Iconic Canberra Cafe Gus' Place Set for Heritage Return to Bunda Street
The beloved late-night cafe Gus' Place, a mainstay of Canberra's hospitality scene credited with pioneering street dining in the capital, is poised to make a triumphant return to its original Bunda Street address. This revival forms part of the exciting new hotel development at Garema Place, with the developer confirming the cafe will reopen within the 10-storey structure by early next year.
A Legacy Interrupted and Now Restored
Gus' Place, which had operated continuously since 1967, was forced to close when its historic Bunda Street building was demolished to make way for the new hotel project. The cafe's closure marked the end of an era for many locals who cherished its unique atmosphere and community role.
TP Dynamics founder Tony Pan revealed that reinstating Gus' Place was always part of the development plan. "The older I get, the more I respect heritage. It's our memory," Mr Pan explained, drawing from personal reflections during a recent trip to his hometown in China where he witnessed the loss of historic buildings. "It's a lot of people's memory. It's very important for the community."
Negotiations with the cafe's owner have concluded successfully, with plans for Gus' Place to reopen concurrently with the hotel in March 2027, potentially even earlier. The modern Japanese restaurant Raku, which opened on Bunda Place in 2017, will also relocate into the new hotel complex.
Garema Place Transformation Reaches Milestone
The announcement coincided with the "topping out" ceremony on Tuesday, January 20, where TP Dynamics and hotel operator Crystalbrook Collection celebrated the completion of the building's final level. This event marked a significant milestone in the broader "activation" of Garema Place, a project spearheaded by the territory government.
For months, navigating through this popular thoroughfare has required traversing a maze of temporary pathways amid ongoing construction. While new pavers were unveiled in December last year, wooden fencing around the major addition remains, with several access routes still restricted around Canberra Central.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr hailed the hotel as an "anchor and focal point" for the area. "It's a fantastic investment, not only in our city's tourism and hospitality industry, but in the renewal of our CBD," Mr Barr stated. "This sort of investment adds five-star hotel rooms to our city, it creates energy and activity in a really important part of Australia's national capital."
Hotel Features and Future Vision
The new hotel, strategically positioned between Bunda Street and Garema Place, will offer 225 guest rooms alongside premium amenities including a day spa, function halls, and a top-floor bar and restaurant boasting sweeping views of the Canberra skyline.
Mr Pan described selecting Crystalbrook Collection as the hotel operator after considering several international brands. He felt immediate "sparks" with their team, particularly admiring their "responsible luxury" ethos that prioritises environmentally sustainable products and practices. "They are a socially responsible hotel concept, which we really loved. It's the future of hotel operation," he remarked.
Crystalbrook chief executive Geoff York emphasised the unparalleled location as the major attraction. "The location of the hotel in Garema Place is arguably one of the best locations in Australia," Mr York said. While he doesn't anticipate many politicians staying as guests, he expects substantial business from associated groups including lobbyists and special interest organisations. "You don't need to be at the foot of Parliament House because all the major government buildings are spread around the city," he noted.
This development represents more than just new infrastructure; it signifies a thoughtful blend of modern hospitality with cherished heritage, ensuring that Canberra's community memories find a permanent home within its evolving urban landscape.
