It’s been a big year for the City Renewal team as we continue our work to create modern, exciting and sustainable urban areas throughout the central parts of Canberra.
To mark the release of the 2023-24 Annual Report, we’ve brought together our top ten photos of the year.
These highlight the breadth of our revitalisation work, from public installations and events to public space upgrades and much more.
1. Dinosaurs roam Civic Square for City Illuminations at Enlighten
Source: Buda Arnedo
This image shows one of the 18,000 attendees who enjoyed the illuminated creatures, roving dinosaurs, interactive performances and food trucks at the two-week event in Civic Square.
2. Ngunnawal Elder leads smoking ceremony at Ngamawari
Source: City Renewal Authority
In May 2024, Ngunnawal Elder Wally Bell (pictured) delivered a powerful rite of passage and smoking ceremony at the site of Ngamawari.
It marked the beginning of construction on the culturally significant park, which will open progressively from early 2025 and feature artworks developed with Ngunnawal creatives.
3. Street upgrades enhance safety and accessibility in Braddon
Source: Leo Infantas
This photo of a father and child walking to the Haig Park Village Markets from Lonsdale Street shows how new pedestrian crossings have made Braddon safer and more accessible, particularly for vulnerable users.
4. Facade restoration begins on the Sydney and Melbourne Buildings
We recently commenced facade restoration on the historic Sydney and Melbourne Buildings following extensive consultation with the more than 100 titleholders. The work is ensuring the buildings remain important symbols of Canberra's past, as well as thriving retail and dining hubs.
5. Dog parties continue to demonstrate the power of play
Source: Buda Arnedo
We recently shared the placemaking science behind Paws Parties and the revitalisation of Haig Park. While there are hundreds of photos that could be in this list, we think this one beautifully captures the love we share for our furry friends.
6. La Fiesta delivers Latin celebration in City West
Source: Buda Arnedo
The inaugural La Fiesta attracted about 5000 people to Latin American Plaza in City West in late 2023 (and nearly as many in 2024), celebrating with live music, authentic food and more than 70 performers. This photo highlights the lively and inclusive nature of the community event, which helped to boost local business in the area.
7. Winter in the City draws record crowds
Source: Davey Barber
More than 24,000 people attended Winter in the City in July 2023, contributing nearly $1.8 million in local economic activity, and in 2024 hundreds of people gathered in Garema Place every night to enjoy free fire shows.
We love this image of a beautiful moment shared between two friends.
8.Sweeping Beauty arrives in the City Centre
Source: Transport Canberra and City Services
In July 2023, we welcomed our new electric street sweeper and scrubber, Sweeping Beauty. This stunning nighttime photo shows the green machine in action as it helps to create a cleaner and more sustainable City Centre.
9. Floriade blooms in the City Centre
Source: Buda Arnedo
Thousands of Canberrans and visitors enjoyed the Floriade Walking Trail in September 2023 and 2024, shown by this lovely photo of a mother walking with her two children past the flower installation at the Alinga Street light rail station.
10. Salthouse Community Centre celebrates first anniversary
Source: Martin Ollman.
The Salthouse Community Centre celebrated its first anniversary in May 2024, with this image exemplifying how the beautiful centre has become the jewel in the crown of the revitalised Haig Park.
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If you missed out on these events and activities in 2023-24, subscribe to our newsletter for updates on upcoming events, projects and other activities.
Read our 2023-24 Annual Report to learn more about City Renewal Authority activities during the year.
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.
