‘Critical’ Approval Received for Canberra Brickworks Revamp

The latest approvals for Doma Group are a “critical step” in its renewal of a Canberra historical landmark. 

Doma is redeveloping the old Canberra Brickworks site at Yarralumla, which at one time produced the red bricks of Canberra’s oldest homes and the original Parliament House, following its foundation in 1913.

Doma is planning 380 homes on the 16.1ha site, with the overall project tipped to cost $58 million. 

It was chosen by the ACT Government to redevelop the site in 2017, and has plans for a low-density residential precinct to the east of the site, a mix of terrace houses, apartments and single homes to the south, a high-density residential precinct to the west and a heritage adaptive reuse of the original buildings for a retail and commercial precinct.

Under plans from SJB Architects, Doma will also revitalise the existing heritage Brickworks buildings and surrounding vacant land into a mixed-use precinct, with offices, a day spa and gym.

The Estate Development Plan for the Brickworks site has now been approved, a “significant milestone [that] marks the gateway for further substantive design work, setting the foundation for what will be one of Canberra’s most transformative developments,” Doma said. 

▲ Under Doma’s masterplans, food and beverage venues will be located in the old brick kilns of the historic site.

The EDP process is required in the ACT for subdivision design when new estates consolidate blocks, add or remove roads or involve land use zone or design and construction requirements for future development onsite. 

Doma submitted its EDP in October 2023, followed by successive development applications for sections of the site.

Doma managing director Jure Domazet said in a media statement that the EDP approval allows them to move forward with their vision for the site. 

“This approval is a critical step, and we are now eagerly awaiting further approvals for the Heritage Core, which includes the iconic kilns and associated buildings. 

“These areas will house a mix of restaurants, bars, bakery, gym, day spa and skin clinic and commercial offices, offering a unique blend of heritage and modern amenities.

▲ Most of the brickworks structures will be retained and repurposed into commercial and retail spaces or left as relics, evidencing the industrial history of the site, said Doma.

“This project represents a significant investment in Canberra’s future, blending historical preservation with contemporary living.”

Doma is also awaiting approvals for the first apartment block and townhouse development. Design work will begin shortly on townhouse blocks and the houses along Denman Street.

Construction on the Brickworks project, including civil infrastructure work, the heritage buildings, a park, and the first housing and townhouse blocks, is slated to begin in 2025.