In brief

• The ACT Government is providing support to help the businesses impacted by light rail construction work in and around London Circuit.
• Support is both practical and financial.
• The initiatives aim to ease cost pressures and encourage visitation to the area.

The ACT Government is providing support to help the businesses impacted by light rail construction work in and around London Circuit.

Support is both practical and financial, with a focus on easing cost pressures and encouraging visitation to the area.

The package was informed by the impacted businesses and designed to help during the disruption.

Light Rail Stage 2A business support measures

• Free parking Wednesday to Sunday evenings from 5:30pm (effective immediately) at nearby public car parks including:
  • Theatre Lane Car Park (opposite Sydney Building)
  • City Hill Car Park (Section 116)
  • Canberra Olympic Pool Car Park (City southeast)
  • Note: The existing parking hours at Hobart Place are already aligned with these times.

• Outdoor dining permit fee waivers from 1 July 2025 for businesses directly impacted by construction activities
• New CCTV cameras to be installed and upgraded around London Circuit to support safety during night-time trading
• A campaign launching mid-year to promote that London Circuit is open for business, spotlighting local venues and retailers
• Place making improvements including additional lighting delivered by the City Renewal Authority
• Business Capability Building Program offering free tailored advice

Expanded liquor licence fee reductions

This targeted package will be supported from 1 July by expanded liquor licence fee reductions available to all eligible ACT hospitality businesses up to a 350-person capacity, building on significant reductions introduced in 2024.

An automatic 50% liquor fee reduction will be expanded to cafes, restaurants and general licences up to 150-person capacity.

Previously the 50% discount was only applicable to cafes and restaurants up to 80-person capacity.

A 50% liquor fee reduction will be expanded to venues showcasing artists between 151 to 350-person capacity, available upon application, in addition to the existing fee reduction of 80% for venues up to 150-person capacity.

Support local

Light Rail is transforming the city into a vibrant and well-connected place to do business.

However, with construction there is an impact on nearby business.

Canberrans are encouraged to show their support by visiting their favourite businesses in the city.

More information

Business owners in the London Circuit area will be contacted directly with further information on how to access support. The ACT Government will continue engaging with stakeholders as the project progresses.

Click here for more information.

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