Crystalbrook Collection’s first development in the ACT, set to open in early 2027, reaches full height and confirms local dining partner
Crystalbrook Collection, one of Australia’s leading sustainably and personality led luxury hospitality companies and a member of Ghassan Aboud Holding, together with Canberra based developer TP Dynamics, has announced a major construction milestone for Crystalbrook Aurora. The 10 storey luxury hotel has reached its full structural height at Garema Place, marking an important step in the development of the brand’s first property in the Australian Capital Territory.
Crystalbrook Aurora is scheduled to open in early 2027 and now moves into its next phase following groundwork completed in May of the previous year. With the structural framework complete, the project will progress to façade installation and interior fit out. This stage will be led by multi disciplinary design practice FK in collaboration with the TP Dynamics construction team, ensuring the hotel’s architectural vision is delivered with precision.
Located on Bunda Street at Garema Place, Crystalbrook Aurora has been designed as a contemporary interpretation of Canberra’s architectural heritage and its founding vision of harmonising nature with the built environment. The hotel will feature 225 rooms, including 11 suites, along with elevated dining, wellness facilities, and premium conferencing and event spaces for visitors and the local community.
Crystalbrook Aurora has also confirmed a partnership with the acclaimed Canberra Japanese restaurant Raku, which will become a flagship dining tenant within the development. The new 300 seat venue will be three times the size of its current Canberra Centre location and will introduce a multisensory dining experience featuring an extended sushi bar, a dedicated tasting bar, a main bar, and four private dining rooms.
In addition to Raku’s ground floor and basement spaces, Crystalbrook Aurora will operate its own Level 10 rooftop dining venue, offering panoramic views across the city. The hotel will also feature a wellness precinct including Crystalbrook’s signature Eléme Day Spa, a plunge pool, a swimming pool, a sauna, and a fully equipped gym. Five dedicated conferencing and event spaces, including a venue for up to 300 guests, will position Crystalbrook Aurora as a hub for business events and community gatherings.
To commemorate the topping out milestone, the ACT’s Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism and Trade, Andrew Barr MLA, joined project partners for a ceremonial tree placement on the rooftop. The tradition paid tribute to the project’s design inspiration, which draws from Canberra’s history and the legacy of Marion Mahony Griffin, one of the world’s earliest licensed female architects, who together with Walter Burley Griffin shaped the city’s enduring relationship between landscape and built form.
For Ghassan Aboud, Chairman of Ghassan Aboud Holding and Founder of Crystalbrook Collection, the project underscores the group’s long term commitment to growth: “Crystalbrook Aurora reflects our continued focus on investing in culturally significant locations and delivering hotels that are both distinctive and sustainable. Canberra is an important market for us, and this milestone brings us closer to realising a property that reflects the future of responsible luxury in Australia.”
Geoff York, Chief Executive Officer of Crystalbrook Collection, said the milestone marks an important moment for the brand’s entry into the ACT: “Topping out is always significant, particularly as we enter a new city for the first time. The ceremonial tree placing reflects the nature-led inspiration behind Crystalbrook Aurora’s design, as well as our broader ethos of responsible luxury. We’re proud of the project’s progress and look forward to opening a hotel that contributes meaningfully to Canberra’s hospitality and cultural landscape in early 2027.”
Tony Pan, Founder and Managing Director of TP Dynamics, added the milestone reflects the collective effort behind the locally led development: “From breaking ground in 2024 to reaching this point today, Crystalbrook Aurora has been an incredibly proud journey for our team. This project is more than a hotel, it’s a long-term investment in Canberra’s future, delivered alongside local businesses, contractors and trades who share our passion for the city.”
Raku Owner and Executive Chef Hao Chen commented that the new venue represents a natural next chapter for the restaurant: “This move is about growth, not just for Raku, but for what Canberra dining can become. Crystalbrook Aurora gives us the opportunity to expand the experience while staying true to the spirit and craftsmanship that has defined Raku from the start.”
Crystalbrook Aurora is set to open in early 2027, with further details to be announced as development continues.
