New neighbourhood to transform Canberra’s City Centre with 500 new homes


City Renewal Authority / 20 Jan 2025

An innovative, eco-conscious, and inclusive mixed-use development will re-shape the area south-west of City Hill following the sale of a landmark site by the ACT Government’s City Renewal Authority through a public tender process.

Sold to Capital Property Group for $66 million (ex GST), this new development is a significant step forward for affordable housing in the City Centre, with 76 of the 502 dwellings designated as affordable.

The development, will feature a range of residential and commercial spaces, including diverse architecture, affordable housing and green space. Construction will deliver approximately 800 jobs over 5 years, and eventually house approximately 1,000 residents and 1,200 workers.

Section 121 render showing a public space with lots of people gathering around a green lawn and outdoor dining options, trees and apartment buildings

Key design features include:

Render shows the buildings on corner of London Cct and Edinburgh Ave

Canberra’s City Centre is transforming with this development allowing residents, visitors and workers to enjoy better connections from the city to the lake. They can also take advantage of nearby infrastructure including two planned light rail stops at their doorstep.

This inclusive and sustainable place will make a substantial contribution to the public realm of central Canberra, creating thriving public spaces and enhancing the city’s cultural and social fabric.

Located between City Hill and QT Hotel Canberra, the site is currently supporting the project to raise London Circuit. Subject to obtaining the necessary approvals, construction may commence as soon as 2026, with completion in stages expected between 2028-2034.

An aerial of the City Centre Canberra showing the location of 121 between City Hill and the lake

CEO of the City Renewal Authority Craig Gillman said the competitive, two-stage public tender process has ensured a sustainable and high-quality development will be delivered to benefit all Canberrans.

‘This represents the best possible outcome for the Canberra community and one that is fitting of its remarkable location,’ Mr Gillman said.

‘We set very high expectations for the market with this sale. We asked for architectural diversity, outstanding design, connections with the light rail and surrounding places, and exemplary responses to environmental and social inclusion criteria.

‘It’s all part of the City Renewal Authority’s ongoing efforts to revitalise the City Centre. This new development will bring more people into the City Centre and have important flow-on benefits for the local economy.’

First advertised by public tender on 4 May 2023, the sale was run by JLL over two stages with the first stage (request for EOIs) closing on 4 July 2023 and second stage (request for tender) closing on 12 December 2023. Following the completion of the sale, the draft design will proceed to National Capital Authority works approval which will include a public consultation process.

A render of Section 121 showing the new public area facing Knowles Place with people enjoying water play, outdoor dining and a large green space.


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