A new deal struck between the ACT government and Telstra will see Canberra’s iconic Black Mountain tower reopen as a premier tourist attraction in the region.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said that the government will be working with Telstra to restore and reopen the popular venue. A café is part of the plans, although Mr Barr couldn’t promise the return of the revolving restaurant.

“Over the coming months we will be working with Telstra on the detailed plan and partnership arrangements to restore and reopen this iconic visitor attraction,” Mr Barr said.

“We expect there will be a café, retail, and an observation deck once the Tower re-opens – although it is too early to say if the revolving restaurant will be back.”

Over the past two years, Telstra has conducted extensive planning and community engagement about redeveloping the beloved building.

“For many years it was a popular tourist attraction, and we believe this site can offer that again for Canberrans and visitors to our country’s capital,” Telstra CEO Vicki Brady said.

“Black Mountain also has ongoing cultural significance to the Ngunnawal people, and any new development of the Telstra Tower should also reflect and incorporate this as a key element.

“As a national telecommunications and infrastructure provider, Telstra does not have the expertise to develop or manage a tourist attraction, so we need a partner with the skills and local knowledge to help make that happen,” she said.

“That’s why we are pleased to be entering into a partnership with the ACT Government to leverage their local expertise in running world-class tourism venues, and hope this enables the Tower to once again be open to the public.”

Both Telstra and the ACT government will engage with the Ngunnawal community and other families and stakeholders with an interest in the Tower, looking to incorporate local culture and stories.

The beloved Telstra Tower was closed three years ago (July 2021) due to its rundown condition and has since been defaced by graffiti.