AIE Lodges Development Application for Next Stage of Canberra Campus Precinct

Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) has reached a major milestone in its mission to transform creative education in Australia. AIE has now formally lodged a Development Application (DA) for Stage 1 of its new Canberra campus precinct, marking the next step in creating a world-class hub for games, film, and visual effects education.

This achievement follows years of strategic planning, extensive consultations, and an eight-year effort to secure land in Watson. Stage 1 has been shaped through comprehensive community engagement and collaborative partnerships that embed local insights and indigenous perspectives. 

AIE, renowned for launching the world’s first game school and helping grow Australia’s $4 billion games industry, now aims to replicate that success for film and VFX. The new campus will not only drive economic development but also strengthen social cohesion through community infrastructure. 

What Stage 1 Will Deliver 

Purpose-built, tech-rich learning spaces, student wellbeing facilities, and professional-grade film production amenities including a sound stage and workshop. The campus will feature Ngunnawal cultural landscaping and native plantings, and is ideally located near the Inner North Playground, light rail, and future Garden City Cycle route—energising Canberra’s creative precinct and positioning it as a national innovation hub. 

“Step by step, we’re building something extraordinary,” said AIE CEO John De Margheriti. “This precinct will be unlike anything Australia has seen—a creative hub that benefits students, industry, and the Canberra community for generations.” 

If you agree or disagree with the DA you can make a comment on it during the public notification period which closes on 07 November 2025.  

Show Your Support 

If you'd like to support AIE’s vision for Canberra’s creative future, you can submit a supportive comment—known as a representation—via the ACT Government’s planning website. Positive, well-reasoned submissions help demonstrate strong community backing. Consider highlighting: 

• The project’s contribution to education and creative industry growth 

• Its compatibility with surrounding land uses and urban design 

• Improvements to public amenity, 

• Alignment with the Territory Plan and planning objectives 

Visit community.aie.edu.au for links and guidance on how to comment. 

Visit this page on ACT Government’s Planning website to see the full Development Application.