There’s a new star rising over Garema Place, and it’s got a familiar (and unmistakably prestigious) name behind it.

Sustainably led luxury hotel group, Crystalbrook Collection, has officially announced the name of its first property in Canberra; Crystalbrook Aurora. Construction is now underway, with hoarding up and groundwork in full swing between Garema Place and Bunda Street, just opposite Canberra Centre.

The new 10-storey hotel is already shaping up to be a big one – not just in size, but in its ambition to redefine Canberra’s hospitality scene. With 225 rooms and suites, multiple dining spaces (including a European-style rooftop restaurant), indulgent retail offerings and a dedicated wellness precinct, Crystalbrook Aurora is more than just a place to stay. It’s an invitation to experience the city in a whole new light.

Drawing on both Canberra’s legacy as a city of ideas and its future as a creative, connected destination, the name is a nod to new beginnings. Aurora, meaning ‘dawn’ was also once a potential name for the capital itself.

Design-wise, the building is set to mirror the city’s signature curves and style, with a light-filled central atrium and greenery intertwined throughout––a nod to Marion Mahony Griffin, as one of the original architects behind Canberra’s design.

Marion, also one of the world’s first licensed female architects, will be a guiding influence felt throughout the interiors, celebrating both her legacy and the city’s seamless blend of nature and structure.

Staying true to Crystalbrook’s ethos of responsible luxury, Crystalbrook Aurora will lead with a considered approach to sustainability, featuring initiatives such as 100% waste-free bathrooms, recycled timber key cards, zero-waste coffee capsules, and ‘Climate Calories’ labelling to support more mindful dining.

“This project reflects our commitment to investing in high-growth, culturally significant locations and delivering properties that reflect the future of responsible luxury,” says Ghassan Aboud, Founder of Crystalbrook Collection.

Set to open in early 2027, Crystalbrook Aurora will be a key part of the City Renewal Authority’s broader vision for the precinct – and by the looks of it, a welcome new chapter for locals and visitors alike.

Keep up to date with the development of Crystalbrook Aurora here.