The multimillion dollar sale of the Canberra South Motor Park has left residents concerned about their future tenancies and possible redevelopment of the site by new owners.
Tenants of the Canberra Avenue site are preparing to meet with representatives of new owners South Canberra Holdings on Sunday after the company took over the park last month.
The company is a subsidiary of the Hampshire Property Group, which owns seven retirement villages in New South Wales and Victoria.
Residents Kaye Saunders and Bruce Best have written to members of the Legislative Assembly concerned about at least two new transportable houses being installed in recent weeks.
Along with members of the park's residents group, Mr Best has told the ACT government and opposition that struggling power and sewerage infrastructure was already unable to cope with everyday demand.
He said more residents at the park could see further problems, while redevelopment of the site as a retirement village would be devastating for hundreds of low income residents.
Residents have also asked the government for information about planning controls for the new units.
"It is blatantly obvious the ageing infrastructure is already over stressed and will require major upgrades to power supply, sewerage, drainage and water supply," Mr Best said.
"This work must be carried out prior to any increase in dwelling numbers. With no other large caravan parks in the ACT, the village concept will have a serious detrimental effect on tourism in the territory."
South Canberra Holdings chief executive Frank Sharkey would not say how much the company had spent buying the park from its former owners, including members of the Phillips and Scheinberg families.
In March a sale deal with retirement village company Ingenia Communities was scuttled after the offer was withdrawn. In late-2014 the company looked close to finalising a $14.7 million acquisition of the site.
Mr Sharkey said two new units were being added and the company's approach was "business as usual".
"We fully intend to continue the tourist operations and supplement the business by providing special offers to visiting tradesmen and sub-contractors who come to Canberra in off-peak periods.
"We also recognise that our park is home to a significant number of permanent residents living in their own homes. We have assured our residents that their tenure is not at risk from our business operations."
Mr Sharkey said he expected to offer affordable housing for years to come.
The park is home to about 600 residents, including many who have lived in the area for as long as 20 years. Public holiday accommodation is also offered.
Before the Ingenia deal fell through, the company said as many as 150 additional living spaces could be added to the park.
On Thursday, a spokesman said the ACT government was aware of residents' concerns about construction and planning approvals. Staff from the Access Canberra agency will visit the site on Friday to investigate.
Opposition housing spokeswoman Nicole Lawder said she welcomed assurances from the new owners that tenure had been assured for existing residents.
"I will endeavour to consult with residents, the proprietors and the government about any potential issues that could arise," Ms Lawder said.
"Some of the park residents are on low incomes and it must be remembered that this place is their home. Their concerns should be dealt with sympathetically."
