In another step towards the ongoing renewal of Dickson into a vibrant residential, commercial and retail centre, the ACT Government has sold the Dame Pattie Menzies office buildings to private company Merrylin Lindland for $15 million by tender.

The sale includes two interconnected commercial buildings with a combined net lettable area of 6,909 sqm across 3.5 hectares.

The ACT Government has a three-year lease on the two buildings - which house the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate – with two additional one-year options, to allow for construction of a new government office building on the nearby motor registry site.

City Renewal Authority interim chief executive Gary Rake described the sale as a “really wonderful opportunity for future urban renewal” and said the site would be a fantastic urban renewal opportunity after the ACT Government lease ends.

“This site has great potential to complement the ongoing renewal in and around the Dickson group centre,” Mr Rake said.

“It is situated conveniently next to the new Dickson bus interchange, adjacent to the Wooley Street dining precinct and just a very short stroll from the Dickson light rail stop.

The site is zoned for a variety of uses including commercial, residential and retail. Renewal activity has already commenced in the surrounding area, with new high-density residential developments and a new development set for the old motor registry site across the road expected to begin soon.

“With its central Canberra location, proximity to the new light rail line and a wide variety of dining and entertainment options, Dickson is a booming area in the city renewal precinct and the sale of this site provides a great opportunity for further renewal.”