Canberra’s infrastructure pipeline is built around a series of smaller, interlinked projects rather than a single, headline-grabbing mega-development. Over the coming years three major works will rise within a few kilometres of one another: an extension of the light-rail network, a new university campus in the city centre, and a replacement for the ageing aquatic centre.
Light Rail Extension
The light-rail extension, officially called Light Rail Stage 2, will stretch the existing line from the city centre down to Woden, completing a continuous north-south public-transport corridor. The first segment, Stage 2A, is already under construction and will add new stops at Edinburgh Avenue and City South, expanding service coverage for commuters in those neighbourhoods.
Stage 2B represents the more ambitious leg of the scheme, introducing nine additional stations that will run from Commonwealth Park to Woden. Funding for the extension is shared between the Australian and ACT governments, with Canberra committing $343.9 million toward the effort. The design calls for the system to operate on 100 percent renewable energy, a feature intended to ease congestion while reducing the corridor’s carbon footprint.
University Campus Development
The UNSW Canberra City Campus, situated on Constitution Avenue, will raise the number of university students residing in the ACT. The concept dates back to 2017, and construction on the first stage began in October 2025. The full campus plan spans multiple stages and is scheduled to continue through to around 2036, with a total long-term development value estimated at roughly $1 billion.
This investment builds on UNSW’s long-standing partnership with the ACT, which already delivers undergraduate and postgraduate education through the Australian Defence Force Academy. By establishing a city-centre campus, the project is expected to gradually increase rental demand and boost precinct activity over the decade that follows its completion.
Aquatic Centre Replacement
The new Canberra Aquatic Centre will replace the ageing Canberra Olympic Pool with a modern, year-round facility located at Commonwealth Park, close to Lake Burley Griffin. The replacement centre is planned to feature a 50-metre Olympic-size pool, indoor and outdoor splash and play zones, and dedicated spaces for rehabilitation and competitive training.
Planning for the aquatic centre proceeds in stages: site investigation and detailed planning will continue through mid-2025, community consultation and concept design are slated for 2026, and construction is expected to commence in 2027. The project carries a budget of approximately $137.8 million, with costs shared between the ACT and Australian governments.
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