The Cushion (Matthew Harding, 2001) and the ‘this Place’ poem by Marion Halligan has been reinstalled on a new plinth designed by local artist Ferro Forma outside Impact Comics and Landspeed Records.
Laser-cut decorative light poles and seating that reflect Ngunnawal culture and identity have been installed in the new garden beds between Garema Place and City Walk.
Space on City Walk near Garema Place has been allocated for a new statue of Stasia Dabrowski OAM, known as Canberra’s ‘soup kitchen lady’. This artwork is being commissioned and delivered by artsACT.
Construction on the Garema Place hotel, Crystalbrook Aurora, is progressing. The developer, TP Dynamics, will deliver the portion of the public space improvements that are currently behind construction fencing and directly adjacent to the new hotel in line with our design. This area extends up to the hotel façade and down the laneway.
The Open for Business Guide was 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 was 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.
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.
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.