Under construction: Belconnen Arts Centre

Project Co-ordination is wasting no time getting started at the site for Stage One of the Belconnen Arts Centre on the foreshore of Lake Ginninderra.

"The inspiring sculptural design of the Centre, by Williams Ross Architects, will be a striking addition to the lakeshore and the Belconnen Town Centre, and will strengthen Canberra's reputation as a vibrant arts community and support the cultural needs of Belconnen and Canberra's northern communities"

Stage One includes a visual arts gallery and outdoor gallery, a large foyer and meeting room for community gatherings, dance and rehearsal studio, two classrooms for the visual arts, three studio areas for artists and arts-based organisations, a kiosk/café and administrative areas. Improvements will also be made to the existing Belconnen Theatre at the Belconnen Community Centre.

Stage Two includes a major performing arts theatre, additional studio, classroom and administrative spaces, and a major café restaurant. Stage One of the Centre is scheduled to be completed in mid 2009. Display panels detailing the design will shortly be erected in a number of community sites in Belconnen.

New Developments: New Acton East

The boutique development New Acton, at the site of the historic Acton Hotel, has piqued my interest. It promises to provide a striking architectural piece where you can live, shop, dine, take in coffee and art.

Images courtesy of Kathleen Miles, Via Canberra House

Already lined up to open soon are Labimbi for deluxe hair and spa treatments, upmarket Parlour Wine room (by the owner of Knightstbridge Penthouse), Rubix esspresso bar (by owner of Tonic, Justin Harvey). Kell's Kitchen, Luxury boutique Diamant Hotel with "breathtaking interior design". Not to mention the Arts at New Acton program promising "to reveal, honour and support the work of Australian artists and designer/makers as part of our creation of a unique part of the city."

But here's a little peek at the CGI's of the boutique apartments for sale...

The apartments are for sale via Colliers.