Plans have been prepared to extend Equinox on the former Canberra West Bowling Club site on Kent Street, currently a Wilson car park. The building will be the first in a new office precinct north of the existing four-building Equinox, with the plans showing a further three potential buildings.
Initial plans released for community consultation ahead of a development application are for a four-storey building with basement parking for 232 vehicles. The proposed 9040 square metre Building 5 development at Equinox 2 includes offices, medical suites, food and beverage outlets, co-working offices, and retail.
DRA is concerned about the additional traffic in Kent St that Equinox 2 and subsequent buildings will generate. Congestion in Kent Street, and in Deakin generally, is already a serious issue.
DRA has for years been calling for a Master Plan to be developed to integrate developments and avoid this sort of ad hocery. A Master Plan should integrate light rail Stage 2, which also is going ahead at vast cost, no information on alternatives and relative benefits and damage to the Garden City heritage values.
These issues will be discussed at the DRA AGM on 18 Nov in the 1830h Bridge Club. SAVE THE DATE. Ian Bushnell from the community newspaper the RiotACT will be our guest speaker. The RiotACT is based in Napier Close, Deakin and so Ian will also discuss the need for a master plan for Deakin and Yarralumla. The meeting will be accessible by Zoom. If you would the link details contact secretary@deakinresidents.asn.au
In the meantime Canberra Town Planning is organising a community information sessions for the Equinox 2 proposal. A virtual presentation and Q&A will be held on Tuesday, 27 October from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm. To register and receive a link send your name, surname and email to Canberra Town Planning.
A physical drop-in session will be held on Wednesday, 28 October between 5.30 pm and 7:00 pm at Level 3, Equinox 1, 70 Kent Street, Deakin.
We have members ready to prepare a coordinated response. If you would like to join in and contribute please respond to former president@deakinresidents.asn.au
