Plans submitted for $41m redevelopment of Dame Pattie Menzies House

Developer Merrylin Lindland has proposed 163 units for the site, Block 19 and 20 Section 32, at the corner of Cape and Challis streets.

The application is also to vary the lease to combine blocks 19 and 20.

The build would include 220 basement car spaces, 30 residential apartments across each levels one to five and an "attic" with a further 13 apartments. There would be a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

"The central atriums with landscape features on ground floor level, first floor level, and level six have been carefully designed to provide areas for relaxing and socialising while supporting active living," the submission states.

"These communal open spaces will provide solar access for the dwellings, improve the air quality, and facilitate cross-ventilation effect that will provide comfort to building occupants and support the reduction of year-round energy consumption."

The developer also want to create a pedestrian link between Challis St and Woolley St by setting the building back three metres from the northern boundary of the site.

"This laneway will connect with the recently completed laneway joining Challis Street to Northbourne Avenue," the submision states.

Pedestrian links between Northbourne Avenue through to Badham Street were part of the government's Dickson Master Plan.

Off-site works have also been flagged on Block 28, directly north of Dame Pattie Menzies House, to create the link - including removing car spaces currently on Block 28 and replacing landscaping with deep root plans consistent with the surrounding area.

That site, Block 28 Section 32, is currently a car park for Transport Canberra and City Services.

Dame Pattie Menzies House was once home to the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate and Access Canberra but as those offices have relocated it is now vacant.

Demolition is not part of the current application and will be lodged later.

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