More townhouses are planned for Coombs. Photo: Graham Tidy Three Coombs super blocks that could house more than 200 residential and commercial dwellings will go under the hammer on February 22.
Colliers International general manger of land marketing, Shane Radnell says the release will be among the last sizeable development opportunities in the popular Molonglo Valley suburb.
“It’s only some seven years since land marketing began in Coombs and we’re now coming to the end of the big releases,” he says.
“Opportunities will become increasingly limited after these three.”
The sites are within walking distance of the recently launched Charles Weston Primary School and future local centre, childcare centre, medical facility and community hall.
Block 3, Section 2 is 8307 square metres and is located at the gateway to the Molonglo Valley on John Gorton Drive.
It is zoned RZ5 high density residential and can accommodate 55 to 88 dwellings.
Block 3 Section 41 sits on 8713 square metres with striking water views overlooking parkland and the Molonglo River corridor. It is zoned CZ5 for mixed use and can hold 45 to 103 dwellings
Block 4, Section 39 comprises 3583 square metres and is located next to a landscaped open space featuring the future community garden and is within walking distance of bus stops on John Gorton Drive.
It is zoned RZ5 high density residential with approval for 17 to 40 dwellings.
All three sites must contain 30 per cent affordable housing.
Radnell says the super blocks will appeal to developers and builders.
“We’ve had significant interest already, particularly from developers with previous experience in Coombs,” he says.
“They understand the needs and appreciate this may be the last of the big opportunities.”
The Colliers general manager says smaller builders were also expressing interest as they seek to increase their exposure to bigger projects.
“Many are now looking to expand from single dwelling builds into apartment and townhouse projects,” he says.
“The townhouse market is becoming an increasingly popular segment, not only with downsizers, but also with first homebuyers. Townhouses offer size and a quality lifestyle without the expensive land component.”
Coombs is just minutes from Stromlo Forest Park with easy travel times to the Parliamentary Triangle, Canberra CBD and the major employment hubs of Woden and Belconnen.
It is named after Herbert Cole “Nugget” Coombs (1906-1997), a prominent public servant, economist and the first Reserve Bank of Australia governor.
Molonglo Valley is also home to Wright and Denman Prospect. The fourth suburb will be Whitlam.
COOMBS
MULTI UNIT AND MIXED USE SITES
AGENTS: Shane Radnell, Josh Reid, Colliers International, 0434 077 684, 0432 423 699
AUCTION: Wednesday, February 22, 11am, Ainslie Football Club, 52 Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie
INSPECT: Contact agents
SEE MORE: goo.gl/ivRUZ9
WHO’S IN THE MARKET
The blocks are set to appeal to developers and builders, including those with experience in the area, as well as smaller builders looking for bigger projects.