We are planning paving and lighting improvements on City Walk from East Row to Ainslie Place as well as an upgrade from Ainslie Place to Allara Street.
These improvements will enhance the pedestrian-only street as a thriving entertainment and social destination in the heart of Canberra.
The projects will create more accessible, safe, and welcoming public spaces, helping to bring people together and support local businesses.
Funding has been allocated in the 2025-26 ACT Budget to improve paving and lighting on City Walk between East Row (the Civic bus interchange) and Ainslie Place.
The area between East Row and Garema Place is ready for construction and is anticipated to begin in the first half of 2026. Improvements to the area between Garema Place and Ainslie Place is being designed and construction will commence following the appointment of a construction partner.
Funding has also been allocated for new lighting in Petrie Plaza, from London Circuit east to Bunda Street.
This funding will further revitalise City Walk and connect with the Garema Place upgrade to create modern, welcoming and functional public spaces in the heart of our city.
From street furniture and better pedestrian flow to gardens and urban play areas, the City Walk upgrade from Ainslie Place to Allara Street will build on our award-winning upgrade of City Walk between Garema Place and Ainslie Place that boosted evening visitation by 340%.
Designs for improvements to City Walk between Ainslie Place and Allara Street are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The City Walk upgrade, between Ainslie Place and Allara Street, is part of our Better City Streets initiative, which outlines the range of social, health and economic benefits of pedestrian-friendly streets.
This includes features that make public spaces easier to move around and more enjoyable to spend time in. This creates opportunities for local shops and, in turn, a more attractive and exciting City Centre for all.
Read more about Better City Streets.
Thank you to those who provided feedback on proposed improvements to City Walk during the consultation period from November 2024 - February 2025. Consultation for Better City Streets is now closed.
The City Renewal Authority has considered submissions received during the consultation period and will make any revisions to the draft designs that are considered appropriate. A listening report has been prepared and published to the YourSay Conversations website.
Artist's impression of City Walk looking towards Akuna Street from Allara Street.
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.