Crystalbrook “tops out” at 10 storeys with a little bit of Canberra history to take over a corner of the ground floor.
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Canberra has marked a major construction milestone with luxury hotel Crystalbrook Aurora officially “topping” out in Garema Place.
A wattle tree was craned to the top of the building to mark the milestone competition of the imposing Bunda Street structure – an act traditionally seen as a mark of respect to the community and to bring good luck to future occupants of the building.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr praised the work of Crystalbrook and Canberra-based developer TP Dynamics in meeting its construction schedule, noting that not only was this a significant investment in the city’s tourism and hospitality industry but also in the renewal of the CBD.
Left to right – Jordan Wind, COO of TP Dynamics, Tony Pan, Founder of TP Dynamics, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr MLA, Ahmad Aboud , CFO of Ghassan Aboud Holdings, Geoff York, CEO of Crystalbrook Collection
He also confirmed that one of Canberra’s most historic figures, café owner and raconteur Gus Petersilka, who championed the city’s al fresco dining scene and established Gus’s Café on Bunda Street in 1969, would be honoured in the new development.
A new Gus’s café, taking form in a European-style coffee house offering breakfast and lunch, and operated by Raku owner Hao Chen, would sit proudly in one corner of the hotel facing the street.
Mr Barr said it was a fitting tribute and would form part of his coffee route around the city once it opened next year.
“Gus’ is a Canberra institution. A place that was so much more than a café. It was part of the city’s social fabric and played a big role in shaping our café culture. It’s where generations shared moments and built friendships.
“I’m pleased that a new Gus’ will be part of the Crystalbrook Aurora development. As Canberra continues to transform, it matters that we honour the people and places that have shaped us. And Gus’ will always hold a special place in that journey.”
Over the years, Gus’s cafe has been a constant presence under varied ownerships, ensuring the legacy of Canberra’s earliest foray into cosmopolitan café culture is remembered.
Renders of the internal fitout
Set to open in early 2027, Crystalbrook Aurora is now moving into its next phase of delivery, following groundwork laid in May last year. The project will move from major structural works into façade installation and detailed interior fit-out, led by multi-disciplinary design practice FK in collaboration with the TP Dynamics construction team.
The hotel will feature 225 rooms, including 11 suites, alongside elevated dining, immersive wellness facilities and premium conferencing and event spaces designed to serve both visitors and the local community.
The ceremony also formally welcomed award-winning Japanese restaurant Raku as a flagship tenant within the development. As HerCanberra exclusively revealed last year, Raku will open a new 300-seat Raku venue which will be three times the size of its current Canberra Centre location and deliver a multi-sensory dining experience, featuring an extra-long sushi bar, a dedicated tasting bar, a stylish main bar and four private dining rooms.
In addition to Raku’s ground floor and basement tenancy, Crystalbrook Aurora will operate its own Level 10 rooftop dining venue, offering panoramic views across the city and further cementing the hotel as a new destination for dining and entertainment in Canberra.
The hotel will also feature a comprehensive wellness precinct, including Crystalbrook’s signature Eléme Day Spa, a plunge pool, swimming pool, sauna and fully equipped gym. Five dedicated conferencing and event spaces – including a venue capable of hosting up to 300 guests – will position Crystalbrook Aurora as a premium hub for business events, celebrations and cultural gatherings in the capital.
A render of one of the 225 rooms
Geoff York, CEO of Crystalbrook Collection, said the ceremony was an important moment for the brand’s entry into the ACT.
“Topping out is always significant, particularly as we enter a new city for the first time. The ceremonial tree placing reflects the nature-led inspiration behind Crystalbrook Aurora’s design, as well as our broader ethos of responsible luxury. We’re proud of the project’s progress and look forward to opening a hotel that contributes meaningfully to Canberra’s hospitality and cultural landscape in early 2027.”
The project’s design inspiration is drawn from Canberra’s history, particularly the legacy of Marion Mahony Griffin – one of the world’s earliest licensed female architects – who, alongside her husband and creative partner Walter Burley Griffin, helped shape the capital’s enduring relationship between landscape and built form.
Crystalbrook Aurora is set to open in early 2027.
