A prominent block in Canberra's inner-north suburb of Braddon, home to one of the area's oldest buildings and a well-known car wash, is poised for a dramatic transformation. New development applications propose constructing buildings up to 13 storeys high on the historic Coggan's Bakery and Waves Carwash sites on Lonsdale Street.
Details of the Proposed Precinct
Two separate but linked development applications have been formally submitted to the ACT Planning and Land Authority. The plans, lodged by Canberra-based firms Roland Development Group (RDG) and DISH Developments, envision a mixed-use precinct combining residential, retail, and hospitality spaces.
The project centres on two adjoining parcels of land: the former bakery at 36 Mort Street and the car wash at 15-17 Lonsdale Street. The proposal includes the restoration of the heritage-listed Coggan's Bakery building, which will form the foundation of a new 13-storey structure containing 129 apartments and communal workspaces. This Mort Street component also plans for a supermarket and a small public park on the corner of Mort and Elouera Streets.
On the adjacent car wash site, the vision is for an 11-storey boutique luxury hotel with 191 rooms, accompanied by 64 residential apartments. A rooftop garden and a wellness podium featuring a pool and gym, to be shared by hotel guests and residents, are key features. The ground level across both sites is designated for retail and hospitality outlets.
Preserving Braddon's Heritage
The 100-year-old Coggan's Bakery building, established in 1925 and granted heritage status in 2011, has sadly fallen into significant disrepair after years of vacancy. Its current state includes graffiti, exterior damage, and smashed windows. The new development places its careful restoration at the heart of the project.
Gary Coggan, grandson of the bakery's original owners, expressed relief at the plans. "I have always felt a deep connection to this building, so seeing it fall into disrepair has been difficult," he said. "Knowing it will be restored and given new life is a huge relief. It means a piece of Braddon's history will be preserved for future generations."
Chris Roland, Director at RDG, stated the precinct aims to bridge Braddon's past and future. "This represents a new chapter not just for these sites, but for Braddon as a whole," he said. "We're creating a place that honours the area's heritage while delivering the amenities and safe connections that Braddon needs."
A New Chapter for Lonsdale Street
This proposal marks a notable shift in scale for Braddon. Under the former Territory Plan, developments in the area were limited to just a few storeys. The submission of these plans follows a previous, smaller-scale proposal for the site in 2021, which only gained approval in 2023 after design revisions.
The bakery, famous for its old radio jingle "Don't be misled, ask for Coggan's bread, it's the toast of Canberra," operated until 1991. The site later housed a high-end restaurant, a fancy dress shop, and until 2018, Braddon's last remaining car yard.
If approved, this large-scale redevelopment will significantly alter the streetscape of one of Canberra's most vibrant inner-city precincts, adding hundreds of new residents and visitors while aiming to respectfully integrate a cherished piece of local history.
