High-Rise Development Proposed for Canberra's Crash-Prone Hume Circle Roundabout
The National Capital Authority has put forward a bold plan that could transform a notorious Canberra roundabout into a hub of high-density living and commercial activity. Under the proposal, buildings reaching up to 15 storeys high may soon encircle the Hume Circle on Canberra Avenue, a roundabout that recorded over 45 crashes in 2024 alone, making it the second most crash-prone intersection in the Australian Capital Territory.
A Radical Proposal for Urban Intensification
This development initiative represents a significant shift in urban planning for the inner south of Canberra. The NCA seeks to amend the National Capital Plan to designate the Hume Circle and its surrounding blocks as a special precinct, granting the authority exclusive approval powers for all construction works within this zone.
The proposed amendment would permit structures of up to eight storeys on land immediately adjacent to the roundabout, with taller buildings of up to 15 storeys allowed just one block back from the intersection. This precinct is envisioned to accommodate a diverse mix of residential housing, restaurants, banking services, healthcare facilities, childcare centres, and various other commercial enterprises.
Addressing Housing Needs and Historical Vision
The NCA's proposal explicitly connects to broader national objectives, stating that "the renewal responds to national housing supply targets and ACT government strategies for urban intensification in well-located areas close to transport and services." This move aims to increase housing availability in a strategically positioned area of the capital.
Interestingly, the selection of Hume Circle for this development aligns with Canberra's original architectural blueprint. The roundabout was initially intended to serve as a train station and a ceremonial gateway into the city under Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin's foundational plan for the national capital. The proposal notes that "this amendment aligns with the Griffins' original vision for Canberra, which envisaged Hume Circle as a major gateway and activity hub linking the city through scenic approach routes."
Community Concerns and Traffic Implications
The Inner South Canberra Community Council has expressed significant reservations about the sudden nature of this proposal. Council president Colin Walters described it as "quite a radical proposal which we were given no prior notice at all," adding that the community felt the plan had been "sprung on" them. The council has formally requested an extension of the consultation period.
Walters highlighted several practical concerns, including the potential impact on existing businesses within the proposed precinct and the effect of increased density on an already problematic traffic area. "We're a bit concerned about future of businesses for the area, what will happen to them," he stated. "It's also a high-traffic area and we're concerned about the impact of all those new buildings on traffic flow."
Precinct Details and Existing Businesses
The proposed Hume Circle Precinct radiates outward from the junction of Canberra, Sturt, and Wentworth Avenues in Griffith. Its outer boundaries are defined by McMillan Crescent, the southern edge of Mildura Street, and the western boundary of Dalby Street. Most of the land within this area is currently zoned for commercial and industrial use.
Several established businesses would fall within the new precinct boundaries, including:
- Three Mills Bakery on Leeton Street
- The Ramada Diplomat hotel
- Power Kart Raceway
- Various other neighbouring enterprises
The precinct sits adjacent to the East Lake urban renewal area, for which the ACT government opened a demolition tender in mid-2025, suggesting broader redevelopment plans for this sector of Canberra.
Safety Considerations and Roundabout History
The Hume Circle roundabout has developed a reputation as a high-risk intersection, with its 60km/h speed limit and double-lane configuration contributing to what authorities describe as a "high-incident rate." Analysis of 2024 crash data reveals that rear-end collisions were the most common type of accident, followed by right-angle collisions and same-direction side swipes.
The NCA's proposal represents a significant departure from current land use in the area. If approved, Hume Circle would join other designated precincts under NCA oversight, including the Parliamentary Zone, Acton Peninsula, and City Hill.
Consultation Timeline and Next Steps
Public consultation on the NCA's proposal is currently underway and will conclude at close of business on February 3. This gives community members, businesses, and stakeholders a limited window to review the plans and provide feedback on what could become one of Canberra's most substantial urban development projects in recent years.
The outcome of this consultation process will determine whether Canberra's second most crash-prone roundabout becomes the site of a major high-density development, potentially reshaping the character and functionality of the inner south while addressing pressing housing needs.
