AWM – Early & Enabling.
SITE
THE PROJECT
Knight Frank Town Planning (KFTP) were engaged by the AWM to prepare and lodge applications for National Capital Authority (NCA) Works Approval for the development of the AWM site. KFTP submitted and obtained thirteen approvals of works ranging from rapid and emergent requirements for enabling future major work to major applications for all early works site wide. This project required KFTP to build and maintain clear lines of communication and close relationships with five architecture firms, two engineering firms, and three separate bodies within TCCS, EPSDD and the NCA. KFTP enabled the AWM to undertake various enabling, demolition and construction works throughout the site.
UPLIFT
KEY LESSONS
Design process meeting with the NCA have a great potential to streamline approval. These meetings can include both the details of the works being applied for and the timing and packaging of applications to form an agreed long-term approach suited to a major project and aligned with authority resources. Unlike conventional statutory planning approaches, these meetings are the domain in which major approvals will be won or lost with regards to designated land in the ACT.
The qualitative nature of the design guidelines constituting the National Capital Plan (NCP) allows for a considerably more flexible interpretation and exercise of judgement by the NCA than in other precincts or planning instruments.
The timing of engagement with the authority is therefore key, it must occur during the early design phases when there is an opportunity for the authority to describe how the design should be changed to meet their interpretations of the Plan.