The Liangis family has secured Hilton Canberra Manuka, a 184-room hotel due to open in early 2027 as the brand’s first hotel in the national capital.

The hotel stands on the site of the former Capitol Theatre in Manuka. It will include an all-day dining restaurant and bar, plus wedding and event spaces.

In addition, guests will have an executive lounge, fitness and wellness facilities, a sauna, a pool and a single cinema. ICC Development Group will operate the hotel under a franchise agreement.

Landscaping and the internal fit-out are continuing. Manuka businesses hope Hilton Canberra Manuka will help rejuvenate the inner south precinct.

Sotiria Liangis is a Greek-born Canberra developer. She said the family was proud to have made a significant investment in redeveloping the property into Hilton Canberra Manuka.

“Manuka holds a special place in our family’s story,” Liangis said. “We hope the hotel will become a destination in its own right, recognised locally and internationally for excellence in accommodation and hospitality, while maintaining a strong connection to the precinct and creating a lasting legacy for the Liangis family.”

ICC Development Group chief executive Harrold Dakin said the project was a significant private investment by Mrs Liangis. He said the hotel should support about 100 to 120 ongoing full-time, part-time and casual positions.

Additionally, Dakin said the hotel should drive visitor spending for local restaurants, cafés, retailers and suppliers.

Tushar Raniga, Hilton Australasia director of development, called the opening an important milestone in Hilton’s growth across Australasia.

“With its location in one of Canberra’s most established precincts and proximity to key government, diplomatic, corporate and leisure demand drivers, the hotel is well positioned to welcome guests travelling for a wide range of occasions,” he said.

Andrew Barr is the ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism and Events. He called the flagship brand’s arrival a major win for the Territory’s visitor economy.

“This significant commitment will create jobs, strengthen our tourism and hospitality sector, and help attract more visitors, major events and business opportunities,” Barr said.

He also said the hotel would give Canberra a presence in the Hilton Honors program.

Hilton Canberra Manuka will have 184 rooms, including eight suites. Standard rooms will range from 32 to 45 square metres.

Wedding and event facilities will include a ballroom and a multifunction space, divisible into four rooms. Ground-level retail and additional dining venues will form part of the development as well.

According to Hilton, the hotel will stand at 15-17 Franklin Street, directly opposite Manuka Oval. Canberra Airport is about seven kilometres away.

Mrs Liangis was born in Keratea, in Attica. She settled in Canberra in 1961 with her husband Angelo.

Later, in 1996, she received the Order of Australia Medal. The honour recognised her service to the Greek community, particularly the aged and through St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Canberra.

Mrs Liangis said no cinema chain would come on board. They believed a multiplex in Manuka would not be viable, she said, because of competition in Woden, the city and New Acton.

Hilton Canberra Manuka is due to open in early 2027, Region Canberra reported.

Source: Region Canberra