The ACT government has struck a deal to buy 243 hectares of CSIRO’s former Ginninderra Experiment Station for $385 million, paving the way for more than 3,000 new homes in Canberra’s north.

ABC News reports the territory will pay in eight instalments starting in early 2027, spreading the cost over eight years to ease budget pressure. About 15 per cent of the homes are earmarked as affordable, community, or public housing. The new suburb will be called Ginninderra East.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr called it one of the most significant land acquisitions in ACT history, saying the development would support the government’s target of 30,000 new homes in Canberra by 2030. CSIRO first flagged the former agricultural research site, located between Belconnen and the Barton Highway, as underutilised in 2015. The ACT government opened negotiations with the Commonwealth in 2021, and Federal Finance Minister Katy Gallagher approved the sale in early 2025.

ACT Housing Minister Yvette Berry said the lengthy process reflected the complexity of the site, including questions around potential contamination from past CSIRO research activities. She confirmed those issues have been resolved. Detailed community consultation, master planning, and Territory Plan variations are all still required before construction begins, with development not expected to start until October 2029.

Master Builders ACT chief executive Anna Neelagama welcomed the deal but said the clock was ticking. “Homes are needed now,” she said. “The focus must turn to ensuring this transaction proceeds as quickly and efficiently as possible so that land can be brought to market without delay.” She added the industry was ready to work with both territory and federal governments to advance the project, with particular emphasis on directing work to local small and medium-sized businesses, builders, subcontractors, and suppliers.

For tradies in the ACT region, Ginninderra East represents a significant pipeline of residential construction work, though most of it is still a few years away. The planning phase over the next two to three years will be worth watching closely, as the timing of land releases will determine when builders and subcontractors can begin tendering.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the ACT government paying for the Ginninderra site?

$385 million, to be paid in eight instalments starting in early 2027.

When will construction start at Ginninderra East?

Development is not expected to begin until October 2029, after community consultation, master planning, and Territory Plan variations are completed.

How many homes will be built at Ginninderra East?

More than 3,000 homes are planned, with about 15 per cent set aside as affordable, community, or public housing.

Why did the sale of the CSIRO land take so long?

ACT Housing Minister Yvette Berry said the complexity of the site, including questions around potential contamination from past CSIRO research, contributed to the lengthy process. Those issues have since been resolved.

Sourced from ABC News. Original article.