Suburbs with Demonstration Housing proposed

Demonstration Housing projects have been proposed in several established suburbs across Canberra including:

  • Ainslie
  • Griffith
  • Lyneham
  • Forrest
  • Weston
  • O'Connor

Suitable sites for Demonstration Housing 'without a site' proposals have been identified in the following Canberra suburbs:

  • Block 29 (formerly Block 14) Section 41, Lyneham
  • Part of Section 76 Watson

Please refer to Projects with a site and Projects without a site pages for more information.

Testing different housing typologies on RZ1 sites in established suburbs

In 2018, the ACT Government set the direction of having 70% of new housing within our existing urban footprint. To achieve this, more homes need to be built in our existing residential areas. The Demonstration Housing Project provides an opportunity to test innovative ways of achieving this.

During the Housing Choices and Planning Strategy Refresh community engagements, we heard that people want more housing options to age in place. Delivering Demonstration Housing in RZ1 areas within established suburbs will support Canberrans to downsize and remain in their local neighbourhood. The evaluation and the National Capital Design Review Panel processes ensures each project respond to the existing character of the area in which they are built.

Who will live in the built homes?

It is anticipated that a diverse range of people will live in the homes as each project offers a different housing type to suit the diverse needs of Canberrans. This may include:

  • downsizers
  • people wanting to age in place
  • people with a disability
  • community housing tenants
  • long-term renters
  • families
  • individuals
Timeframe to complete Demonstration Housing projects

The time to complete each Demonstration Housing project varies. Before construction begins, each proposal must achieve an approved Development Application (DA). Some proposals may also require changes to the Territory Plan, which can take up to 24 months.

Things that impact timing include:

  • other things happening in the construction industry
  • the proponent’s resources (such as time, funding and staffing)
  • statutory and non-statutory timeframes for design, review, consultation, approval and construction

All proponents with a site have completed Stage 2 Request For Proposal process. The final proponent without a site will have their tender reviewed in the 2025-26 financial year.

The first Demonstration Housing Project, Stellulata, was completed in March 2025.

Community involvement in the Demonstration Housing Project

Community input is central to the Demonstration Housing Project. Before the project began, consultations were had through:

City and Environment Directorate (CED) also contacted all community councils and gave presentations in areas where projects are planned. More presentations will be held by the proponents as projects move into the community engagement stage.

Each proponent must consult with the community before submitting a Development Application. This may include:

  • drop-in sessions
  • letter box drops
  • door knocking
  • presentations to community councils

All proponents with a site have completed this consultation. Proponents without a site are expected to begin in late 2025 or early 2026.

Future opportunities for community involvement include:

  • consultation period on planning changes
  • public notification of Development Applications
  • post-construction feedback, where the community will be invited to selected built projects
Proponent’s responsibilities

Proponents have varying levels of experience with ACT’s planning system. The Demonstration Housing Team within the City and Environment Directorate (CED) supports them from the initial Expression of Interest (EOI) through to construction. Support may include financial and planning guidance.

Proponents are responsible for:

  • submitting EOI, Tender and Development Application documents with the help from experts (such as architect and planners)
  • hiring a qualified builder
  • working with financial advisors to assess project feasibility
  • securing funding and applying for grants, especially when partnering with community housing providers
  • liaising with relevant authorities (such as ACT Revenue’s Office and CED)
  • Covering all project costs, including design, approval, construction, lease variations and unit titling fees, where applicable.

Proponent without a site must purchase Territory land at market value.

Contact us

Demonstration Housing Project Team

Email: DemonstrationHousing@act.gov.au