HOME AND AWAY

CURRONG FLATS  

Most Canberrans weren’t sad to see the demolition of the rundown Currong Flats building in 2016. They had an air of neglect and a reputation for petty crime, leading many to agree the building’s best years were behind it.

Yet when it was first built in 1959 it was considered by its new tenants to be the height of luxury. Each apartment had heating, a kitchen, spacious living areas and views of the developing city.

The building was home to thousands of people over its 50 years, from single workers to young families and those in need of emergency accommodation. Many of them lived there for decades, forging strong friendships and holding fond memories of the place.

Together with the Allawah and Bega Flats, the complex – known as the ABC Flats – was a fixture of the city landscape and reflected a key aspect of Canberra’s development – both architecturally and socially.

NORTHBORNE AVENUE FLATS 

Northbourne Avenue is one of Canberra’s most significant streets and the main gateway into the city. The Northbourne Flats were designed by Sydney Anchor, one of Australia’s leading architects at the time, and completed in 1962.

An example of the post-war international style, the precinct had good quality residential design, with open spaces, landscaping, pedestrian links, road loops and cul-de-sacs with off-street parking. They were some of the first ‘modern’ architecture in Canberra and their placement – public housing in such a prominent position – was a significant nod to the city being the ‘people’s capital’.

A strong community flourished there, but time, changing demographics and a lack of upkeep saw the flats fall into disrepair. Coupled with rapid population growth and the rising market value of the Northbourne ‘corridor’ due to the light rail, the majority of the flats were demolished in 2018.

There was some opposition, but not much, and the precinct, along with the community that lived there, is gone forever.

CUDDLES AND BUBBLES

Who could resist the allure of the famous ‘Cuddle ‘n’ Bubble’ package? It had everything a loved-up couple could want – champagne and chocolates, a three-course meal, a spa suite, full cooked breakfast and a late checkout. Created by the Capital Executive Apartment Hotel in 1990, it aimed to attract local and interstate couples to the CBD, at a time when there were few luxury options in Canberra.

Such was the popularity of the package that it was offered for 30 years, with over 11,000 couples experiencing the tagline of ‘You supply the cuddles, we supply the bubbles.’

The advertising sign – hung in a prominent position on Northbourne Avenue for three decades – was seen (consciously and unconsciously) by thousands of motorists each day.

As increasing numbers of luxury hotels and restaurants appeared in the city, coupled with the availability of cheap domestic flights for ‘weekends away’ interstate, the Cuddles and Bubbles package finally popped, leaving Canberrans with fond memories and a strong sense of nostalgia.