ACT paid $385m for ex-CSIRO Ginninderra East, 3,000 homes planned
The ACT Government bought the Ginninderra East land from CSIRO for $385m in July. Consultation on the suburb's 3,000 homes closes 17 December.
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The Urban Developer reported on 10 November that the ACT Government paid $385 million to acquire the former CSIRO land at Ginninderra East, the Canberra site now being advertised as a new suburb of about 3,000 homes. Our earlier report on the consultation covered the planning process; this story looks at what the Territory paid.
Why it matters
The purchase puts the Territory in control of a large block of land between Belconnen and Gungahlin in northern Canberra. According to The Urban Developer, the ACT Government expects the suburb to fill a gap in the urban fabric between those two districts.
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Per the outlet, Planning Minister Chris Steel said the suburb supports the government’s goal of delivering 30,000 homes by the end of 2030.
Region Canberra reported that the $385 million is inclusive of GST. It said the land is expected to enable more than 3000 dwellings, 15 per cent of them affordable, community and public homes.
The numbers
According to The Urban Developer, the Territory purchased the land from CSIRO in July for $385 million. It covers 240 hectares of what was CSIRO agricultural land.
Mr Steel expects affordable, community and public housing to make up at least 15 per cent of homes. The Urban Developer quotes him: “That’s around 450 new homes for Canberrans that need it most.”
The planned suburb is intended to include:
- a school
- ovals and parks
- a nature reserve
- commercial and community facilities
The Urban Developer says the site is hemmed in by Owen Dixon Drive, Kuringa Drive, Palmerville Heritage Park and the Barton Highway.
What’s next
The Urban Developer reports that consultation on the new suburb is due to close on 17 December. The consultation is on the planning amendment for the suburb, which is a proposal, not a settled plan.
The outlet also notes that the remains of the heritage-listed former Ginninderra police station, built in 1882 and razed by fire in 2024, sit on the land.
Neither source names a private developer, builder or delivery partner for the suburb, and neither gives a date for land sales. Readers watching the project should look for the Territory’s consultation outcome and any release timetable.
The Australian Developer relies here on the two outlets named above; the ACT Government’s own release was not readable for this report.
Quick answers
What is the latest on Ginninderra East, Canberra?
The ACT Government bought the Ginninderra East land from CSIRO for $385m in July. Consultation on the suburb's 3,000 homes closes 17 December.
What are the key numbers for Ginninderra East, Canberra?
purchase price: $385m; site area: 240ha; affordable homes: 450.
Where does this information come from?
This story cites The Urban Developer and Region Canberra. Every source is linked on the page.
Sources
Also reported by
- The Urban DeveloperCanberra's Newest Suburb Emerges from Ashes of Former CSIRO Site
- Region CanberraACT finally seals CSIRO land deal that will unlock thousands of homes
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