Gungahlin town centre to get a six-screen cinema

A development application lodged this week proposes a six-screen Limelight Cinemas complex for the long-vacant Hibberson Street site opposite the Gungahlin Marketplace. This major planning move signals a potential end to the long wait for a dedicated entertainment precinct in the heart of Gungahlin, transforming a site that has sat empty for many years.

The DA includes 870 seats across six theatres, two ground-floor cafes and a designated food truck bay along the laneway frontage. This configuration suggests a modern approach to cinema-going, where the experience extends beyond the screen to incorporate diverse dining and street-food options right at the venue door.

Gungahlin Community Council president Peter Elford welcomed the proposal but said the group would push for stronger noise mitigation given the residential towers next door. Balancing the vibrancy of an entertainment hub with the suburban quiet expected by nearby high-rise residents will be a key focus of the planning review process.

Submissions close 25 July. If approved, construction is targeted for late 2027 with a 2028 opening. This timeline allows for a significant period of site preparation and structural work to take place on the Hibberson Street land before the first films can be screened for the local community.

What to expect

Residents can look forward to a boutique yet high-capacity cinema experience. The inclusion of six screens suggests a wide variety of film choices, ranging from the latest international blockbusters to smaller independent releases, providing a new night-time economy for the Gungahlin town centre.

The ground-floor cafes are likely to create a social anchor for the site, drawing in foot traffic throughout the day and not just during evening screening times. By situating these cafes at street level, the development aims to integrate seamlessly with the existing retail atmosphere of the nearby Gungahlin Marketplace.

A new dining hub

The designated food truck bay along the laneway frontage is a unique feature of the plan. This addition provides a flexible space for local food vendors to rotate through the site, offering cinema-goers and residents a changing variety of quick dining options that complement the traditional popcorn and snacks found inside.

This focus on outdoor and laneway culture reflects a broader trend in Canberra urban design, aiming to make town centres more walkable and engaging. If successful, the Hibberson Street laneway could become a lively thoroughfare that connects different parts of the shopping district with the new entertainment facilities.

Next steps for residents

Community feedback is a vital part of the development process. Locals who live in the adjacent residential towers or those who frequently use the Gungahlin Marketplace are encouraged to review the plans and consider how the cinema will impact the local traffic, noise levels, and general amenity of the town centre.

The current gap between the submission closing date in July and the proposed construction start in 2027 suggests a methodical approach to the project. This lead time will be used to ensure the build meets all regulatory requirements and addresses any concerns raised by the Gungahlin Community Council regarding the interface between the cinema and its neighbours.