City Hill park
City Renewal is building on the 2024 City Hill Ideas Exhibition to develop a concept masterplan for City Hill park. Balancing the park’s role as a green space, a civic landmark and an integral public place in Canberra’s City Centre, the concept masterplan will support a more accessible, attractive and welcoming park, fit for the future.
The redevelopment of sites around Vernon Circle in accordance with the Housing Supply and Land Release Program including Block 40 Section 100, Block 1 Section 116 and Block 1 Section 121, will create more places for people to live, work and connect. Other projects in the area such as the Canberra Civic and Cultural District (including the expanded new lyric theatre), new office and residential developments, improvements to public transport connections (Light Rail Stage 2A) and additional dining and entertainment spaces will support the City Centre to grow in a way that feels welcoming, vibrant and uniquely Canberran. A revitalised City Hill park will become a central green anchor that connects them all.
Planning the future of City Hill
City Renewal is working closely with members of the Canberra community to develop a concept masterplan for City Hill park.
This work builds on the 2024 City Hill Ideas Exhibition which elicited more than 600 survey submissions and 69 design proposals, demonstrating strong community interest in the future of City Hill park.
The community showed strong support for change, including improved access, safety and shade, native plantings and cultural expression, inviting amenities, family‑friendly areas, arts and performance spaces, and places to relax and connect with nature.
Balancing City Hill park’s role as a green space, a civic landmark and an integral public place in Canberra’s City Centre, the concept masterplan will support a more accessible, attractive and welcoming park, fit for the future.
Partnering with the community to shape the future of City Hill park
We have established a People’s Panel — a group of around 30 community members who will explore ideas, weigh up opportunities and help shape the future of City Hill park.
The Panel reflects the diversity of the Canberra community and places community voices at the heart of this major city‑shaping process.
The deliberative engagement process is being managed by Communication Link who will facilitate regular panel meetings until November 2026. Advised by subject matter experts, the panel will work closely with a design consultant team which will develop the masterplan framework and concept design options. This work will be led by Oculus, our landscape architecture and urban design lead consultant, and supported by a multidisciplinary team spanning First Nations, heritage and transport planning expertise.
The deliberative engagement approach ensures the concept masterplan is grounded in community values and informed by expert advice.
Alongside the City Hill park People’s Panel process and carefully guided by First Nations consultant Blaklash, a group of Ngunnawal representatives will provide recommendations and perspectives to help shape the park’s future. This process ensures First Nations voices are heard, diverse views are considered and the outcome reflects a shared commitment.
After the People’s Panel has finalised its recommendations, the draft concept design options will be shared with the broader community and stakeholders for feedback.
To stay up to date on the project and future opportunities to get involved, visit YourSay.
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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.