Canberra’s Telstra Tower Slated for Makeover

It’s one of the national capital’s most well-known landmarks outside of Parliament and the War Memorial—now the iconic Telstra Tower on Black Mountain is in line for renewal.

Construction of the tower that punctuates the city’s skyline was completed in 1978 at a cost of $16.3 million and once included a revolving restaurant.

But the doors of the restaurant closed in 2013 and the site was closed as a tourism venue in July, 2021 as part of Covid restrictions and has not reopened.

Architectus has begun design work to help reinstate it as a premium visitor attraction, following Telstra and the ACT Government signing a letter of intent to redevelop the tower. 

Telstra chief executive Vicki Brady said the tower was “more than just a piece of infrastructure”.

“It has been part of the Canberra skyline for over 40 years,” Brady said. 

“For many years it was a popular tourist attraction and we believe this site can offer that again for Canberrans and visitors to our country’s capital.

“Black Mountain also has ongoing cultural significance to the Ngunnawal people, and any new development of the Telstra Tower should also reflect and incorporate this as a key element.”

▲ The 46-year-old Canberra icon is in line for a reimagining, but there is no news on whether the famed revolving restaurant will return. Image: Architectus

Architectus principal Sophie Cleland said the Telstra Tower was being reimagined with country and culture as central pillars for future generations of the ACT community.

“Our proposed design will respectfully acknowledge the significant stories of place and history bringing new life to this Canberra icon,” Cleland said. 

“Our proposal is inspired by water Country—from the three rivers, the Cotter, the Murrumbidgee, and the Molonglo, to the mists that blanket the heights of Black Mountain and the sky country of Mulleun – the wedge-tailed eagle.

“Water gives life and energy; reflects life and light; and over time, shapes the land itself.”

According to Architectus’s design statement, the project will reinvigorate the interiors of the tower and activate the podium level.

High above the treetops, visitors will once again be able to experience an eagle’s-eye view of the city and its surroundings from the tower’s eyrie, where seating pods will provide shelter from the wind and mist.

The joint deal between Telstra and the Government leans on the Territory Government to develop and run the tourism venture. 

ACT chief minister Andrew Barr said the Telstra Tower was a “beloved Canberra icon”, which for many was a beacon of home. 

“We know revitalising the tower will enhance the range of visitor experiences in Canberra and our visitor economy,” Barr said. 

“The ACT Government has experience in developing and operating award-winning tourism venues, in particular the National Arboretum Canberra and the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre.

“Over the coming months we will be working with Telstra on the detail of the commercial arrangements and the investment required now and into the future to operate this iconic visitor attraction, before final decisions are made on the partnership.

“We expect there will be a cafe, retail and an observation deck once the tower reopens—although it is too early to say if the revolving restaurant will be back.”