The Hawker Tennis Centre saga continues with no development application submitted to improve the long-abandoned site. Photo: James Coleman.
Canberrans are still no closer to finding out what could be built on the derelict Hawker Tennis Centre site, as the latest development application submission deadline passed with no progress.
The leaseholder was given until the end of September to submit plans.
An ACT Government spokesperson confirmed nothing had been submitted, but the deadline has been extended yet again.
“In 2018, a development application (DA-201834626) was lodged for a new childcare centre and lease variation,” they summarised.
“A request for an extension of time to complete the construction works was submitted to the Territory Planning Authority (the TPA), which granted the request to 1 September 2024.
“A request for an extension of time to complete construction was made on 12 February 2026, which was not granted as the request was not made within time and the DA had expired.
“However, following demonstration of progress, the lessee has been given further time to lodge a development application.”
No further comment could be provided.
The government and regulator have been coming under repeated fire for leaseholders apparently not being held to the conditions of their contracts.
The use and effectiveness of controlled activity orders – one of the regulator’s only enforcement tools – is already the subject of an ongoing committee inquiry.
Canberra Liberals Ginninderra MLA Peter Cain questioned how many chances a leaseholder could receive before there was serious intervention.
“How many chances does [Planning Minister] Chris Steel give one developer?” he asked.
“Two DAs expired without a shovel hitting the ground. Show Cause in February. An ‘urgent’ DA in March … [an extension to September]. September is over. Still no DA.
“Why have a Crown lease with conditions if the Planning Minister won’t enforce them?
“Chris Steel’s problem is no longer that the developer won’t meet his deadlines. It’s that nobody appears to believe there is a consequence for ignoring him.”
The Planning Minister can’t impose lease conditions – that’s a job for the Territory Planning Authority through Access Canberra.
Its website said it exists to support the minister in fulfilling the requirements of the Planning Act 2023.
“It’s important to recognise that TPA decisions, such as those regarding leases and development applications, are statutory,” it stated.
“The TPA operates within the ACT Government but has distinct functions and responsibilities under the Planning Act 2023.”
The ACT Government promised in the lead-up to the 2024 election to investigate stronger powers for the Territory Planning Authority.
Mr Steel previously said he expected the current review of the regulator’s powers to lead to change.
“[The ACT Government] thinks there is a need to strengthen the powers available, particularly looking at an increased range of penalties available to the independent regulator to be able to enforce leases around the territory, particularly at unused shopping centre sites and recreational facilities,” he said.
“This is an important review and we expect it will lead to legislative reform that will be pursued by the government.”
It’s understood the Hawker Tennis Centre lessee has engaged a certifier and consultant to help prepare and submit a new DA for the site.
The government spokesperson said the lessee could apply for another assessable use for the land, other than a childcare centre.
“Any future DAs will be assessed by the Territory Planning Authority against the requirements of the Territory Plan and the Planning Act 2023,” they said.