Telstra Tower set for 2027‑28 reopening after ACT‑Telstra agreement

Telstra Tower, the iconic Black Mountain structure in Canberra, has been closed since July 2021 and fell into disrepair. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government and telecommunications company Telstra have signed a heads‑of‑agreement to revive the tower, launching detailed planning and design work. The partnership aims to reopen the site to the public in the summer of 2027‑28, subject to approvals and delivery milestones.

The planned revamp includes a cafe, retail space, observation deck and possibly adventure‑tourism activities such as zip‑lines or climbing. Design will be guided by four themes – Black Mountain’s cultural significance, Canberra’s contemporary character, the tower’s history, and Australia’s telecommunications legacy – and will involve ongoing consultation with Ngunnawal traditional custodians. The National Capital Authority has already granted conditional works approval for a change of use and key design elements.