Crystalbrook Aurora tops out at Garema Place, marking key milestone for Canberra luxury hotel
rystalbrook Collection, one of Australia’s leading sustainably focused luxury hospitality groups and a member of Ghassan Aboud Holding, together with Canberra-based developer TP Dynamics, has announced a major construction milestone for Crystalbrook Aurora, as the hotel reaches its full structural height at Garema Place.
The 10-storey luxury hotel, Crystalbrook Collection’s first development in the Australian Capital Territory, is scheduled to open in early 2027. With the building now topped out, the project moves into its next phase following groundwork completed in May last year. Upcoming works include façade installation and interior fit-out, led by multidisciplinary design practice FK in collaboration with the TP Dynamics construction team.
Located on Bunda Street at Garema Place, Crystalbrook Aurora has been designed as a contemporary interpretation of Canberra’s architectural heritage, reflecting the city’s founding vision of harmonising nature with the built environment. Once complete, the hotel will feature 225 rooms, including 11 suites, alongside premium dining, wellness facilities, and conferencing and event spaces for visitors and the local community.
The development has also confirmed a partnership with acclaimed Canberra Japanese restaurant Raku, which will become a flagship dining tenant within the hotel. The new 300-seat venue will be three times the size of Raku’s current Canberra Centre location and will offer a multisensory dining experience, including 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 venues, Crystalbrook Aurora will operate a rooftop dining destination on Level 10, offering panoramic views across Canberra. The hotel will also include a wellness precinct featuring Crystalbrook’s signature Eléme Day Spa, a plunge pool, swimming pool, sauna, and fully equipped gym. Five dedicated conferencing and event spaces, including a venue accommodating up to 300 guests, will further position the hotel as a hub for business and community events.
To mark the topping-out milestone, ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism and Trade Andrew Barr MLA joined project partners for a ceremonial tree placement on the rooftop. The tradition pays tribute to the project’s nature-led design inspiration and honours the legacy of Marion Mahony Griffin and Walter Burley Griffin, whose vision shaped Canberra’s enduring relationship between landscape and built form.
Ghassan Aboud, Chairman of Ghassan Aboud Holding and Founder of Crystalbrook Collection, said the project reflects the group’s long-term growth strategy. He noted that Crystalbrook Aurora underscores the company’s commitment to investing in culturally significant locations and delivering distinctive, sustainable luxury hospitality experiences.
Geoff York, Chief Executive Officer of Crystalbrook Collection, said the milestone represents an important step in the brand’s expansion into the ACT. He added that the ceremonial tree placing symbolises the nature-driven ethos behind the hotel’s design and Crystalbrook’s broader commitment to responsible luxury.
Tony Pan, Founder and Managing Director of TP Dynamics, said the topping out reflects a collective effort from local businesses, contractors and trades, describing the project as a long-term investment in Canberra’s future rather than just a hotel development.
Raku owner and executive chef Hao Chen said the new venue represents the next phase of growth for the restaurant and an opportunity to elevate Canberra’s dining scene while remaining true to its culinary roots.
