedback.
Thursday 20 July, between 11am and 2pm
Saturday 22 July between 9.30am and 12.30pm
Send us an email
Provide your feedback by emailing feedback@communicationlink.com.au
Gold Creek Country Club plans for the future
The proposed development will enable our commitment to investing in assets and infrastructure for the community, and improvements to the golf course, creating an attractive and welcoming space for the community to enjoy.
This development takes an underutilised area of the course , that is currently a burden on the operational costs of the course, and provides a revenue stream that can be reinvested into the operation of the golf course.
This proposed development will fund improvements to the golf course and club house facilities including:
- Addition of an activity centre
- Additional tree plantings and landscaping
- Bunker upgrades
- Driving range upgrades
- Drainage upgrades
- and potential construction of a hotel.
Planning has been informed by a golf course consultant to help us reduce maintenance requirements while improving course quality and user experience.
A Development Application for a proposed new activity centre will be lodged shortly and then available for public comment as part of the planning approval process.
As we progress with planning, further opportunities for community engagement where appropriate will be provided so you can share your feedback on proposals.
Questions and answers
In anticipation of the overall traffic requirements of the development, a southern connection is proposed to the roundabout of Curran Drive and McClelland Avenue with a dedicated left turn out lane and a shared through and right turn lane to ensure an appropriate level of service is maintained at the roundabout with negligible affect on the traffic on Curran Drive and connecting roads.
To facilitate management of the proposed development, Gungahlin Golf Investments is seeking the separation of the existing lease into two leases, and has proposed a change to the location of the development area, to move it further away from existing residential properties in line with community feedback. These changes are being sought as part of this Development Application. The two proposed new lease areas can be found on this image:
While the feedback from the community from our last consultation was generally opposed to development on the course, this is not financially viable and is at odds with the ACT Government’s active encouragement for more dense urban development.
This development seeks to balance the wishes of the community to not build on the existing golf holes, while also diversifying the infrastructure on the site to increase its commercial viability.
This proposed development aligns with what the community told us they valued during consultation including:
- Developing within the existing territory plan restrictions
- Maintaining an 18-hole championship golf course
- Creating a quality development
- Minimising the impact on existing resident views
- Maintaining green spaces, and
- Increasing amenity
Parking has been designed to be confined to the precinct only. This is via a mix of on street and basement visitor parking, and resident parking. No parking is proposed on Curran Drive.
Assessment of the current traffic conditions identified some possible issues at the intersection of the Barton Highway and Curran Drive. The traffic engineers have been in contact with TCCS to discuss this intersection and will incorporate outcomes of the discussions with TCCS in the DA traffic report.
With respect to managing traffic into and out of the proposed development, an additional left turn lane will be required at the exit of the development at Curran Drive. Timing of the works to this roundabout will be dependent on the staging of the development but would not be required until the development is over 50% complete.
All traffic management is catered for within the site including resident parking, visitor parking, operational vehicle parking, vehicle queuing and traffic calming devices.
Details of the Crown Lease are provided below:
The Crown lease for Block 14 Section 86 Nicholls permits commercial accommodation use limited to guest house, hotel and motel. The lease provides the following relevant definitions:
commercial accommodation use means commercial accommodation unit, guest house, hotel, motel, serviced apartment, and tourist resort, but does not include a caravan park/camping ground or a group or organised camp.
guest house means the use of land for one or more commercial accommodation units and where common or shared facilities are provided for the provision of services such as meals and laundry to occupants of the premises but not to non occupant members of the public.
hotel means the use of land for one or more commercial accommodation units and where the premise is licensed under the Liquor Act 2010. It may also include associated facilities such as a restaurant, bar or functions room, which may be used by the occupants of the premises but, which are also available for use by non occupant members of the public.
motel means the use of land for one or more commercial accommodation units and where the units are provided with convenient space for parking of motor vehicles. It may also include associated facilities such as a restaurant, bar or functions room, which may be used by the occupants of the premises but, which are also available for use by non occupant members of the public. A motel may be licensed under the Liquor Act 2010.
commercial accommodation unit means a room or suite of rooms that is made available on a commercial basis for short term accommodation. A commercial accommodation unit may comprise a dwelling but not a room or suite of rooms within a dwelling. It does not include any associated facility such as a restaurant, bar or functions room, which may be used by the occupants of the premises but, which is also available for use by non-occupant members of the public.
The proposed development comprises commercial accommodation units with convenient car parking provided in the curtilage.
A separate Development Application (DA202342200) has been submitted for two new buildings on this site to accommodate Indoor Recreation Facilities and ancillary functions including an additional 114 car parks.
The proposed development is for rental accommodation, not a motel as is traditionally described in Australia. We have used the term build-to-rent to describe the fact that instead of being built with the aim of selling to a buyer, or buyers, the plan is to keep these dwellings as rental accommodation owned and managed by Gungahlin Golf Investments.
The development of a precinct of rental accommodation does not fit neatly into the lease and use definitions in the Territory Plan, and the ACT Planning rules do not currently have a clear definition of build-to-rent offered in this nature. Gungahlin Golf Investments will propose to the ACT Planning Authority as part of the Development Application that this type of development is best characterised under the definition of motel which is a permittable use within the current Crown Lease for Block 14 Section 86 Nicholls.
A motel is defined as "the use of land for one or more commercial accommodation units and where the units are provided with convenient space for parking of motor vehicles. It may also include associated facilities such as a restaurant, bar or functions room, which may be used by the occupants of the premises but, which are also available for use by non occupant members of the public. A motel may be licensed under the Liquor Act 2010." *
Figure 1: Masterplan Building Layout and Stages
Figure 4: Landscaping Masterplan showing large number of trees and open spaces proposed