Garema Place upgrade project diagram.
Major work for the Garema Place upgrade is complete, and the central area has reopened to the public.
Minor works, including planting garden beds, mulching, and adjustments to furniture or artworks will continue through December and into 2026 with minimal disruption expected.
Small areas of Garema Place will be closed to the public while these minor works take place.
Construction will pause over Christmas and New Year before work begins on improvements to City Walk near Garema Place in early January 2026.
Our partner, RAM Constructions, is managing the construction for this project. They will be providing updates to impacted businesses as work progresses.
The City Renewal Authority received funding in the 2025–26 ACT Budget to deliver new paving and lighting on City Walk (from East Row to Ainslie Place), along with new lighting in Petrie Plaza.
In response to the new funding and the coordination of future improvements to City Walk, construction staging has been updated. As a result, the section of City Walk between King O’Malley’s, Rodger Bartholomew and Dosa Hut will be undertaken in 2026. Improvements from East Row to Garema Place, and from Garema Place to Ainslie Place, will be undertaken in stages and begin after a contractor has been appointed.
The existing artworks in Garema Place have been relocated to facilitate the upgrade.
The Open for Business Guide has been developed to help businesses and property owners before, during, and after construction.
It offers communication tips, government services, and advice specifically for those affected by the project.
Outdoor dining is about creating spaces that work for everyone, balancing both community and business needs.
The Places to Dine – Outdoor Dining Toolkit for Garema Place outlines how thoughtful outdoor dining set ups can activate public space, support local business, and improve the experience of being in the city.
An Outdoor Dining Toolkit has been developed in partnership with Oculus and businesses operating outdoor dining in Garema Place to support the area’s transformation. It outlines the available spaces and the processes for applying for outdoor dining.
It provides clear, consistent guidance for outdoor dining that enhances the public realm and community and business needs.
Well-designed and functional outdoor dining can support:
During public consultation for the Garema Place upgrade strong support was expressed for outdoor dining to boost the area’s appeal, encourage longer visits, and contribute to the local economy. Feedback highlighted the need for inclusive furniture, weather protection, cleanliness, and a unified design approach across public and private spaces.
Garema Place upgrade consultation receives expressed desire for outdoor high quality and consistent outdoor dining.
In 2023, a public consultation was held to gather feedback on a draft design for the upgrade. Input from property owners, businesses and the broader community has helped shape the final design.
For more details on the public consultation and to read our report on community and stakeholder feedback, please visit the YourSay consultation website.
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For construction-related matters, contact RAM Constructions via email at info@ramconstructions.com.au
For general questions about the project, email CityRenewal@act.gov.au
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.