The ACT Government, in partnership with the National Capital Authority (NCA), established the National Capital Design Review Panel (NCDRP) in 2021 as a consistent city-wide approach to improve the design quality of the built form across Canberra. This panel provides independent, expert, and impartial design advice for significant development proposals in key growth and renewal areas.
Design review is an independent advisory process in which a panel of built environment experts review the design quality of development proposals. The design review process is an efficient and cost-effective way to enhance the design quality of development proposals, including buildings, public infrastructure, and the public domain. This encourages proponents to achieve the best possible outcome for development.
Through a Request for Tender (RFT), the ACT Government is seeking one or more tenderers to be appointed to the NCDRP. Submissions will be accepted from both individuals and corporate entities.
Design review panel members are identified for their skills, expertise, and record of achievement in one or more professional fields relevant to planning, design and development. Five categories are nominated under the RFT:
- Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
- Urban Planning
- Urban Design
- Specialist Expertise
- This category includes Heritage, Transport Infrastructure, Sustainability, Civil Engineering, Master Planning, Health and Education, and includes nomination for a stand-in Chairperson.
Panel members will serve for a 3-year term, with a possible 1-year extension.
The Design Principles for the ACT support the NCDRP process. The principles consider a range of issues including a broader city, neighbourhood, or site-specific scale. They are:
- Context & character
- Landscape
- Sustainability
- Density & connectivity
- Built form & scale
- Functionality & build quality
- Legibility & safety
- Diversity & amenity
- Community & public domain
- Visual appearance
Tenderers will be evaluated on their demonstrated experience, their understanding of the ACT Planning framework, communication skills, availability, and their local industry participation.
The closing time and date for responses will remain open until the 20 August 2024.
If you are after further advice on this topic or any tender opportunity, feel free to contact us. You can also subscribe to this newsletter for regular weekly updates.
