Select the applicable stream
The Demonstration Housing Project (the Project) has 2 streams:
- With a site – proponents who have a housing concept and a site.
- Without a site – proponents who have a housing concept and do not have a site.
Suitable ACT Government owned land appropriate for all 'without a site' proposals has been identified. Successful proponents will buy these sites at market value through a restricted class tender or direct sale process.
The application process
- Stage 1: Expression of Interest
- Evaluation: Successful Stage 1 projects announced and invited to Stage 2
- Stage 2: Request for Proposal (with sites) and Request for Tender (without sites)
- Evaluation: Successful Stage 2 projects announced and invited to take part in the Project
Stage 1 - Expression of Interest
An Expression of Interest (EOI) opened in April 2018 and closed May 2018.
The EOI assessed the market interest, capability and experience of suitably qualified and experienced applicants to provide proposals for Demonstration Housing Projects. Proposals must meet some or all of the project objectives specified by the Legislative Assembly. Applicants included:
- architects, building designers and planning professionals
- builders and developers
- community and social housing providers
- community organisations (e.g. co-housing groups)
- individuals
The EOI process received 27 proposals, each of these proposals were evaluated using the below criteria. Subsequently, 10 'with a site' and 7 'without a site' progressed to the next stage of the process.
The proposal must achieve one or more of the objectives outlined by the Legislative Assembly Resolution:
- excellence in design quality
- carbon neutral buildings
- medium density infill
- innovative planning and engagement approaches
- innovative housing products and typologies
- close partnership with industry bodies and
- options for public and affordable housing
The proposal must include:
- site block and section numbers;
- a sketch plan of the proposed development;
- indicative development program (community consultation, development statutory approvals and milestones for development on site) at a minimum;
- tenure type; and
- outline of current planning rules which do not permit the concept design in residential zones.
The proponent must demonstrate the ability to:
- finance the planning/design and construction of the development on the site; and
- either provide details of the existing governance framework, or a planned governance framework to oversee planning, construction, and post construction (if required).
The proponent must demonstrate evidence outlining:
- relevant experience; and
- capability of the project team and design team in delivering demonstration or innovative projects.
Stage 2 – Request for Proposal/Tender
Successful proposals from Stage 1 EOI process were invited to submit a Request for Proposal/Tender (RFP/RFT).
- With sites: The Stage 2 Request for Proposal (RFP) opened in September 2018 and closed January 2019. The RFP asked for further detail and refinement of the proponent’s concept and plans, including a landscape plan and solar plan.
- Without sites: The Stage 2 Request for Tender process commenced in early 2020.
Proposals were further evaluated using the below criteria .
- Is this product delivered elsewhere in the Territory?
- Does it meet a demand?
- What is innovative about the concept in relation to:
- excellence in design quality
- carbon neutral buildings
- medium density infill
- innovative planning and engagement approaches
- innovative housing products and typologies
- close partnership with industry bodies
- options for public and Affordable Housing
Different weightings were determined by the Collaboration Hub to reflect the community’s relative value of each of the objectives above.
Demonstration Housing Projects are required to achieve excellence in design and as such the proposal will be assessed for design quality. Preliminary Sketch Plans (PSPs) of the proposed development are to be provided.
- Context and neighbourhood character
- Built form and scale
- Density
- Sustainability
- Landscape
- Amenity
- Safety
- Housing diversity and social interaction
- Aesthetics
In addition, proponents should also address how their Proposals address the 'Protection of the Garden City' principles and Universal Design Principles.
The proponent must detail how they intend to ensure the build quality of all the works undertaken for the Project. These details may include but are not limited to matters such as:
- systems of work
- skills and training of personnel and subcontractors
- supervision
- certification
- quality accreditation
- continuity of consultants through design and documentation
- use of 'hold points'
- post construction tests and performance testing
- approach to identification and rectification of defects during and following construction
- the length of proposed defect liability periods and
- organisational and contractual arrangements that support the ability for purchasers / residents to enforce a Proponent’s obligations regarding building quality and rectification of defects.
The proponent must provide a community engagement plan. The evaluation team will review and consider the suitability of the plan having regard to the nature of the proposal.
The process for successful projects
- Proponents to present their project to the National Capital Design Review Panel
- Proponents to undertake community engagement
- Development Application and site specific Territory Plan Variation lodged and assessed in accordance with statutory processes
- Delivery of Demonstration Housing Projects
National Capital Design Review Panel and Community Engagement
Successful proponents must present at the National Capital Design Review Panel (NCDRP). The proponents must respond to recommendations provided by the NCDRP to ensure best outcomes for Canberra. Community engagement must also be undertaken before lodgement of development application.
Changes to the Territory Plan
As the Demonstration Housing Project seeks to deliver housing typologies not currently available in Canberra, proponents may be required to seek an amendment to the Territory Plan prior to seeking development approval.
Changes to the Territory Plan to date have included, but are not limited to:
- a reduction in car parking requirements
- increased number of dwellings currently permissible under the land use zone and
- setback reductions.
Demonstration Housing Projects must go through the regular Development Application (DA) or Major Plan Amendment (MPA under the Territory Plan 2023) statutory process and assessment, if relevant to their proposal. MPAs were formerly known as Territory Plan Variations under the Territory Plan 2008. These processes include mandatory public and agency consultation requirements to identify and address any concerns or issues that may arise. After the MPA is approved by the Minister for Planning, it is required to be presented to the Legislative Assembly for consideration. If the MPA is not rejected by the Legislative Assembly, it commences on a day fixed by the Minister.
As of November 2023, the Territory Plan included changes to support the development assessment and future construction of all Six (6) Demonstration Housing projects in the ‘With Site’ stream. Site specific planning provisions are identified in the relevant District Policies and District Technical specifications that form part of the Territory Plan.
Demonstration Housing Project Register
This register identifies successful Demonstration Housing Project Lessee(s) (proponent) who can develop their site/s under an approved Territory Plan Variation/Major Plan Amendment. Development applications must be approved for projects to be included on the register.
| Variation number | Variation reference | Site | Demonstration Housing Project Lessee |
|---|---|---|---|
| V376 | Co-housing | Ainslie, Block 6 Section 25 | Stellulata Pty Ltd |
Construction and Post-occupancy Evaluation Process
Demonstration Housing proposals that have completed the application process can progress to construction. Once constructed, each project will become functional dwellings for community members across Canberra. An 'open house' session is planned for selected projects. This will allow the public to see the final product and provide feedback.
A plan to evaluate the individual projects as well as the Demonstration Housing Project is currently being developed. Each project will be evaluated against a set of criteria including the sustainability of the building and the degree to which it supports different ways of living.
Lessons learnt from the Demonstration Housing Project will inform future government policy and Territory Plan changes. The Project compliments other work including the Better Building Quality reforms and ACT Planning System Review and Reform Project (now complete) . Any planning changes would be considered in conjunction with our commitment to better planning and building to deliver a compact, efficient, and sustainable Canberra.
Future rounds of Demonstration Housing
The initial EOI for the Demonstration Housing Project closed in May 2018. There are no plans for another round of Demonstration Housing Projects at this stage.
