Canberra starts demolition of Wakefield Gardens site and replaces ageing trees in Lennox Gardens

Demolition of the fire‑damaged Wakefield Gardens building in Ainslie is set to begin on 24 August 2026. The three‑week project will remove a structure contaminated with non‑friable asbestos, lead paint and synthetic mineral fibres, with air monitoring, wet decontamination and exclusion zones in place. Public Service Minister Rachel Stephen‑Smith said the work follows extensive community consultation and will restore the precinct for future use.

In parallel, the City and Environment Directorate has begun work in Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla, to remove 43 ageing or diseased trees near Lake Burley Griffin. The trees will be replaced with species better suited to the site, improving canopy resilience. Senior director Rachael Dawes highlighted the health and safety benefits, while wood from the removals will be reused as timber or mulch for government and community projects. The park will remain open with temporary access restrictions.