The City Renewal Authority has developed the Canberra Civic and Cultural District Development Master Plan 2025 to guide the long-term evolution of the Cultural District.
The Cultural District is a city-shaping initiative that will help realise the ACT Government's vision for a vibrant, welcoming and connected cultural destination in the heart of Canberra.
The Master Plan provides a framework to guide future planning, investment and design decisions over the next 20–30 years. Implementation will depend on future government priorities, funding, approvals and project development.
The Master Plan does not include final plans for buildings, public spaces or landscape works, or commit to funding or delivery timeframes. Detailed designs will be prepared progressively as individual projects move into planning and delivery. There will be further opportunities for the community and stakeholders to contribute to future planning and design as these projects progress within the vision of the Master Plan.
The Canberra Civic and Cultural District is located east of City Hill park and is bounded by Vernon Circle, London Circuit, Constitution Avenue and Northbourne Avenue. The district includes destinations such as Civic Square, Canberra Theatre Centre, the future Lyric Theatre, Canberra Museum and Gallery, the ACT Legislative Assembly, Ainslie Place, Constitution Place and surrounding public spaces.
The district already attracts more than 450,000 visitors each year and is home to cultural organisations, businesses, government institutions and creative workers.
The Master Plan identifies opportunities to:
Key focus areas include Civic Square, Ainslie Place, Block 23 and the area surrounding the future Lyric Theatre. Proposed improvements include revitalised public spaces, better pedestrian connections, new gathering places and opportunities for future mixed-use development.
The Master Plan has been informed by engagement with stakeholders and the community between 2023 and 2025.
Read more about the Canberra Civic and Cultural District Development Master Plan 2025.
For more information about the Canberra Civic and Cultural District Development Master Plan, please 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.