InfrastructureKirsten CrazeTue 15 Sep 26
Masterplan for ACT’s Bruce Maps Out Stadium Options, 5800 Homes
A $9.98-million masterplan identifying potential for thousands of new homes, revised commercial space and major sporting, health and education assets has been unveiled in Canberra.
The Federal and ACT governments have collaborated to develop the Bruce Precinct Masterplan for a site about 6km north-west of Canberra’s CBD.
Final scenarios for the precinct outlined options for the long-term transformation of the 65ha-plus site, which could accommodate between 4000 and 5800 homes, alongside 30,000sq m to 43,000sq m of retail, office and institutional floorspace.
The blueprint, prepared by consultants Hatch and Stantec, also includes two options for Canberra Stadium.
One scenario would retain the current oval while creating a renewed stadium and entertainment precinct. The other would relocate the stadium to a more central site near Belconnen Way and Haydon Drive.
Both scenarios envisage four-to-six-storey podiums and residential towers of up to 20 storeys, along with an east-west rapid transport spine that could accommodate a future light rail extension and improved walking and cycling connections.
The Australian Institute of Sport, North Canberra Hospital Campus and Canberra Institute of Technology’s Bruce Campus would also be incorporated into the precinct.
The masterplan has drawn mixed reactions.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr told ABC News that Bruce could become one of Canberra’s most important urban renewal precincts.
“Bruce should be a destination where people can study, work, live and connect, supported by great public spaces and a strong sense of community,” he said.
ACT senator David Pocock, however, described the masterplan as “a plan to make a plan”, arguing it lacked a clear timeline and costing.
“They don’t provide a detailed business case or delivery plan,” he said.
Property Council of Australia ACT executive director Ashlee Berry said the proposal was a significant opportunity for Canberra.
“For Canberra to attract and retain essential workers, students and young professionals, we need more housing supply in well-connected locations close to jobs, education and services,” she said.
The Housing Industry Association welcomed the proposal.
“Development of the underutilised land at Bruce has been foreshadowed for many years. It is great to finally see a vision for the precinct,” HIA executive director ACT and Southern NSW Geordan Murray said.
“Canberrans have become understandably cynical about the seemingly endless procession of strategies and visionary plans that do not include any timeline for delivery.
“The report identifies the possibilities.”
