Block 3, Section 17 is located on Madgwick Street, next to the Coombs Oval (school oval), and adjacent to Charles Weston School Coombs. The site is currently in the process of being subdivided into 2 parcels of land. The ACT has committed to developing a Residential Treatment Centre for eating disorders (the Centre) on the eastern part of the block. Following the subdivision, the remaining portion of the site will be released to the market in early 2023.

The ACT Government is making investments in services and infrastructure so the health care needs of Canberrans are met today and into the future. This includes building new facilities and upgrading existing ones so that Canberrans have access to a range of public health services, where and when they need them.

The Centre will be a therapeutic service that provides specialist, intensive nutritional and psychological treatment in a residential setting which simulates a supportive home-like environment. The 24/7 specialist centre is a new service for the ACT which, once operational, will complement other eating disorder services in the territory. The establishment of the Centre is supported by a Commonwealth Government commitment of $13.5M over three years.

The location in Coombs was chosen to be close to nature reserves with an outlook over green space and a pond, but also within a residential setting. This will ensure the Centre offers an environment for clients that is as calming and home-like as possible.

The Centre has been designed to have a residential look. To view early concepts and the indicative look and feel imagery visit https://health.act.gov.au/about-our-health-system/planning-future/new-act-residential-treatment-centre-eating-disorders

A development application (DA) to construct the new facility closed for community comment on 24 January 2023. Following DA approval, construction is expected to begin in the first half of this year.

The other half, approximately 6000sqm, of the block will be offered for sale in the first half of 2023. The successful buyer will then be required to develop designs for the site and submit a development application prior to construction commencing.

When considering ideas for this block, Community Facility Zoned uses could include:

• Business agency
• Childcare centre
• Community activity centre
• Community theatre
• Cultural facility
• Educational establishment
• Emergency services facility
• Health facility
• Hospital
• Office
• Place of worship
• Public agency
• Religious associated use
• Residential care accommodation
• Retirement village
• Supportive housing

The ACT Government has committed to developing a residential eating disorder clinic next to this portion of land. In consideration of the services associated with in-house rehabilitation at this facility, particular services and facilities would not be appropriate for the remainder of this site. This would include facilities like health and fitness related services and uses. There are a range of uses permissible under the Territory Plan for this site. SLA are interested to hear from the local community what services are currently missing in the area and what you would like to see on this site.

Land releases for the future suburb of Molonglo are anticipated to commence in 2025. There will be dedicated Community Facility Zoned land in this suburb. Feedback we receive for the Coombs block will also be used to inform planning for the future suburb of Molonglo ahead of a much larger and more comprehensive community consultation for the Group Centre later in 2023.