Immerse Yourself
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Location
When it comes to location, Kingston Foreshore is simply unbeatable. Much of Canberra's cultural life revolves around Lake Burley Griffin and the magnificent national institutions along its shores.
At Kingston Foreshore, the National Gallery of Australia is just a lakeside stroll away – so you'll have no excuses for missing the latest blockbuster exhibition! For shopping, the Kingston and Manuka precincts offer a complete range of dining and retail facilities less than five minutes from your door. The city, the airport and the Parliamentary triangle – nothing is far away.
Directions from airport
As you exit Canberra International Airport drive west bound along Pialligo Ave which turns into Morshead Drive. Turn left onto Kings Avenue bridge. Once over the bridge take the first exit onto Bowen Drive which runs onto Wentworth Avenue.
Park at Canberra Glassworks and walk to the lake's edge for a spectacular view of the development and Lake Burley Griffin.
All maps indicative only
The vision for Kingston Foreshore
You can spend an hour, a day or a lifetime at Kingston Foreshore. It has a lot to offer visitors right now, and as the harbour shores takes shape there will be even more reasons to visit.
Hear what Colin Stewart, the Canberra architect who developed the Master Plan for the Foreshore, has to say.
When Canberra's lake was created in the 1960s, part of Walter Burley Griffin's dream for our national capital was fulfilled.
Now, another part of his vision is being realised, as Kingston Foreshore takes shape on the lake's southern shores. For the first time, Kingston Foreshore brings the city to the lake, creating a waterfront location and a vibrant, cosmopolitan environment where you can live, work and play.
The foreshore parkland, waterfront promenade, cafes, markets and cultural facilities will draw visitors from all over Canberra and beyond.
To view a copy of the Kingston Foreshore Master-plan click here.
Canberra Glassworks
Glass is a magical substance and the Canberra Glassworks is the place to discover how beautiful it can be. Situated at the heart of Kingston Foreshore's cultural precinct, it's Australia's only cultural centre devoted to contemporary glass art.
Hear what the Creative Director of Canberra Glassworks, Clare Belfrage, has to say.
The Canberra Glassworks is located in Canberra's oldest permanent public building, the Kingston Powerhouse, which was built between 1913 and 1915. It is open to visitors Wednesday to Sunday, from 10am to 4pm.
Tours run Saturday and Sunday at 11am and 2pm.
The Canberra Glassworks provides artists with state-of-the-art equipment and a unique environment to develop their work. It also gives you the chance to interact with artists and learn about glass making and the heritage of Canberra's Kingston Powerhouse.
You can see glassmaking as it happens, view exhibitions, and even have a hands-on experience working with glass. There's a cafe and a shop where you'll find unique glass and glass-related items.
The Fitters' Workshop
Once part of the Powerhouse complex, the Fitters' Workshop has also been refurbished as a performance space and hosted the 2009 Canberra International Music Festival.
Old Bus Depot Markets
The Old Bus Depot Markets have won Australian Tourism awards so many times they're now installed in the Hall of Fame.
Hear what the Director of the Old Bus Depot Markets, Diane Hinds, has to say.
With over 200 stalls selling everything from flowers to jewellery, homewares to fresh produce, the markets are a popular way to spend a Sunday.
Be entertained by the buskers, musicians and performers, meet creative and colourful regional artists and craftspeople, or enjoy fine food from around the world.
The Old Bus Depot Markets are open every Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Watch out for regular 'theme days'.
Norgrove Park, Eco-Pond and Common
It's more than a park – it's a meeting place, it's a habitat and it's a conservation achievement. Norgrove Park has about 1.2ha of landscaped open space, including community gathering places, room for energetic activities and places for quiet contemplation. It's a great place for a picnic, a family gathering or just a weekend stroll.
Norgrove Park also has around 2500m2 of wetlands, with a three metre-deep eco-pond that can store treated stormwater run off. The eco-pond and wetlands are a practical example of our commitment to environmentally sustainable development. Stormwater captured and treated in the pond will improve the overall water use efficiency of Kingston Foreshore, by reducing our reliance on drinking water for irrigating landscaped areas.
Open space
Around 50 per cent of the area of Kingston Foreshore will be preserved as public open space. This includes two kilometres of shoreline along Lake Burley Griffin.
Pedestrian pathways will provide easy access to the lake and will be designed to be wheelchair and pram-friendly. Safe and attractive cycle routes will connect the major attractions around the Foreshore and will link to district and metropolitan cycleways.
Kingston Harbour and Boardwalk
It's already a working harbour, but the best is yet to come. Water-based activities at Kingston Harbour will include things like kayaking, sailing, canoeing and cruises.
The boardwalk along the harbour is planned to be home to restaurants, cafes, galleries and specialist shops, open from breakfast through until late.
Kingston Foreshore is already close to Canberra's coffee and conversation heartland, with the Kingston and Manuka cafe strips just minutes away.
And as the Harbourside Precinct takes shape, the action will expand to include Kingston Foreshore itself. Now that will be a real talking point!
Public art at Kingston Foreshore
There's more to life than the everyday. That's why art plays an important role at Kingston Foreshore.
Touching Lightly will be a unique piece of public art that references the Canberra Glassworks' former use as the Kingston Powerhouse and makes use of the original smokestack base.
This spectacular tower of light was designed by renowned artist Warren Langley and was the winning design for the Canberra Glassworks chimney.
The artist will now work with a team of engineers to turn his vision into a reality. The piece is being jointly funded by the ACT Government, the LDA and ActewAGL, and is planned to begin reaching for the sky in early 2010.
Other works of public art are incorporated in the Gateway and Viridian residential complexes and relate to the area's past as the site of the government printing offices.
Lakeside tranquillity, city style
Kingston Foreshore offers a style of living you won't find anywhere else in Canberra. Right from the start, it has had its own special ambience, with its lakeside location and proximity to the shops and cafes of Kingston and Manuka. And the future has even more in store.
Hear what Waterfront resident, Moiya Ford, has to say about the Foreshore lifestyle.
Imagine a pre-breakfast stroll or jog along the lake shore, waterside cafes and
restaurants offering a tempting variety of cuisines, a cosmopolitan buzz from very early to late – and all on your doorstep!
But there's more to this community than the rhythm of the city. At its soul is a feeling for Canberra's heritage. Historic buildings, including the Power House, provide facilities for cultural, arts, leisure and community uses. And peaceful green spaces offer opportunities to meet with friends or simply relax and let the world go by.
Close to everything you need
For the first time, Kingston Foreshore brings the city to the lake, creating a waterfront location and a vibrant, cosmopolitan lifestyle and community. It's hard to imagine a more convenient place to live.
Getting around won't be an issue. Much of what you need is within walking distance. Or take advantage of the cycle paths.
If you work in, or near, the Parliamentary Triangle, Kingston Foreshore is ideally located to help you cut travel time out of your busy day. For shopping, Kingston and Manuka offer a wide range of retail facilities less than five minutes away and the city is just a few minutes more.
If you're heading further afield, Kingston Foreshore is well served by ACTION buses. The Canberra railway station, with trains to Sydney, is on our boundary and Canberra Airport is typically a ten-minute drive.
The streets of Kingston Foreshore have been designed as places for people as well as cars. Many our residences will provide off-street parking – in many cases in underground secure areas.
A rich variety of homes
Take a stroll around Kingston Foreshore and you'll see some fine examples of modern building design. The LDA works closely with property developers, builders and the Canberra Community and, at Kingston Foreshore. Our aim is to provide increased housing choice, particularly to meet the changing community's strong demand for quality medium density accommodation.
As a result of the involvement of different developers and designs from different architects, the streetscapes are diverse and interesting. There are studios, apartments, townhouses and, in the First Edition precinct, homes on separate titles.
Current buildings including the Waterfront, Gateway and Viridian are rapidly being joined by new commercial, residential and mixed-use constructions including Pearl, Aspire, Foresight and Quayside. The designs have paid particular attention to
environmental sustainability including energy efficiency, water usage and the use of recycled materials.
Developers at Kingston Foreshore include:
- Doma Group
- NDH Property Services
- Per-Se
- Consolidated Builders
- Canberra Investment Corporation
- St Hilliers
Leading architects involved in the development include:
- Colin Stewart Architects
- Cox Humphries Moss
- Peddle, Thorp and Walker
- Group GSA
- Guida Mosley Brown
New homes selling now
There are opportunities to purchase at Kingston Foreshore right now. For details of exactly what is available, contact the individual developers or visit their websites for more details.
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Aspire Per-Se Anthony Tokich 0410 651 777 -
Quayside CIC Lindsay.hunter@ciclimited.com.au -
Pearl Consolidated Builders Ltd www.pearlatkingston.com.au -
First Edition Various Check out local real estate guides for further details.
To register your interest for upcoming land sales click here to fill out an online enquiry form or for more information call LDA on 1800 777 952. To subscribe to Kingston Foreshore's quarterly newsletter, Shoreline, email your details to info-kf@act.gov.au.
What does the future hold?
Kingston Foreshore has already started the process of redefining Canberra's relationship with Lake Burley Griffin. LDA's next steps are to continue to foster a growing community and further develop the Foreshore as a cultural and recreational destination, a place to immerse yourself on the shores of the lake.
With the Harbour now complete, the vision of introducing high to medium density residential living and dedicated dining and entertainment precinct to the lake's edge is coming to fruition. Well into our fourth and final stage of development (see the full program here), we see the promise of Kingston Foreshore fast becoming a reality.
Residents within the Viridian, Gateway and Waterfront buildings are being joined by First Edition residents. The sense of community in the area is growing. This will only be enhanced by new residential developments under construction and due for completion in 2009 and 2010.
We're planning new land sales, focusing on the land around the Harbour area. These will continue to be a mix of residential and commercial. The Cultural precinct has already established itself as a significant artistic and recreational area for Canberrans. As the development moves forward, linkages from this part of the Foreshore to the lake and other areas nearby will add to the sense that this is a site for everyone.
To register your interest for upcoming land sales click here to fill out an online enquiry form or for more information call LDA on 1800 777 952. To subscribe to Kingston Foreshore's quarterly newsletter, Shoreline, email your details to info-kf@act.gov.au.
Shoreline includes up to date information about current building works, and what's happening at the Foreshore, plus much more.
Changing the face of Canberra
Kingston Foreshore is one of the most exciting urban renewal projects ever conducted in Australia. On a par with Brisbane's South Bank, Melbourne's Southgate and Sydney's Darling Harbour, it will transform an industrial site into a vibrant and varied precinct for residents, businesses and visitors.
Now three-quarters through its 12-year development timeline, Kingston Foreshore still offers developers the opportunity to be part of something special.
Some exciting residential and mixed-use sites remain to be released over coming years. For details of the land release program, click here.
Existing developments
The first residential development was completed at Kingston Foreshore in 2004. Development of further residential sites and commercial premises has continued and interest from residential and commercial tenants has remained high.
For a summary of existing developments – both completed and in progress – follow this link to the Project section of our site.
Raise your business profile
When it comes to business, first impressions count. Create a lasting first impression for your clients by locating your business in the heart of Kingston Foreshore's vibrant commercial sector.
A number of new buildings will soon provide extended commercial premises suitable for a wide variety of businesses.
The facilities feature convenient accessible parking and are strategically aligned to Canberra's central transport system, with major bus routes and Canberra Railway Station on the boundary and Canberra International Airport only a short drive away.
With every essential business convenience such as broadband fibre/optic connections and innovative architectural features, doing business will be a pleasure for you and your clients. See restaurants and cafes grow around you, offering amenity for your staff and the chance to entertain clients in style.
For commercial opportunities in Kingston Foreshore contact the LDA by email at
info-kf@act.gov.au
A location with something for everyone
If location is the key to a prime investment property, Kingston Foreshore has it in spades. This is a place where people will always want to live: walking distance to the Parliamentary triangle, a few minutes from the city by car or public transport, close to the shops, restaurants and nightlife of Kingston and Manuka, and soon to have its own entertainment heart a splash away from the working harbour.
Strict planning controls have ensured that developments at Kingston Foreshore have maintained a high standard of amenity for residents. A number of quality developments have already been completed and several more are currently in train.
Here is an area that demonstrates outstanding potential for medium and long-term growth, as the development is completed and Kingston Foreshore loses the rough edges of construction and becomes a polished and vibrant urban precinct. While demand is already strong, years to come will surely see the desirability of this unique location increase.
For investment opportunities in current residential projects, contact the following developers:
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Aspire Per-Se Anthony Tokich 0410 651 777 -
Quayside CIC Lindsay.hunter@ciclimited.com.au -
Pearl Consolidated Builders Ltd www.pearlatkingston.com.au
We'll be updating this section as new opportunities come up, so check here again. Or, to be kept up-to-date, sign up for our Foreshore newsletter, by emailing your details to
info-kf@act.gov.au
Our Vision and Our Mission
The ACT Government established the Interim Kingston Foreshore Development Authority in September 1995. Its brief was to advise on the future planning, development and management of Kingston Foreshore and to ensure an orderly transition to its ultimate use as a mixed use waterfront precinct with a strong arts, cultural, tourism and leisure theme. In 2004 Kingston Foreshore Development Authority merged into the Land Development Agency (LDA).
LDA adopted a set of development principles to meet those objectives. Namely, the development will:
- be to best practice Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) principles;
- complement the existing metropolitan structure;
- provide a diverse range of experiences by allowing the community to access and use the site in multiple ways;
- reflect and strengthen the unique qualities of the natural and built environments and the identity of the Canberra community;
- deliver environmental and quality of life dividends, without placing any undue burden on the public purse; and
- have a 10-15 year project life, so that development meets need and demand.
LDA has undertaken a number of activities to achieve this aim including:
- extensive community and stakeholder consultation;
- detailed site analysis and research;
- a National Competition of Ideas; and
- the subsequent formulation of a comprehensive development strategy for the site.
The vision for the Kingston Foreshore Development was impressive from the onset, as it was as much about the rejuvenation and reinvigoration of development in the ACT as the redevelopment of a particular area. It has been an opportunity to reflect on Canberra's past, present and future with a development that celebrates and re-invigorates its history, but that is leading the way towards a higher density, increasingly sustainable way of living.
Rejuvenating an under-utilised industrial area in a prime location of Canberra was lead by a vision to create a vibrant mix of retail, commercial, residential and recreational areas while preserving the historical significance of the area. Once completed, Kingston Foreshore will be the perfect blend of landscapes, nature, art, history and people. Somewhere visitors and residents can experience life, art and nature in balance.
The Kingston Foreshore Site
Canberra is Australia's capital city and the largest inland city in Australia. The city is ideally located a three-hour drive or 286 km south west of Sydney. From Canberra, it is a two-hour drive to the snow in winter and two hours to the closest beach at Batemans Bay in summer.
The Kingston Foreshore development site is situated in a prominent position within Canberra, one kilometre south east of the Parliamentary Triangle. It is adjacent to Lake Burley Griffin, the Jerrabomberra Wetlands and to residential and commercial complexes in Kingston, both at the Causeway and across Wentworth Avenue.
Kingston Foreshore is close to all modes of transport;
- 700 metres to the Canberra Rail Station;
- Only 11km to the Canberra Airport; and
- 5km to the Jolimont Coach Terminal, located in the centre of the city.
The total development of the Kingston Foreshore will comprise of some 230,000 m2 of gross floor area spread over 37 hectares.
This will include;
- Residential - 1,700 – 1,800 dwellings and serviced apartments.
- Retail
- Commercial
- Cultural
- Recreational
Alignment with the Griffin Master Plan
The Griffin Plan, designed by Walter Burley Griffin in 1911 was the basis of Canberra's early development and it remains the most powerful design concept for the city today.
The award-winning design by Canberra-based architect, Colin Stewart was an innovative and contemporary reinterpretation of the original designs for the area by Walter Burley Griffin.
The development follows Griffin's original vision for the East Basin, through the re-alignment of the foreshore in order to create a recreational and functional boat harbour with a fully landscaped public foreshore and vibrant waterfront promenade.
Maintaining its cultural heritage and unique history, the harbour will simply be a continuation of the Kingston area, not a separate entity.
The Master Plan also applies the geometric street pattern core of Burley Griffin's design, which is one of the distinguishing features of Canberra city.
Kingston Foreshore provides land uses that complement the existing metropolitan structure and hierarchy of uses in the Territory Plan and fits the inherent requirement of self-sustainability at the core of the plan.
Project history
Kingston Foreshore is 37 hectares of land on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, which was once Canberra's principal industrial precinct.
From 1913 until 1994 the Kingston Foreshore site had a variety of uses, including the original Powerhouse, Fitters' Workshop, Bus and Transport Depot, Government Printing Office and other light industrial businesses and workshops. In 1963, with the completion of the Scrivener Dam, Lake Burley Griffin was filled.
The suburb of Kingston, established in 1922 was originally called "Eastlake". Part of the suburb was designed as accommodation for workers who built Canberra. In 1925 and 1926, 120 portable cottages were built for the workers at the Causeway. Today, the Causeway, located north of the Canberra railway station, survives with the original temporary wooden cottages now replaced with brick cottages.
In 1995, the ACT Government undertook a land swap with the Federal Government to acquire the site and then commenced the process of consulting with the community on its redevelopment.
A national design competition for the site was held in 1997 and attracted 79 entries from around Australia. The winning entry, by Canberra architect Colin Stewart, was an innovative and contemporary interpretation of Walter Burley Griffin's original plan for the area.
The award-winning Master Plan also embraced the area's heritage through the creation of a cultural precinct. Central to the precinct are the two heritage-listed buildings, the Powerhouse (now the Canberra Glassworks) and the Fitters' Workshop.
Aerial Photos 1997 through to 2006 (left to right) - Click to enlarge.
Starting this revitalisation of site, the 'Old Bus Depot Markets' moved into the cultural precinct in 1998 and are now one of Canberra's most successful tourist attractions with an average 6,000 visitors every Sunday.
After a significant effort to turn the former industrial site into land fit for development, the first commercial and residential buildings emerged on the site. The Gateway was completed in 2004, Viridian the following year and the aptly named Waterfront site was finished in 2007.
With the harbour civil works completed in late 2008, the Kingston Foreshore development has now entered one of its most intensive stages of activity. Several large scale commercial and residential developments are due for completion in 2009, as are multiple individual houses in the First Edition development.
Land sales are also planned for 2009 for the land next to the Harbour, which is currently going through engineering and landscaping design phase.
The ACT Indicative Land Release Program provides a guide to the Government's intentions for land release from 2009/10 to 2012/13. The guide includes many blocks that are still subject to planning approval.
Existing Developments
A number of developments have been successfully completed at Kingston Foreshore and many more are in progress. These include the following:
Gateway
Gateway apartments were the first residential development to be completed in the Kingston Foreshore project. Completed in September 2004, the site comprises 167 residential units, 435 square metres of commercial space and 285 car spaces. The unit mix varies between two and three bedroom units and three bedroom stand-alone townhouses.
Gateway was developed by Kingston (ACT) Pty Ltd, a joint venture between the then Kingston Foreshore Development Authority and St Hilliers. The design by Group GSA is an urban concept - conforming to ecologically sustainable development standards. The Gateway apartments have an energy efficient rating exceeding the authority standards and uses space and natural light effectively.
Viridian
Viridian was the second mixed-use residential development at Kingston Foreshore and was a project of local developer, The Doma Group and was designed by Cox Architects. Viridian, located on Wentworth Ave between Eyre and Dawes Street, is adjacent to the precinct's village green parkland and the Norgrove Park's Eco-pond.
Viridian comprises 171 one, two and three bedroom apartments and 1239 m2 of commercial suites. It consists of six buildings encircling a landscaped central courtyard.
Waterfront
Developed by Stockland and designed by architects PTW Group, Waterfront features high-end, large two and three bedroom apartments and penthouses located just behind the Canberra Glassworks. It is the first building in the Foreshore development to be located on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin.
Completed in June 2007, the Waterfront has spectacular northeast-facing lake views, along with the views of the city, newly developed Harbour and the parklands. The building is a richly modelled horizontal composition comprising 108 apartments grouped around four glazed atria. The building form emphasises the arc of the original Walter Burley Griffin design for Canberra.
First Edition
First Edition is a prime new residential precinct of 59 houses on a site with a unique history. Gaining its name from the heritage of its setting, First Edition was once the site of the Australian Government Publishing Office, first established in 1926. It represents a radical shift for high quality housing design in the ACT, requiring an innovative approach to developing smaller blocks of land (between 232m2 and 498m2).
Concepts for how First Edition would be developed emerged out of a nationwide architectural competition run in 2006-07, including successful concepts from leading Australian architects Kerstin Thompson Architects, Leisuk Architects and Stutchbury and Pape. These concepts have helped to feed the creative process for architects like Tomi Milin, Cox Humphries Moss, Peddle, Thorp and Walker and Guida Mosley Brown, who in combination with local builders are making the vision a reality. Construction activity at First Edition is expected to be completed by 2010.
Foresight
Foresight will be one of the first purely commercial office buildings to be built at Kingston Foreshore. Developed by the CapReal Property Group and designed by Cox Humphries Moss, the building will promote energy efficiency. Foresight has pledged to achieve and maintain a five star Green Star rating within the first twelve months of operation.
Located on the corner of Wentworth Avenue and Dawes Street, the building will have 4000m2 of premium office space available for commercial lease. Two basement level car parks will provide space for up to 96 vehicles and it is expected all office space will be leased prior to completion, which is set for mid 2009.
55-57 Wentworth Avenue
This office building is due for completion in mid 2009. It will be five storeys high with 8273m2 of floor area. Developed by NDH Property Services and designed by Cox Humphries Moss, 55-57 Wentworth Avenue features an environmentally friendly and sustainable design with five star ABGR and Greenstar ratings, well above their contract agreement. The building will include a 70,000 litre tank to retain stormwater for re-use in gardens and toilets. 55-57 Wentworth Avenue will have secure basement parking for 188 cars.
Quayside
The Quayside Kingston Harbour complex will combine 86 one and two bedroom apartments and six three-bedroom penthouses with double garages. It is located on Eastlake Parade adjacent to the waterfront promenade and with views of the marina and Norgrove Park.
Other features will include approximately 1800m2 of commercial/office accommodation and a restaurant. This development by Canberra Investment Corporation (CIC) aims to maximise the benefits of the location and north-facing orientation with light-filled warm apartments with excellent energy ratings and quality ground floor commercial premises. Sales are due to commence in early 2009.
Pearl
Located next to Norgrove Park and 100 metres from the Lake, Pearl is a boutique apartment complex, being built by the Consolidated Builders Limited. All apartments have three bedrooms, with mechanically engineered air-conditioning systems and five and six star energy efficiency ratings. The apartments are complemented by additional facilities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna and a barbeque and pergola area flowing to half an acre of landscaped grounds.
Opportunities are available for residential sales and commercial opportunities.
Aspire
Per-se Developments' Aspire will consist of residential areas and some ground floor commercial space. A central courtyard featuring a landscaped garden area links residents with restaurants and cafes on the ground floor. The complex, designed by Architects Ring & Associates, draws inspiration from the historical heritage-listed buildings in the area.
Featuring 66 residential apartments, each with a large balcony, it offers a choice of one, two or three bedrooms (some with study option). There are opportunities available for residential sales and commercial interest.
Project timeline
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1994 Australian Government Printing Office closes.
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1994 Old Bus Depot Market is established in the former bus depot, subsequently demolished.
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1995 Federal and ACT Government arranges to swap the Commonwealth land at the Kingston Foreshore for the ACT's land on the Acton Peninsula.
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1996 Kingston Foreshore "National Competition of Ideas" launched.
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1997 Colin Stewart Master Plan wins Kingston Foreshores design award.
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1997 Construction on the Kingston Foreshore commences.
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1998 Old Bus Depot Market moves to 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston.
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2001 First land sales at Kingston Foreshore (Gateway)- Sites 5 (in part) and 6
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September 2004 Gateway building completed.
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July 2005 Viridian building completed.
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October 2005 Norgrove Park, Eco-Pond and Common completed.
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June 2007 Waterfront building completed.
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2007 Canberra Glassworks opens in the old Powerhouse building.
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2008 First Edition, Aspire, Pearl and Foresight construction commences.
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December 2008 Kingston Foreshore Harbour construction completed.
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2008-2012 Development and release of harbour sites.
Final refurbishment of Fitters' Workshop as a cultural facility.
Harbour promenade and jetties constructed and opened. -
2008-09 Land for 166 further dwellings plus commercial use planned to be released.
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2009-10 Land for 150 further dwellings plus commercial use planned to be released.
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2010-11 Land for final 488 dwellings plus commercial land planned to be released.
The harbour
The spectacular man-made harbour, the largest development on Lake Burley Griffin since the 1960s and the first land reclamation project ever undertaken on the Lake, was completed on time and within budget in late December 2008.
The new Kingston Foreshore Harbour was flooded with enough water to fill 44 Olympic-sized swimming pools and has been re-connected to Lake Burley Griffin. Over the duration of the harbour project, more than 27,000 truck movements were needed to excavate, relocate, remediate and construct the final building platforms. Soon it will be converted into a fully functional boat harbour and a launch pad for activities like kayaking, rowing, sailing and lake cruises.
The surrounding waterfront promenade, currently undergoing engineering and landscaping design, is planned to provide a unique recreational area for Canberra residents and visitors, with a boardwalk, jetty, restaurants and waterfront parklands. The retail and entertainment precinct on the harbour foreshore is expected to be completed by 2010-11.
The harbour works were undertaken by Macmahon Contractors Pty Ltd, an independent, Australian-owned company with significant experience in large scale civil and reclamation projects. Macmahon Contractors Pty Ltd excavated more than 50,000 cubic metres of dirt to fill Lake Burley Griffin at a depth of five metres within the tight 18 months time frame.
An award-winning development
The Foreshore's first award was received in 1999, recognising the work of urban designer and architect Colin Stewart whose Master Plan is driving the redevelopment of Kingston Foreshore.
Since then, many facets of the development by the Land Development Agency and its partners have been acknowledged significantly across engineering, construction, landscaping, tourism and the overall management of the site.
2009 Winner Urban Development Institute of Australia, National Urban Renewal Award,- Kingston Foreshore Development.
2008 Winner Urban Development Institute of Australia (NSW/ACT) Urban Renewal Award -Kingston Foreshore Development.
2007 Highly Commended - Engineering Excellence Awards Kingston Rising Main Engineers Australia, Canberra Division.
2006 Winner - Landscaping Commercial - Kingston Foreshore Norgrove Park, Eco Pond and Common Boral/ACT Master Builders Construction Awards.
2003/2004/2005 Winner and Hall of Fame Member - Old Bus Depot Markets Australian Tourism Awards.
2002 Award for Planning Excellence – Media Public Category Planning Institute of Australia, ACT Division.
2002 ACT Project of the Year - Australian Institute of Project Management.
2002 ACT Community Benefit Award - Australian Institute of Project Management.
Commendation – Community Connection 2002 Awards for Excellence, Public Relations Institute of Australia (ACT).
Certificate of Design Excellence - 'The Gateway' - High Quality Sustainable Design Scheme, ACT Government 2002.
1999 Award for Planning Excellence - Urban Design - National Competition of Ideas - Colin Stewart Architects and Royal Australian Planning Institute (ACT).
Our partners
Engineering
Engineering on the Kingston Foreshore development has been of the highest possible calibre, award winning and given the nature of the development, critical to its success.
Leading engineering firms have been engaged on the site, including Maunsells|Aecomm, SMEC and GHD. Environmental consultancy firm Coffey International have led the development of the Environmental Management strategy.
The innovative engineering on the site has been acknowledged, with the Kingston sewer pressure rising main, developed by Maunsells|Aecomm and built by UEA ,Highly Commended in the 2007 Engineering Excellence Awards in the ACT. The 1.2km rising sewer main links the Kingston Foreshore with an existing sewer near the top of Brisbane Avenue in Barton
and required highly accurate direct-drilling to ensure that it was built with no damage to the existing infrastructure and established trees in the area.
Landscaping
With landscaping by Red Box designs, Norgrove Park achieves the dual aims of providing a public space enabling maximum pedestrian flow-through, whilst treating run-off water from surrounding suburbs. In 2006, Norgrove Park, Eco-pond and Common won the commercial landscaping division of Boral/ACT Master Builders Construction Awards.
Similarly many of the current developments have large, landscaped areas, including enclosed courtyards in the Viridian and Gateway Developments and the public landscaped park between the Waterfront building and the lake designed by Cia Flannery.
Environmentally Sustainable Development
The Kingston Foreshore development established itself as a leader in environmentally sustainable development (ESD), long before such aims became the norm. At the time of planning, Kingston Foreshore's commitment to environmental sustainability was considered progressive and ahead of its time.
Early on, the planning for the site incorporated key ESD principles addressing the key areas of energy use, air quality, potable water consumption and managing wastewater and stormwater. The application of these principles has already delivered some significant outcomes on the site.
The location of Kingston Foreshore, within walking distance of the Parliamentary Triangle, Manuka and Kingston adds to the site's ability to deliver an environmentally sustainable outcome.
Energy performance targets include a 50 percent reduction in energy demand in residential buildings, compared with conventional norms. Water consumption is also targeted for a 50 percent reduction, aiming at a personal usage of less than 275 litres per day.
The measures have already been fruitful. Kingston Foreshore's first development, 'The Gateway', has achieved a reduction in CO2 emissions of 4.179 tonnes per unit, an average 4.5 star energy rating and a reduction in potable water consumption to only 150 litres per day.
NDH Property Services' commercial development at 55-57 Wentworth Avenue will go even further and is targeting a 5 Green Star rating for its overall environmental impact and will include features such as a 70,000-litre capacity stormwater retention tanks for re-use in gardens and toilets.
Given the site's former industrial uses, significant areas required careful environmental remediation and a strict environmental management plan was established early on in the life of the project. Following independent validation, the development meets the strictest environmental standards to the point where treated soil is being reused across the site.
The centrepiece of Kingston Foreshore's innovative and efficient water management strategy is the Norgrove Park's Eco-pond.
Designed as artificial wetlands and part of the site's 1.2 hectares of landscaped parklands, the pond covers approximately 2,500m2 and treats some 150 Megalitres of storm water run-off from Kingston, Griffith and Red Hill.
Water from the Eco-pond is reticulated via a creek system that flows throughout the park and wetlands and increases oxygen levels in the pond. Additionally, water from the Eco-pond is used to irrigate the parklands, significantly reducing the need to use potable water for this purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a $1 billion land redevelopment project, it's no wonder Kingston Foreshore has provoked a lot of interest from the community and business.
When it's completed it will have 1700-1800 dwellings and service apartments as well as speciality retail space, restaurants, cafes and small-scale commercial work space.
Around 14,000m2 will be set aside for cultural, arts, leisure and community uses.
Following are answers to some of the questions we are often asked about various aspects of Kingston Foreshore. If you have further questions, you can contact us here.
News
Shoreline Newsletter
Highlighting news from the Kingston Foreshore project.
- Winter 2010 (PDF 4.0 MB)
- Autumn 2010 (PDF 3.5 MB)
- December 2009 (PDF 467KB)
- October 2009 (PDF 181KB)
Register for updates
Join our mailing list and keep informed on the latest LDA projects, including Kingston Foreshore.
Sites Sold by Tender
Sites 18 and 19 on Kingston Foreshore’s Promenade were sold by tender Monday 12 April 2010. The sites were sold through CB Richard Ellis Canberra for a combined sale price in excess of $18.5 million.
SOLD - Sites 2A1 and 2A2
Two sites on The Island at Kingston Foreshore sold after being passed in at auction on Thursday 19 November. Following negotiations with the LDA sites 2A1 and 2A2 have sold for a combined total of $24 million.
Land Development Agency wins National Award
The Land Development Agency has been awarded one of Australia's most prestigious development awards for its work in bringing Kingston Foreshore to life. The LDA received the Urban Development Institute of Australia's (UDIA) National Award for Urban Renewal, in recognition of the leading role it has played in the revitalisation of Kingston Foreshore.
A Lighter touch for Canberra Glassworks
A spectacular tower of light will shine out as a beacon to guide Canberrans to Kingston Foreshore, following the selection of renowned artist Warren Langley's Touching Lightly as the winning design for the Canberra Glassworks Chimney. The artwork is a 22-metre column of steel and glass which will rise up from the smokestack's base to shine out across Kingston Foreshore.
Events
Public Information and Consultation Session
The LDA conducted a public information and consultation session 4 November 2009 to inform the community about the Kingston Foreshore Draft Precinct Code. Submission of questions regarding the Precinct Code closed at 5pm 2 December 2009. For further enquiries please contact Kathleen Pooley at kathleen.pooley@act.gov.au.
Canberra Glassworks Sunday Gathering
Sunday Gatherings offer the chance to see artists work their magic in other areas such as beading, cold working and the kiln. All of the artists are happy to answer any questions so come and learn more about the wonderful world of glass! For more information visit www.canberraglassworks.com
Media Resources
Fitters' workshop scoping commences
Released 03/07/2009
Chief Minister and Minister for the Arts and Heritage Jon Stanhope today announced that scoping work on the re-use of the Fitters' Workshop for visual arts use has commenced.
Past media releases
For past media releases concerning Kingston Foreshore and other LDA projects, click here. If you have a specific query or wish to arrange an interview, email here or contact the Marketing and Communications Team on 02 6205 0600.
Image Gallery
Land Development Agency
Kingston Foreshore is a project of the ACT's Land Development Agency. For more information please use the form on this page. Alternatively you can contact or visit us at:
Level 6 TransACT House
470 Northbourne Avenue
Dickson ACT 2602
GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601
Telephone: (02) 6205 0600
Fax: (02) 6207 5101
Opening hours: Mon to Fri 8.30am - 5pm
Email: info-kf@act.gov.au
For information on other LDA projects please visit www.lda.act.gov.au
Visit Kingston Foreshore
If you want to take a drive or a stroll around Kingston Foreshore, you'll find useful maps here. Location map