Mixed-Use Development

The ACT Government’s Education and Training Directorate (ETD) mandate is to ensure access to a high quality education for all and for the ACT to lead the nation in educational outcomes for students. The Directorate has responsibility for public schools and early intervention education programs, the regulation of early childhood education and care services, the registration of non-government schools and home education and the planning and coordination of vocational education and training. In 2013 the newest ACT Public School, the Neville Bonner Primary School, was opened. The school embraces the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective and desire to “ensure that all young Australians will be given the opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, their significance for Australia and the impact these have had, and continue to have, on the world.” It was always anticipated that a new cultural centre would be developed adjacent to the new school with funding from the Commonwealth Government’s Regional Development Fund, however as this did not eventuate the ETD engaged AMC in 2013 to prepare a new masterplan concept for what was seen to be a viable mixed-use development including a new child care centre with strong pedestrian and educational linkages to the Bonner Primary School, a new medical / health centre and community facilities. The masterplan was well received and will inform the development conditions associated with the future sale of the site.