Developer flags new affordable housing plan

A CBD block has been earmarked for development just a week after it changed hands. Read what’s planned.

A Darwin businessman and developer plans to build affordable housing on a block he recently acquired in Carey Street, Darwin.

Businessman Michael Anthony finalised purchase of the 2620 square metre block at 4 Carey Street, next door to Zen last Tuesday.

Mr Anthony owns the Zen building beside the Carey Street block and intends to waste no time developing the asset, which is zoned central business and has prime views over Darwin Harbour, Frances Bay and the city skyline.

Listing agents Colliers said the block provided “exceptional development versatility and capacity to truly capture the stunning scenic beauty of the surrounds”.

The block to the right of Zen was bought by Michael Anthony.

The site currently has a 28-storey development permit approval, which would allow for a 90-metre development if the developer went down that path.

But Mr Anthony said he was looking to develop on a smaller scale, with a six-story building planned.

“I’m looking at developing seriously affordable accommodation there,” Mr Anthony told the NT News on Monday.

“We’re putting together a pretty exciting proposal.

“It will be quite radical and we’ll be making a big effort to develop accommodation that allows ordinary people to live somewhere affordable, safe and nice.”

With drawings for the development expected to be completed later this week, Mr Anthony said he was looking at developing 140 studios on six floors.

“It will be for Joe Blow who lives in town and either walks or scooters to work or around the place,” he said.

“The key is affordable accommodation and it hasn’t been done in the Territory before.”

If Mr Anthony’s development goes ahead, it will be the first new apartment complex in seven years built in Darwin’s CBD.

The Tomazos Group’s Magnum building on the corner of Wood and Gardiner streets was the last CBD residential complex.

The Catholic Church through St Vincent de Paul are considering developing affordable worker accommodation at the old Ozanam House site at the corner of Westralia Street and the Stuart Highway.