The reopening of the Telstra Tower, the structure which defines the Canberra skyline, has been pushed back by a year. The company had planned to let the public in next March but has now postponed that until the end of 2027.
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"Telstra recently updated its website to reflect the revised opening timeline, replacing the previously suggested date of March 2026," the company said.
"Telstra and the ACT Government are working collaboratively with a plan to reopen the tower by the end of 2027. In addition to base building upgrades, a major refurbishment of the Tower is required before it can be reopened to visitors. This is a complex piece of work, and it will take time."
The end of 2027 was not set in stone. Further delays may yet happen: "While we are aiming for end of 2027, Telstra and the ACT Government still need to complete negotiations and work through budget processes."
The 195.2 metre tower closed "indefinitely" in 2021 while the company decided what could be done with it.
Part of the problem may be that its usefulness for telecommunications has faded since it was commissioned in 1970. Then, it was a symbol of modernity but the revolution in communications technology left it looking more like a relic of the pre-internet age.
But the structure remained as a tourist attraction, complete with a revolving restaurant at the top with a commanding view over the ACT and beyond. The tower would also be lit up in the night sky in the colours of various causes, notably green for big Raiders games.
But as the pull of the tower waned, its condition worsened.
The revolving restaurant closed in 2013 after a bitter legal dispute. The final meal was on the evening of Valentine's Day.
Last year, the ACT government said it would "work with Telstra on a plan to redevelop and reopen Telstra Tower. This will help reinstate it as an iconic Canberra visitor destination. Features will likely include a café, retail space and observation deck".
But, the government said, "it is too early to say if the tower's renowned revolving restaurant will return".
Architects were commissioned. "High above the treetops, visitors will once again be able to experience an eagle's eye view of the city and its surroundings from the tower's own eyrie, where seating pods will provide shelter from the wind and mist," Sophie Cleland of Architectus said.
"The proposed design for the tower draws inspiration from the waters of Canberra. From the three rivers: the Cotter, Murrumbidgee, and Molonglo, to the mists that blanket the heights of Black Mountain and the sky country of Mulleun - the wedge-tailed eagle. Water gives life and energy; reflects life and light; and over time, shapes the land itself."
Three months ago, the ACT government announced it could come up with money towards reopening, depending on what Telstra planned to do.
At the announcement, Chief Minister Andrew Barr indicated that 2026 was a possibility for bringing it back into use.
But Telstra has now indicated that this is not a runner.
"Please watch this space for an announcement in December 2027, when once again start accepting (sic) requests from different organisations, including charities, embassies and corporations across Australia," Telstra has said on its website.
People have opinions on the Telstra Tower. In 2016, candidates from the Sex Party damned it as "ugly", an "awful eyesore" and "a complete embarrassment" and said it should be torn down.
What's your stance on Telstra Tower? Re-open as soon as possible? Bring back the revolving restaurant? Clear the skyline of it? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
