Hilton set to breathe new life into Manuka
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Nearly every Saturday lunchtime for five years, I’ve had a chicken burger and chardonnay from Public and gazed across at the Liangis hotel taking shape in Manuka, wondering ‘when is it going to open???’ Now that question has been answered.
News broke this morning that the Hilton hotel brand will debut in Canberra in early 2027 with Hilton Canberra Manuka – a 184-room hotel at 15–17 Franklin Street.
Facilities will include an all-day dining restaurant and bar, wedding and event spaces, an executive lounge, fitness and wellness facilities, a sauna and a pool. Ground-level retail, additional dining venues and a cinema will form part of the broader development, connecting the hotel with the surrounding precinct.
Directly opposite Manuka Oval, the property will cater to government, corporate, diplomatic, sporting and leisure travellers and offer convenient access to Parliament House, the Parliamentary Triangle, Canberra’s embassy district, the Barton business precinct and major cultural attractions.
ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism and Events, Andrew Barr, said Hilton’s decision to establish its flagship brand in Canberra is a major win for our visitor economy.
“Hilton’s decision to establish its first hotel in Canberra is a strong vote of confidence in our city and its tourism future. This significant commitment will create jobs, strengthen our tourism and hospitality sector, and help attract more visitors, major events and business opportunities. The hotel will also give Canberra an elevated presence in the Hilton Honors program, with its hundreds of millions of members globally, helping raise awareness of our city among travellers planning future trips.”
“The signing of Hilton Canberra Manuka represents an important milestone in Hilton’s growth across Australasia and brings our flagship brand to Australia’s national capital,” said Tushar Raniga, director of development, Hilton Australasia.
“With its location in one of Canberra’s most established precincts and proximity to key government, diplomatic, corporate and leisure demand drivers, the hotel is well positioned to welcome guests travelling for a wide range of occasions.”
“The hotel is expected to support approximately 100–120 ongoing full-time, part-time and casual positions, creating local employment and career opportunities across hospitality and hotel management,” said Harrold Dakin, CEO of ICC Development Group.
“Our family is proud to have made a significant investment in redeveloping this property in the Manuka precinct into Hilton Canberra Manuka,” said Mrs Liangis.
“Manuka holds a special place in our family’s story. We hope the hotel will become a destination in its own right, recognised locally and internationally for excellence in accommodation and hospitality, while maintaining a strong connection to the precinct and creating a lasting legacy for the Liangis family.
“We are confident that Harrold and his hotel management team, drawing on the strengths of Hilton’s flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand, will bring this vision to life for Manuka.”
Hilton Canberra Manuka will offer 184 guest rooms, including eight suites, with standard rooms ranging from 32 to 45 square metres. Facilities will include an executive lounge, an all-day dining restaurant and bar, fitness and wellness facilities, a sauna and a pool.
The hotel’s wedding and event facilities will include a ballroom and a multifunction space that can be divided into four rooms, accommodating occasions ranging from executive meetings to private celebrations.
