Ainslie Group to start new build following ACAT win

The Ainslie Group will soon begin construction of its long proposed early childhood education and care (ECEC) service after receiving approval from the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT).

The ECEC service, which will provide education and care for 91 children and will cost approximately $4 million to build, is the first stage of the Ainslie Group’s 10-year redevelopment plan aimed at diversifying the Ainslie Football & Social Club’s revenue base so the club can reduce its dependency on gaming machines.

Many in the local community have been opposed to the redevelopment, with the North Canberra Community Council (NCCC) taking the approved proposal to ACAT twice over a verge crossing, loss of open space and traffic concerns.

Despite the concerns of the community the Tribunal approved the development, with some conditions, including use of the car park entry, a design measure to ensure vehicles do not have to cross double lines in Angas Street and lighting.

Ainslie Group CEO Simon Patterson has previously described the objections as being an attempt by the NCCC to use ‘disrupt-and-delay’ tactics, suggesting their views were “out of step” with the broader community.  

Following the latest ACAT finding Mr Patterson indicated to local media that he would “not be drawn on the NCCC,” saying only that the Ainslie Group was “happy the matter had been resolved and we can move forward”.

It is anticipated that the project will commence in November, with a completion date of November 2024. 

Read the original coverage of this story here.