Canberra's Doma Group has announced it has submitted Works Approval to the National Capital Authority for a proposed 10,900 square metre office building within Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle, with proximity to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade building in Barton. Upon completion, it is estimated the building will have an end value in excess of $75m.

Located at 2 Darling Street, the new commercial building will be the tenth office developed by Doma, with the group preparing to deliver the new 13,200 square metre ACT Government Office Building at Dickson and a 15,000 square metre office anchored by the NSW Government in Newcastle.

The ‘A’ Grade building also marks the completion of the second stage of a masterplan on the former surface carpark, following completion of Stage 1 in 2015 with delivery of the Little National Hotel.

Designed by Bates Smart, the proposed contemporary office will cater to single or multiple tenants. Set over six levels, with basement carpark and a central atrium, the flexible design allows for differing workplaces and could be upgraded to accommodate a high security Commonwealth agency. 

Doma’s General Manager of Development, Mr Gavin Edgar, said Doma has paid particular attention to the interplay of the new building with the Little National Hotel, and its connectivity and consistency with the rest of the precinct. The building will target a 5 star NABERS energy rating and 5 star Design and As-built Greenstar rating. Pending works approval, construction is forecast to commence in second quarter 2019 and completion in late 2020. 

“Glass curtain building facades and upper level gardens will be complimented by a sophisticated landscaping palette to deliver a striking new architectural addition to the Barton area,” he said.

Growing demand for Canberra’s premium office stock

Since late 2015, increased demand for Canberra’s premium office location has seen much of the available Barton stock taken up. Colliers International State Chief Executive for the ACT, Paul Powderly said, “This is an opportune time to prepare for the anticipated Commonwealth office demand we expect to see for high quality office in the 2020 market in Barton.”

“Securing a large office space, particularly in a high-quality modern office building, can be difficult in the ACT. Our A-Grade vacancy rates in popular employment hubs such as the CBD and Parliamentary precinct are 2.6 per cent and 0.4 per cent respectively,” said Mr Powderly.

More from COMMO:

Trophy Liberty Tower retail sale: Melbourne’s largest strata portfolio transaction

Howard Smith Wharves CEO Luke Fraser prepares to take development to the next level

JLL: Interstate migration driving up commercial real estate on the Gold Coast