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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 9 Hansard (21 August) . . Page.. 2767 ..

Latham shops

(Question No 235)

Ms Dundas asked the Minister for Planning, upon notice:

In relation to Latham Shops:

(1) Has Planning and Land Management received any Development Application relating to the now demolished site of the Latham Shops.

(2) Has the Government received any information regarding the redevelopment of this site.

(3) What facilities does the Government expect to be built on this site.

(4) When does the Government expect that Latham will again have a functional shopping centre.

Mr Corbell: The answer to the member's questions is as follows:

(1)-(3) On 10 April 2001 the former Minister, Mr Brendan Smyth MLA, exercised his call-in powers under subsection 229A of the Land (Planning and Environment) Act 1991 (the Land Act), to approve with conditions the Development Application for redevelopment of the Latham Shops.

The approval included the demolition of the existing building and the construction of 150 square metres of dedicated commercial floor space in the form of a mini-mart/restaurant building and 18 residential and/or commercial units. The approval also included the requirement that four (4) of the 18 units be used for commercial purposes and if, after twelve months, it has been clearly demonstrated that the commercial use of these units is not viable, then the commercial use may revert to residential use.

The lease also provides flexibility through the option of expanded commercial uses in the future and allows the conversion of the proposed residential units to commercial units, pending market demand. To facilitate this, the purpose clause includes uses such as business agency, health facility, offices, post office or shop (not including a take-away food shop).

The Crown lease and the approved development for the block provide sufficient flexibility in building use to respond to the changing economic circumstances and the social needs of the Latham community over time.

(4) The lessee has been offered a new Crown lease over the consolidated block incorporating the original shopping centre and adjoining parcels of unleased Territory land. It is likely that the Crown lease will be registered at the Registrar General's Office during July. Once the lease is registered, the lessee will be able to commence construction work on the site. The lessee expects that the commercial premises should therefore be available for occupation mid to late 2003.

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