The ACT Government will work with Telstra on a plan to redevelop and reopen Telstra Tower.

This will help reinstate it as an iconic Canberra visitor destination.

Features will likely include a café, retail space and observation deck.

It is too early to say if the tower’s renowned revolving restaurant will return.

Over the past two years, Telstra has carried out planning and engaged with the community about re-developing the building.

Telstra Tower has been part of the Canberra skyline for over 40 years.

The company recently approached the ACT Government to consider operating it as a visitor attraction.

“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,” Telstra CEO Vicki Brady said.

“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.

“As a national telecommunications and infrastructure provider, Telstra does not have the expertise to develop or manage a tourist attraction, so we need a partner with the skills and local knowledge to help make that happen,” she said.

“That’s why we are pleased to be entering into a partnership with the ACT Government to leverage their local expertise in running world-class tourism venues, and hope this enables the Tower to once again be open to the public.”

The Government has signed a Letter of Intent with Telstra.

They will work together on commercial and financial arrangements before final decisions are made on the partnership.

Both will continue to engage with the Ngunnawal community and other families and stakeholders with an interest in the Tower, looking to incorporate local culture and stories.

Telstra has already begun working with national design firm Architectus to look at what a modern Telstra Tower may look like as a public venue.

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

Design concepts: Architectus

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