London Circuit sites set for consolidation of office project

Morris Property Group has lodged an application to consolidate three neighbouring commercial sites in the heart of Canberra, marking a key step toward delivering a long discussed office development on London Circuit.

The application, filed with the ACT Planning and Land Authority, seeks to amalgamate Blocks 12, 13 and 15 in Section 14 City.

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The three parcels form 175 to 179 London Circuit. Block 12 covers 569 square metres, Block 13 spans 259 square metres and Block 15 adds a further 55 square metres.

This consolidation move follows two years of revised planning efforts. Morris Property Group originally proposed a 13 storey commercial tower, a scheme that was refused by planning authorities in 2023. The company then reworked the concept, reducing the height to seven storeys and undertaking community consultation. Those changes secured development approval later that year.

The group still holds that approval and lodged the consolidation application on 29 August to meet its conditions. The documentation explains that the blocks must be merged before construction of the approved project can proceed. The inclusion of Block 15 signals that Morris Property Group has now secured the 50 square metre parcel initially identified as necessary for the scheme.

Located in the CZ1 Core Zone, the site sits between London Circuit, Ainslie Place and Riverside Lane. Earlier proposals noted that the existing buildings had been occupied by the National Australia Bank and Kowalski Recruitment offices.

Once consolidated, the Crown lease would permit a broad range of commercial uses including office, retail, bulky goods, cafes, restaurants, personal services, supermarkets and takeaway outlets. The amalgamation would also enable Morris Property Group to advance the seven storey office building as a single integrated development, bringing fresh momentum to a central city site that has been under review for several years.

Images by The Urban Developer