The exciting plans for the latest land release on Canberra’s foreshore

The 21,360-square-metre site, called Kingston Quarter, has been released by the ACT Suburban Land Agency and is poised to become an urban destination unlike anything else on offer in the nation’s capital.

The long-awaited release marks the first stage of the Kingston Arts Precinct, situated on one of the few remaining segments of the Kingston Foreshore.

The site is within walking distance of the lakefront and shares its neighbourhood with the historic Kingston Powerhouse, which has been repurposed as Canberra Glassworks – home to artist studios, galleries and workshops.

When fully realised, the new precinct will be near premium retail hubs in Kingston and Manuka and be well positioned to make the most of the dining on the foreshore.

The National Gallery of Australia is less than 2 kilometres away, and future residents will be even closer to the employment hub of Barton.

Hot property 

The new development has been identified specifically to deliver a destination that contributes meaningfully to the area’s character, energy and long-term growth, explains Adam Davey, chief executive of the ACT Suburban Land Agency.

Surrounded by heritage character, the site is slated for a mix of up to 250 residential dwellings, hotel accommodation, hospitality, retail and flexible commercial possibilities in what marks a rare chance to help shape one of Canberra’s evolving but established waterfront precincts.

Moreover, the site is shouldered by an already vibrant visitor destination, with strong connectivity to the Canberra CBD, the existing foreshore and Parliamentary Triangle.

Here, Kingston Quarter will connect residents and visitors to dining, culture and urban living through promenades, public spaces, markets, cafes, restaurants and cultural experiences.

Davey says the new site offers a developer an opportunity to bring their vision to life on this mixed-use site that can be activated both day and night, creating a more resilient development proposition.

“This is more than a development site. It’s an opportunity to create a place where people live, work and connect in a meaningful way,” says Davey.

Buyer demand 

For buyers circling the market, Kingston Quarter offers the chance to change an iconic part of the nation’s capital. Connecting Canberra’s history to its future, it’s an ideal site for urban growth supported by existing infrastructure, services and amenities.

“As Canberra continues to grow and evolve, this is exactly the kind of site that shows the city’s identity and seeks urban growth to respond to history and culture as part of a future-focused, evolving city,” Davey says.

“This site provides an opportunity to deliver more than just a residential product. It has a wide range of potential inclusions such as a hotel, shops, hospitality and more.

“This gives developers the opportunity to deliver a distinctive, future-focused precinct that combines lifestyle, culture, amenity and sustainability in one of Canberra’s most recognised urban renewal locations.”

The land launch is part of the ACT Government’s commitment to facilitate 30,000 new homes being built in the state by 2030. It has introduced several new planning reforms to support new homes being built where Canberrans want to live.

Developers interested in being involved will be required to submit a design proposal, a financial offer and a response to the development obligations.

Tenders close at 9am on October 30, 2026.