News

Wednesday, 11 August, 2010

The July 2010 issue of the CIC Australia newsletter, Communities in the Making, is now available. It will bring you up to date on our ongoing projects and also announces some exciting new successes. Please contact Caroline Whitelum If you would like to receive a hard copy, or download a pdf here.

Tuesday, 24 August, 2010

Canberra’s funkiest and greenest suburb Crace has taken out the Marketing Excellence category at the 2010Urban Development Institute of Australia's National Awards for Excellence.

The UDIA awards recognise outstanding achievement in high quality development that contributes to the industry, government and community.

Crace Project Director Ian Dawkins said the aim of the Crace marketing campaign was to create a strong, fresh brand personality that allowed the Crace name to stand out from the pack.

“The idea that ‘Crace changes everything’ was developed based on research that defined the key features, benefits and essence of the suburb,” Ian said.

“We wanted to look and feel different and speak to the consumer’s desire to be seen to have it all.

“Our buyers are looking for a buzzing and vibrant lifestyle at a price they can afford and we have developed a brand promise that will appeal to this mind set and promote the idea of a new community that challenges consumers to think differently.

“Crace has changed the rules for living through a range of initiatives, including its carbon offset partnership with Greening Australia—the first of its size for the urban development industry—and its design philosophy that incorporates a hip urban precinct with funky, architecturally designed terrace homes, surrounded by a beautiful suburban precinct,” he said.

“Our marketing reflects these features of the suburb and imparts to consumers just how different we really are.”

Crace is being developed over the next six years as a joint venture between the ACT’s Land Development Agency and Crace Developments Pty Ltd, which is a consortium led by CIC Australia (as project manager and majority partner), Defence Housing Australia and PBS Property Group. 

Wednesday, 11 August, 2010

It’s a hat trick for CIC Australia with three major new business projects secured across the nation’s two territories and in South Australia.

A major extension to the Lightsview project in Adelaide, an urban subdivision on the Palmerston campus of Darwin’s Charles Darwin University and a new project to expand the award winning Forde community in the ACT have all been announced within the last few weeks cementing CIC’s reputation for building liveable and sustainable communities.

CIC chief executive Col Alexander says the company’s clutch of new projects are major wins that continue to position CIC as a significant player on the national scene. When combined with the company’s other flagship developments, including the new township of Googong in NSW, these successes auger well for the future and will help CIC deliver good returns for shareholders and investors across Australia.

“The news is good, but none of these projects were secured easily,” Col says. “We had to stay on our toes and work hard to secure these projects and our reputation for delivering a quality result was a factor in our success.”

“Part of our aim was to consolidate our track record of delivering projects in Adelaide and Darwin,” he says, “and these new endeavours have the potential to deliver quality outcomes for our clients, shareholders and joint venture partners.”

Wednesday, 11 August, 2010

Young people, singles, families and retirees who want innovative housing and an inner city location now have even more options with the announcement that CIC’s existing Lightsview joint venture in Adelaide is to be extended.

Lightsview Project Director Alan Miller says the announcement by South Australia’s Land Management Corporation that it will extend its existing joint venture with CIC means a further 1,000 homes will be built within the infill suburb of Northgate.

“Already more than 300 homes have been delivered to Adelaide residents and the extension means we can bring to market more of these clever, innovative homes that are in such high demand,” he says.

Located just 8 kilometres north-east of Adelaide’s CBD, Lightsview is a major success story for CIC and is based around contemporary and sustainable new design standards. The project has attracted purchasers from all over Adelaide by offering a diverse range of housing styles at prices that suit all incomes.

“It’s been hard to keep up with demand,” says Alan, “because the homes and the location are just so popular.”

And with land prices ranging from $110,000 to $430,000, and completed house and land prices from $265,000 to $2 million, there really is a Lightsview home for every taste and every budget.

Alan says the release of additional land is in response to the strong demand experienced for Lightsview since the project first launched in August 2008. The extension will cover a further 45 hectares.

As well as beautiful, sustainable and liveable homes, the development offers fibre to the home telecommunications packages for all residents as well as a dual pipe recycled water system which provides recycled water to maintain public parks and all private gardens.

lightsview.com.au

Wednesday, 11 August, 2010

The newest village in the highly desirable Canberra suburb of Forde is scheduled to get underway in the second half of this year and some of its first residents could be moving in by Christmas 2011.

The project, which extends CIC’s current joint venture arrangement with Delfin Lend Lease and the ACT’s Land Development Agency, will be a seamless extension of the current Forde project. Known as Stray Leaf—the name of one of three original farm holdings in the area—the village will be characterised by a landscape of ponds, open spaces and neighbourhood parks.

“The project’s extension means Forde’s final population will be about 4,000 residents,” says Project Director, Gavin Kemp.

He says Forde is one of Canberra’s first masterplanned communities, and has been extraordinarily popular. Since its launch in 2006, more than 1,000 homes have sold and more than 800 residents have moved in.

“In many ways, Forde has set a benchmark for urban development in the ACT,” says Gavin. “From the very beginning there was a strong emphasis on green open space, quality and affordable living options, as well as the early delivery of community infrastructure.

“We’ve been true to our philosophy of Communities in the making and the approach has definitely paid off. Forde is so much more than a suburb. It’s a real little community with a village centre, schools, shops and childcare that is continuing to grow and thrive.”

forde.com.au

Wednesday, 11 August, 2010

CIC’s work at the new Canberra industrial estate of Fyshwick East is an industrial style of project that is demanding a soft touch.

The site, CIC’s first foray into the commercial and light industrial area, is already proving popular with local businesses seeking affordable premises close to the established Fyshwick and Queanbeyan industrial areas.

CIC’s Regional General Manager for the ACT and Southern NSW, Malcolm Leslie says quality industrial land is in short supply in the region and Fyshwick East’s central location close to Canberra’s major industrial hub is driving demand. CIC is developing the site, and is providing blocks to the market that are fully serviced with underground power, town water and sewerage, kerbing and guttering. The estate’s infrastructure, including access roads, is also being provided.

“This is the first project of its type for CIC and we’re thrilled with the way it’s progressing,” says Malcolm. “The first release has already sold out and stage 2 is now selling.”

He says however that the site has required significant environmental remediation since it was purchased by CIC in 2007, and a comprehensive response to environmental issues affecting the land has been undertaken.

“That includes our legal responsibilities to bring the site into line with national standards set by the Environmental Protection Authority, but also working with local community and environmental groups to identify some large areas of land that we can set aside for regeneration and use by future generations.”

These areas are infested with weeds and CIC has committed to work with the local Molonglo Creek Catchment Group to rehabilitate the land and will also build a small wetland and restore the vegetation in the area.

Malcolm says the “hard and soft” nature of the project brings with it enormous satisfactions. “Its not just delivering industrial blocks to the market, but taking an area of land that was severely misused and returning it to a valuable and viable state.

“There are plenty of winners in this equation, and we’re happy to deliver benefits for all involved.” Releases at Fyshwick East are being staged and blocks are being purchased for a variety of uses including warehousing, light manufacturing and builders’ yards.

Wednesday, 11 August, 2010

The highly successful partnership between CIC Australia and the Larrakia Development Corporation is heading back to school following Charles Darwin University’s announcement of the team as the preferred provider for an urban subdivision on the university’s Palmerston campus.

The collaboration between the two organisations has already proved successful with the Lyons project in Darwin’s north – the first residential project of its kind in the area since the 1980s. “The partnership produced a unique outcome at Lyons,” says Larrakia Development Corporation chairman Koolpinyah Barnes. “We’re proud to be in a position to build on this success at Charles Darwin University.”

Vice Chancellor Professor Barney Glover has confirmed the university will soon begin contract negotiations for the project.

“We are very excited about continuing our work in Darwin, and particularly the great working relationship we’ve established over many years with the Larrakia Development Corporation,” says CIC Australia chief executive Col Alexander.

Wednesday, 11 August, 2010

It’s here comes the neighbourhood as the very first residents start moving into Crace in Canberra’s north.

Crace Project Director Ian Dawkins says it’s hard to believe this major milestone has already been reached. The whole Crace team has pulled together to ensure the new home owners feel welcome and part of a special new neighbourhood.

“Crace is evolving from a paddock of disused grazing land and becoming a really stylish, funky suburb with great green credentials, an architectural pedigree and some serious sustainability features that make it unique for Canberra,” he says.

“It’s not really surprising that demand for homes here is so high and that people are so keen to be a part of what we’re offering.”

Work will soon begin on an attractive urban linear park that will wind its way through Crace’s urban precinct. Thanks to plantings of deciduous trees, the park’s aspect and colours will change with the seasons.

For Mary Bodie, moving day couldn’t have come soon enough. “I purchased my gorgeous, groovy terrace about a year ago and I’ve been waiting ever since to get inside,” she says.

“Obviously owning a new home is exciting for everyone, but I was one of the first people to purchase at Crace and will be one of the first in residence, so my moving day brings with it a lot of pride and excitement. It’s really very, very special.”

crace.com.au

Wednesday, 11 August, 2010

When CIC’s board decided to consolidate CIC’s track record of delivering projects in Adelaide and Darwin, Geoff Smith was the man charged with heading up the challenge.

As regional general manager for South Australia and the Northern Territory, Geoff is most familiar with the markets and has been responsible for some of CIC’s greatest success stories.

“Lightsview and Lyons are stand-outs on the company’s scorecards,” says CIC chief executive Col Alexander, “and Geoff was the driving force behind identifying and securing these projects.

“It is only logical that his knowledge of these markets and his business development skills should be focused in the areas which are clearly his greatest strengths.”

While Geoff calls Adelaide home, Darwin has grown to be his home away from home. “I love both cities—the vibrancy and cosmopolitan style of Adelaide is a real contrast to down-to-earth and laid back Darwin.”

And with CIC’s recent win at Charles Darwin University (see page 1 & 4), Geoff says he plans to take advantage of the greater opportunities to enjoy as much of the Northern Territory’s wonderful seafood as he can.

Friday, 2 July, 2010

Crace is adding “award-winning” to its long list of accomplishments after it was named a winner in the ACT Master Builders & Boral Excellence in Building Awards in June for its fabulous and funky terraces.
CIC Australia and PBS Homes Pty Ltd took out this year’s award in the Medium Density – Townhouses & Villas category for the architecturally designed terraces in Crace’s urban precinct, which were hailed by judges as “distinctive”, “aesthetically pleasing” and “environmentally conscious”.

Crace is being developed as a joint venture between the ACT Government’s Land Development Agency and Crace Developments Pty Ltd, a consortium that includes CIC Australia, (as lead partner and project manager) Defence Housing Australia, CHC Affordable Housing and Tatebrook Pty Ltd. PBS Homes played an integral role in the design and construction of the terrace homes at Crace.

Crace Project Director Ian Dawkins says the win is terrific validation for the suburb, which has purposely stepped away from mainstream style developments to pursue cutting edge and affordable architectural design, an innovative and clever masterplan, and an unapologetically prescriptive approach to establishing and maintaining the suburb’s overarching aesthetic.

“The awards judges were particularly pleased with the way each terrace was designed and built as an individual and unique home, while still creating a very neat, unified streetscape,” says Ian. “We are thrilled with this because ensuring the design integrity of our streetscapes at Crace is an important goal and one that we have worked hard to achieve.”
A panel of seven renowned architects is behind the unique look and modern styling of all the terrace homes at Crace, including Oztal and Collins Caddaye Architects whose designs were highlighted as part of the winning submission. The panel’s work has provided the diversity of designs for the urban precinct’s streetscapes, including a mix of styles for the front fencing and a modern mix of external colour schemes. Each terrace shares however, the signature stylish and modern look that Crace has come to be known for.

As well as the distinctive and aesthetically pleasing designs of each terrace, judges remarked on their top quality construction and fit-out standards, and highly functional formats.
“PBS was able to deliver the high quality of workmanship that is evident in the terraces, because the company was intimately involved in the project from the design and construction stages right through to delivery of the completed homes,” says Ian.
“That included a full-time construction manager and an onsite manager to oversee every aspect of the building process and to ensure the highest quality workmanship was adhered to.”
Ian says another facet of excellence that judges singled out related to Crace’s environmental credentials. “This feedback is particularly pleasing given that a fundamental premise of this development is its commitment to sustainability and environmental considerations,” he says.

During the construction of the demonstration village, innovative practices were adopted to minimise environmental impacts and enhance cost efficiency. “These practices will be mirrored across the development of the entire suburb and complement our other, major environmental initiatives,” Ian says, “including measures which have been implemented to reduce emissions from all bulk earthworks, road construction and infrastructure servicing.
“We are also aiming to achieve a minimum of 90 per cent of homes at Crace with a six-star energy rating.”

The Crace Joint Venture took an innovative approach to designing its terrace homes by selecting a panel of renowned architects to create diversity and synergy all at the same time.
Oztal Architects and Collins Caddaye Architects are the two firms responsible for designing the terraces highlighted in this year’s awards program. Other architects responsible for the fresh and funky terrace designs at Crace are dKO Architecture, TT Architecture, Phillip Leeson Architects, DJAS Jackson Architecture, CEO and Heyward Lance Architects.
 

Friday, 21 May, 2010

Land sales at the Lightsview development are achieving stunning results this year, with $20 million in sales over four months and an industry-beating total for April. Lightsview Project Director Alan Miller said 32 lots were sold in April, which he believed was the best result for the month at any current metropolitan residential development.
"In the current market of rising interest rates, our result in April was extremely gratifying," he said. "We've sold more than 300 lots since the project started".

The demand for land at Lightsview remains high, for everything from affordable terrace lots to larger, more expensive ones. Our terrace lots continue to sell out, despite the conclusion of the additional First Home Owner Grant bonus. Lightsview is located at Northgate, just 8km from the CBD.

The development is a joint venture between CIC Australia and the State Government’s Land Management Corporation. It is setting new benchmarks in urban design, streetscape, housing diversity and affordability. There is a mandatory minimum 6-star rating for all homes, and the development's display village – currently with 15 displays open - will ultimately offer the largest demonstration in South Australia of seven-star energy efficiency. Lightsview is also involved in the first recycled water pipeline from the City of Salisbury to be delivered outside the council's boundaries for residential use. The line is expected to reach Lightsview next month and will provide recycled storm water to all homes for toilets and gardens, and to all reserves at Lightsview.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, please contact:
Melissa King at Hughes Public Relations on (08) 8412 4103 or 0448 881 644

Monday, 3 May, 2010

CIC Australia’s COO Tony Carey’s presentation at the ACNU Congress was very warmly received. If you didn’t get a chance to catch see the presentation or to catch up with us at the congress, contact us for a copy of our New Urbanism at Work brochure, or contact our regional general managers direct to discuss how we can work in partnership with you.

Contact Geoff Smith, Regional General Manager SA/NT/WA on 08 8211 7133 or geoff.smith@cicaustralia.com.au
Contact Malcolm Leslie, Regional General Manager ACT/Southern NSW on 02 6230 0800 or malcolm.leslie@cicaustralia.com.au

Friday, 23 April, 2010

When it comes to new urbanism, CIC Australia doesn’t just talk the talk. We walk the walk. To see how we have applied, adapted, explored and even challenged the principles of new urbanism in many of our recent developments, don’t miss the address by our COO, Tony Carey, at the Australian Council for New Urbanism 2010 Congress at 11am on Thursday 29 April. To arrange a one-on-one meeting with Tony, or with our local General Manager, Geoff Smith, visit us at the Congress at stand 4.

ACNU Congress, Stand 4, Adelaide Convention Centre, 28-30 April.
Tony Carey’s address, Delivering NU in the Real World, CIC Australia’s Experience, will be made on Thursday 29 April at 11am.

Our brochure, New Urbanism at Work, is also available on request. Please contact Caroline Whitelum cic@cicaustralia.com.au.

Wednesday, 3 February, 2010

One of Canberra’s most respected corporate entities, Canberra Investment Corporation Limited, has renamed its business to reflect its growing portfolio of local and interstate projects.

The new name, CIC Australia, will come into effect today in a move that the board and executive management team say more accurately reflects the company’s national operations.

CIC Australia, one of the ACT region’s most successful and progressive development companies, is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and is controlled by Sir Ron Brierley’s Guinness Peat Group.

While its reputation over the last two decades has been built primarily on quality residential projects in and around Canberra, a concerted program of geographic diversification over the last five years has seen it compete for, secure and undertake a range of highly successful residential projects in regional NSW, Adelaide and Darwin.

In the ACT, the company is undertaking a range of major projects including the prestigious The Ambassador apartments at Deakin, Quayside Kingston Harbour apartments at Kingston Foreshore, and an industrial site at Fyshwick East. It is also working in joint venture with the ACT Land Development Agency on the new Canberra suburbs of Crace and Forde.

CIC will shortly commence work on the massive new township of Googong, a community of some 5,500 homes, schools shops and recreational facilities just 16 kilometres south-east of Parliament House in Canberra.

In NSW, the company has two major housing developments on the South Coast—at Batemans Bay and Bega—which are showcasing CIC’s commitment to environmental and cultural sustainability.

In Adelaide, the company is working with South Australia’s Land Management Corporation on the highly successful Lightsview project 8 kilometres east of the city, which showcases architecturally designed terrace homes from $249,000 through to large executive style homes for over $1 million.

CIC Australia’s 691-lot community in the beachside suburb of Aldinga, south of Adelaide, showcases contemporary housing types for the region as well as a range of important environmental measures. These have included purpose-designed rainwater tanks plumbed to the toilet in each home, compulsory installation of solar hot water, and landscape guidelines mandating the use of species compatible with the adjoining sensitive Aldinga scrub.

In Darwin, the company is working with Defence Housing Australia and the Larrakia Development Corporation on the highly successful suburb of Lyons, which created about 700 new homes and generated jobs and economic investment throughout its construction phase.

The Larrakia community is playing a key role in the creation of Lyons and in ensuring Indigenous culture and heritage is recognised and incorporated into the suburb. Direct employment has been created for 21 Larrakia people so far.

Chief Executive Col Alexander says that while CIC’s board and executive management team were happy with the way the company has been branded to date, “we have had to acknowledge that over the years there has been an evolution in the way we do business,” he says.

“As the company has grown, so too has our focus, which now encompasses projects not just in Canberra, but throughout Australia.

“To be true to our values, our clients and our shareholders, we felt we had to bring our identity in line with the way we were operating corporately.

“This is an innovative and nimble company that is responsive to the needs of its clients, the market and the communities it builds,” he says. “These attributes and brand values are reinforced by our new identity, which acknowledges where we’ve been as well as where we’re going.”

Friday, 15 January, 2010

Canberra suburb of Forde is moving ahead in leaps and bounds with 200 blocks sold in the last six months, 300 houses already built and a central parkland and ponds area established and thriving.

With 75 per cent of the suburb’s 1,100 blocks already sold, the flourishing Forde community is really starting to grow and develop. The $500 million masterplanned suburb is located in Gungahlin, a short drive from Canberra’s CBD, and is being developed by the Forde Joint Venture, a partnership between CIC, the ACT Government’s Land Development Agency and Delfin Lend Lease.

Project Director Gavin Kemp says that as with all CIC projects, the suburb is being designed to enhance social cohesion and respect for the surrounding natural environment, and that only 18 months after the first residents moved in, the seeds of a strong and vibrant community have been established.

“People are moving in every day,” he says. “It’s very exciting to watch as the suburb continues to evolve and you start to get the sense that a real community is being established and is growing right before our eyes.”

Already the Burgmann Anglican School has opened its doors to kindergarten and year 1 students. This will expand to year 2 in the new year. Funding from the Australian Government’s Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan has given the school a welcome injection to start work on a multipurpose hall, well ahead of its original proposed schedule.

The community’s meticulous planning is designed to preserve the area’s heritage while providing a range of innovative and quality homes to suit a range of budgets and lifestyles.

“People really love Forde,” says Gavin. “They love the setting and they love the suburb’s strong focus on sustainability. And as the suburb continues to grow and mature, more and more people recognise the special quality of life Forde offers. They really want to be a part of that.”

www.forde.com.au

Friday, 15 January, 2010

The first release of premium land in Darwin’s northern suburbs in over 20 years has resulted in outstanding sales figures and the creation of a whole new sustainable, integrated and connected community.

Developed as joint venture between Defence Housing Australia and CIC, Lyons demonstrates that a commitment to innovation and quality design creates desirable communities with lasting appeal. The new suburb comprises a total land holding of 76 hectares and is the first masterplanned residential community in Darwin’s northern suburbs since the 1980s.

“We rewrote the rule book when it came to Lyons,” says Project Director Geoff Smith. “We set out from the start to provide something completely different for Darwin and to deliver the highest standard in residential living.”

These new rules were based on the mantra “Very Different, Very Darwin”, and include carefully managed design guidelines that ensure each home takes full advantage of natural breezes, making the best from Darwin’s tropical climate.

The site is enhanced with serene parks and public spaces, many of which recognise and incorporate local Indigenous culture and heritage, beautifully landscaped boulevards and streetscapes, as well as the suburb’s very own neighbourhood centre. And the approach has been well accepted.

So well in fact, that Lyons is ahead of its sales schedule by six months. The final 23 lots were released in early December and, based on previous sales and current demand, the development is expected to be sold out in the next few months. “Buyers at Lyons are very discerning,” says Geoff. “They really recognise what Lyons has to offer and want to be part of this style of community.”

www.lyons.com.au