Investing in the heart of our city: ACT Budget continues revitalisation of City Renewal Precinct

A man and a woman in casual clothes walk down a path in City Hill park with grass and trees around them.

The ACT Government has announced an investment of $19.6 million over four years to support City Renewal-led projects in the City Centre and Dickson. This funding will deliver a series of transformative projects, all aimed at creating more vibrant, welcoming public spaces, improving connectivity, and supporting the city’s sustainable growth.

City Renewal CEO, Craig Gillman, said it’s about more than just infrastructure upgrades. “These projects are about creating places where people want to live, work, visit, and connect,” Mr Gillman said.

“By investing in thoughtful planning, design and community collaboration, the ACT Government and City Renewal are laying the groundwork for a more energetic and inclusive Canberra.”

“We’ve already seen some great outcomes from recent upgrades and we’re looking forward to continuing our work with community and business to build on these.”

Image shows the current state of Dickson Shops with colourful purple bench seating, shade sail, orange umbrella and City Renewal branded ping pong table. Someone enjoys reading a book in the shade of a tree.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s being delivered:

Upgrades to lighting and paving on City Walk from East Row to Ainslie Place, as well as new lighting in Petrie Plaza. These improvements will boost accessibility, safety, and night time atmosphere. Works also include public realm upgrades on City Walk from East Row to Garema Place.
Stormwater network upgrade at Dickson Shops will address drainage issues and prevent flooding. This project will be combined with the Dickson Shops upgrade from late 2025, creating a safe, accessible, and welcoming community hub.
Planning for Dickson’s Section 72 which includes existing facilities Dickson Aquatic Centre and Common Ground. A concept masterplan will build on what’s already been heard from community, and will include further engagement to inform future development.
Planning and design for improvements to City Hill park following the public City Hill Ideas Exhibition. A concept design masterplan will guide future improvements, incorporating stakeholder engagement, site analysis, and feasibility studies to shape a well-connected green heart for our City Centre.
Continued support for the ACT Government’s partnership with UNSW to create the Canberra City Campus, which will generate 2000 jobs and bring thousands more students to the City Centre.

As Canberra evolves, this investment reflects a strong commitment to creating a more vibrant, accessible, and inclusive city. The projects will focus on upgrading streetscapes, improving accessibility, and working closely with the community to shape places that reflect the needs and aspirations of all Canberrans.

Image shows the bench seating and landscaping that was introduced as part of the most recent City Walk upgrade with the merry go round in the background.

Place audit supporting future planning and delivery of City Centre events and activations

Masterplan for a safer and more connected Cooyong Street