A 13-storey apartment building and an 11-storey hotel have been proposed for Braddon's historic Coggan's Bakery site and adjacent Waves Carwash on Lonsdale Street. The development applications, lodged with the ACT Planning and Land Authority by Roland Development Group and DISH Developments, include 129 apartments, a supermarket, a public park, and a 191-room luxury hotel.
The Mort Street development would restore the heritage-listed Coggan's Bakery building, which has fallen into disrepair with graffiti and broken windows. Plans also include communal workspaces and a small public park on the corner of Mort and Elouera Streets. The adjacent carwash site would become an 11-storey hotel with a rooftop garden, 64 apartments, and a wellness podium with pool and gym shared by residents and hotel guests.
Previous developments in Braddon were limited to several storeys under the former Territory Plan. The previous owner of the site submitted plans for a shop and bar precinct in 2021, but approval was granted in 2023 subject to conditions including design revisions and stormwater drainage.
Chris Roland, director of Roland Development Group, said the proposed precinct would reflect both the history and aspirations of the Braddon community. Gary Coggan, grandson of the bakery's original owners, expressed relief that the building would be restored and given new life.
The Coggan's Bakery building, established in 1925, was granted heritage status in 2011 for its association with Canberra's early design. The bakery operated until 1991, later housing a restaurant and fancy dress shop. The surrounding site hosted Braddon's last car yard until 2018.
