Canberra's Railway Station is about to get a major facelift, and it's desperately needed! For too long, the gateway to our nation's capital has been… well, let's just say 'underwhelming.' But hold on – there's a plan, and it's backed by millions. The big question everyone's asking is: Will it really transform the area into the vibrant hub Canberra deserves?
Good news for Canberra residents! The East Lake Railway Precinct urban renewal program is moving full steam ahead, thanks to a significant $2.8 million investment from the Commonwealth government. This funding injection will primarily focus on planning and design work, paving the way for the first land releases by 2027. The ambitious project aims to create a vibrant, mixed-use precinct capable of supporting approximately 5,000 new dwellings.
This federal contribution comes via the Australian Government’s $150 million Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program (uPPP) and complements the Barr Government’s existing $3 million commitment dedicated to planning, community engagement, design development, and tendering processes. This collaborative approach signals a strong commitment to shaping the future of the precinct.
Beyond just housing, the Kingston precinct is envisioned as a thriving economic center, attracting new businesses and generating over a thousand jobs across various sectors, including commercial, technology, and service industries. The plan also includes community and cultural facilities, thoughtfully situated in the north-west corner of the site, revitalizing what was once a landfill area.
Speaking at the funding announcement, held, appropriately, at Canberra Railway Station, Chief Minister Andrew Barr emphasized the pivotal role of a new railway station, a promise made during the 2024 election. This new station is intended to be an integral part of the redevelopment, serving as a multi-modal transport hub for the entire city.
Barr didn't mince words, stating that the current, NSW-owned railway station is simply inadequate for the national capital and needs to be better integrated into the new precinct. "Under the partnership with the Commonwealth government under this fantastic program, we’ll see the next stages of work completed, and enable construction to commence on a number of residential, commercial and industrial projects," he explained.
According to Barr, the government aims to finalize the master planning within the next 18 to 24 months, with land releases following shortly after. He acknowledged the considerable progress already achieved through the East Lake renewal process. But here's where it gets controversial... a major plan amendment will still need to be approved by the Legislative Assembly, a process that could face challenges and delays.
Barr also mentioned engaging with the Housing Australia Future Fund to incorporate a community housing component into the project, ensuring diverse housing options. He anticipates strong interest from the private sector in the development opportunities within the precinct. "I have no doubt that there’s going to be a lot of interest in this, but we do need to complete the planning stages, get the major plan amendment through, and then we’re underway," he reiterated. The first land releases in East Lake are tentatively scheduled for the Causeway precinct in 2026-27.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King underscored the importance of thorough planning for successful urban renewal projects, emphasizing the creation of well-designed, connected suburbs that offer residents both living and working opportunities. "The Urban Precincts and Partnerships program is very much about urban redesign, reuse of areas, trying to make sure those areas are often in inner city suburbs that really need unlocking, both for housing, for new community facilities, for new sporting facilities," King stated.
She further highlighted that the planning work will also include remediation assessments. "You’ve got the Jerrabomberra Wetlands here as well, which is a really sensitive and beautiful area that will need protection, but that’s what master planning allows you to do," she added, recognizing the environmental considerations. And this is the part most people miss... balancing development with environmental protection is a delicate act, and any missteps could have lasting consequences.
While the market will ultimately dictate the specific housing mix, Barr expressed his desire for greater diversity, including public, community, and build-to-rent housing options, as well as accommodation for essential workers.
The East Lake Place Plan outlines a vision for the Railway Precinct that encompasses a blend of commercial, residential, and public buildings, primarily ranging from four to six stories in height, with strategically placed eight-story "marker developments" to add visual interest.
Barr emphasized that the construction of housing and the new station will be synchronized. "I think they need to come hand in hand," he asserted. "We want to see a multi-modal transport hub here. It’s on a major rapid bus route. It’s where the train from Sydney comes in. I think we can do better, and the NSW Government acknowledges we can do better.” He noted NSW's extensive experience in railway station redevelopment and expressed a desire for collaboration with them and the private sector.
Key stakeholders in the project include the Suburban Land Agency, the NSW Government, developers, the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust, and the Canberra Institute of Technology.
So, what do you think? Is this investment enough to truly revitalize Canberra's Railway Precinct? Will the new station and surrounding development meet the needs of a growing city, and will it be done in a way that respects the environment? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
