Dear ACTPLA,

I write to fully support GEOCON’s proposed $700 million mixed-use urban precinct, Section 200 Belconnen.

Section 200 is an exciting project designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects and Oculus Landscape Architecture and Urban Design – two award-winning and internationally renowned design practices that have previously combined forces to deliver the iconic NewActon precinct in the city.

To be built in three stages, Section 200 will consist of the following:

• public viewing sky deck
• Melbourne-style laneways
• communal urban parks, including rooftop gardens
• public realm improvements and connections
• community infrastructure, including a public square and amphitheatre
• Soho terrace units
• vibrant restaurants and cafes
• retail and boutique commercial spaces
• bicycle stores/hubs and shared work spaces
• public car parking
• a 130-room hotel
• more than 1200 serviced and residential apartments.

The development is consistent with, and delivers on the Government’s objectives and policies set out in the Belconnen Town Centre Draft Master Plan. It also complies with height limits with no building taller than 27 stories.

Located opposite Lake Ginninderra, the development is well connected to surrounding open space and amenities with easy links to the lake’s edge, cycle and walking paths and public transport.

This will help drive significant economic growth to the region and activate key sections of the lake by better connecting the existing Town Centre with the commercial/office precinct, colleges and the University of Canberra.

Once complete, Section 200 will play a positive role within the community and the economy and will become a proud symbol of a growing, aspiring and dynamic capital city.