Construction of Gungahlin's new cinema precinct to begin in 2017

Gungahlin film buffs are step closer to catching a movie on their own big screen with construction of a three-storey entertainment precinct due to begin next year. 

A development application for the complex, which will encompass almost 20,000 square metres of cinema and retail space, has been lodged with the ACT government, providing a glimpse of what the structure will look like.

Gungahlin Lifestyle is developing the precinct at the corner of Hibberson Street and Hinder Street, with a focus on increasing night-time activity and amenity in the Gungahlin Town Centre.

Completion of the project will allow Gungahlin residents to catch a film, fine dine, partake in a spot of retail therapy or let children run off some steam indoors, without leaving the area.

Hoyts is the preferred operator of the seven-screen cinema, while the precinct is set to bring a string of new restaurants, eateries and retail to the evolving town centre.

Previous plans proposed an adventure playground on the complex’s third floor however, stakeholders have remained tight-lipped on the range of expected tenants with leasing discussions still underway.

However, entertainment brands that complement the cinema, such as indoor recreation opportunities, are a possibility.

Burgess Rawson Canberra managing director and leasing agent Guy Randell said the complex would attract a mix of tenants, creating a “compelling destination” for dining, retail and entertainment, underpinned by social amenity.

“Gungahlin’s first cinema complex will anchor the precinct and drive significant interest but that’s just the beginning,” he said.

“The tenant mix we’re pursuing will include great restaurants and well known retailers along with a fresh food market on the ground floor.”

Mr Randell said the precinct, which has been designed by Cox Architecture, would complement the existing town centre, expanding the range of dining and entertainment options for residents and workers.

It will also include basement parking for 310 cars.

“The new entertainment complex seamlessly integrates with the existing town centre by extending the Hibberson Street retail precinct north along the light rail route,” he said.

Construction is set to begin in the second half of 2017, subject to planning approval, with the complex expected to be complete by the end of 2018.

The cinema has been highly anticipated for a number of years as Gungahlin’s population continues to grow, with the closest big screen option in the neighbouring Belconnen region.

The development application will soon be released publicly via the ACT government’s Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate at: www.planning.act.gov.au