Up to 6200 homes – along with shops and community spaces – could be built in the Thoroughbred Park precinct if a major amendment to the Territory Plan is passed. Photo: Thoroughbred Park.
A new housing and community precinct at Canberra’s Thoroughbred Park is a step closer to reality with community consultation opening on a proposed major amendment to the Territory Plan.
If passed, it would allow up to 6200 homes to be built at the Thoroughbred Park precinct in Lyneham, along with shops, active travel links and community spaces.
The City and Environment Directorate outlined that the proposed changes would support “transport-oriented development” close to light rail, shops and jobs.
“[This would increase] housing density along transport corridors, support better use of existing infrastructure and encourage active travel. This will create a more connected, well-serviced and accessible neighbourhood,” it stated.
“The plan will help create medium to high-density homes, shops and community spaces, while retaining key recreation assets such as the racecourse.”
The precinct includes Thoroughbred Park as well as neighbouring sites such as the Canberra Riding and Pony Club, the Canberra Veterinary Hospital site, Kamberra Winery, land adjacent to Flemington Road and land adjacent to the Federal Highway.
The draft major plan amendment proposes rezoning part of the precinct to create a future urban area, which is where the future subdivision is likely to be located.
“This will encourage the staged delivery of development, supporting the future growth of the ACT over the better part of a decade,” the government statement read.
“The Thoroughbred Park precinct was identified as a category 2 change area through the Inner North and City District Strategy as it provides an opportunity to create well-connected homes and local amenities right near the city centre.”
It also contains assessment outcomes and requirements to ensure the new buildings maintain the character of the precinct.
These requirements include limiting building heights to 18 metres and 24 metres across the precinct, requiring future development to minimise flood impacts from Sullivans Creek, establishing building setbacks of 24 metres from the Federal Highway road reserve, and mandating active travel through the site along Sullivans Creek, with consideration of active travel routes.
The rezoning proposal includes a high-density residential zone (in red), a local centre (labelled CZ4) and mixed-use areas (CZ5). Photo: ACT Government.
The Canberra Racing Club has described the major plan amendment as a “significant and positive move” for Thoroughbred Park, the Canberra racing industry and the community at large.
“[This] marks one of the most significant moments in the Club’s proud history – a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine Thoroughbred Park and contribute meaningfully to Canberra’s future growth,” Canberra Racing Club chief executive Darren Pearce said.
“Seeking community feedback is a vital next step in our long-term vision to create more for the racing industry, our members, and the Canberra community that we’re proud to be part of.”
Mr Pearce said the draft major plan amendment was the result of more than six years of investigation, research and consultation.
“As one of Canberra’s key northern gateway sites and the starting point of the city’s northwest growth corridor, we recognise the responsibility and privilege that comes with developing this land,” he said.
“Our commitment is to ensure any future design is thoughtful, sustainable and seamlessly integrated with our racing and events precinct – creating a vibrant, connected destination where people can live, work and play.”
Mr Pearce said support for the amendment would result in more support for the Canberra community.
“As a not-for-profit sporting club, any benefits from a supported major plan amendment and future development would be reinvested back into the club, our sport, our wide variety of events, and the broader community,” he said.
“We’re proud to now share this vision with the community and to support the Territory’s efforts to increase well-located housing close to light rail, amenities, services, and jobs.”
The plan could also make a large contribution towards the ACT Government’s target of 30,000 new homes by 2030.
Community feedback on the draft major amendment, labelled DPA-08, is open from 17 October to 1 December 2025 on the ACT Planning website.
A consultation report will be published after the notification period closes.
