Based on latest update from Infrastrtructure Canberra CBRIN is begining the staged transition process of reoccupying Levels 4 and 5 in 1 Moore street. There are several non negotiable elements of the process we still need to go through such as receiving written confirmation from building owners that the space is safe to reoccupy, reinsuring the premises and completing deep clean and testing of services.
We anticipate CBRIN to be in full operation from the space starting 1 October 2026 with some activities such as events resuming as early as 14 September 2026.
Update from iCBR on 24 July 2026, 4.45 pm:
"Infrastructure Canberra is providing a further update regarding remediation activities at 1 Moore Street.
Ongoing specialist investigations have identified asbestos-containing material (ACM) in non-occupied areas of the building, extending beyond the original plant room where ACM was first identified.
Testing has not identified ACM in occupied areas of the building under normal operating conditions. However, the extent of ACM identified in non-occupied areas has reinforced the need for a comprehensive removal, cleaning and remediation program across the building.
Based on expert advice, Infrastructure Canberra has determined that the building will remain closed beyond the 7 August date provided in our previous update.
A specialist asbestos remediation contractor has been appointed and has commenced work on site.
Infrastructure Canberra and the contractor are working through the detailed methodology required to safely remediate the identified contamination and address the source of the issue. The remediation program will include ACM removal where required, detailed cleaning activities, validation testing and other works necessary to support the safe reoccupation of the building.
Remediation activities will be undertaken in a staged and methodical manner, with testing and verification carried out throughout the process to confirm the effectiveness of the works and inform subsequent stages of remediation.
Once detailed planning is complete and the full scope and schedule of works has been confirmed, Infrastructure Canberra will provide a further update on the expected reopening timeframe. We anticipate a revised reopening date will become clearer within the next three weeks.
We recognise the continued disruption caused by the building closure and appreciate the patience and cooperation of tenant agencies and staff. Infrastructure Canberra will continue to work closely with tenant agencies and service providers to support business continuity arrangements while remediation works are underway.
The health and safety of building occupants remains our highest priority. Decisions regarding access to and reoccupation of 1 Moore Street will continue to be guided by specialist expert advice and the outcomes of remediation and verification activities.
Thank you for your ongoing understanding and cooperation."
Update provided by Infrastructure Canberra on 14 July:
"Dear tenants,
We recognise that the ongoing closure of 1 Moore Street has been disruptive and challenging for staff, service providers and the community members who rely on services delivered from the building. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as this work continues.
Following the identification of asbestos-containing material (ACM) within a plant room, specialist consultants have continued monitoring, testing and investigative work throughout the building.
Preliminary results indicate that some occupied areas across multiple floors are clear of ACM under normal operating conditions, including with the HVAC systems operating.
Results from the remainder of the testing program are currently pending.
Based on the advice of the specialist consultants, the building will need to remain closed while cleaning and remediation activities are undertaken. Current estimates indicate the closure may be required up to 7 August to ensure the building can be safely reoccupied.
We understand this extended closure will create additional pressures for tenant organisations and staff. Please be assured that Infrastructure Canberra is working closely with Health and Community Services Directorate, Canberra Health Services and Economic Development to support tenants and help maintain critical services during this period.
Work is also underway to establish safe access arrangements for a short period so tenants can retrieve or access essential equipment, records and materials where required to support ongoing service delivery. Further information on these arrangements will be provided as they are finalised.
The health and safety of building occupants, staff and visitors remain our highest priority. Decisions regarding access to and reoccupation of the building will continue to be guided by specialist advice and the outcomes of ongoing testing, cleaning and remediation activities.
We appreciate the uncertainty that situations like this can cause and are committed to keeping you informed. Further updates will be provided as additional testing results become available and key milestones in the remediation process are reached.
Thank you again for your understanding and cooperation."
Update provided by Infrastructure Canberra as of 9 July 2026:
"Dear tenants,
We recognise that the ongoing closure of 1 Moore Street has been disruptive and challenging for staff, service providers and the community members who rely on services delivered from the building. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as this work continues.
Following the identification of asbestos-containing material (ACM) within a plant room, specialist consultants have continued monitoring, testing and investigative work throughout the building.
Preliminary results indicate that some occupied areas across multiple floors are clear of ACM under normal operating conditions, including with the HVAC systems operating.
Results from the remainder of the testing program are currently pending.
Based on the advice of the specialist consultants, the building will need to remain closed while cleaning and remediation activities are undertaken. Current estimates indicate the closure may be required up to 7 August to ensure the building can be safely reoccupied.
We understand this extended closure will create additional pressures for tenant organisations and staff. Please be assured that Infrastructure Canberra is working closely with Health and Community Services Directorate, Canberra Health Services and Economic Development to support tenants and help maintain critical services during this period.
Work is also underway to establish safe access arrangements for a short period so tenants can retrieve or access essential equipment, records and materials where required to support ongoing service delivery. Further information on these arrangements will be provided as they are finalised.
The health and safety of building occupants, staff and visitors remain our highest priority. Decisions regarding access to and reoccupation of the building will continue to be guided by specialist advice and the outcomes of ongoing testing, cleaning and remediation activities.
We appreciate the uncertainty that situations like this can cause and are committed to keeping you informed. Further updates will be provided as additional testing results become available and key milestones in the remediation process are reached.
Thank you again for your understanding and cooperation.
[Infrastructure Canberra]"
Here is an overview of prior events:
Infrastructure Canberra who operates the building at 1 Moore Street as a landlord to CBRIN has provided us with the following advice on 29 June 2026:
"As part of maintenance activities today, dust-like material has been identified within a plant room in 1 Moore Street, Canberra City. The plant room was immediately isolated and the material sampled for testing.
Results received this afternoon have confirmed the presence of asbestos-containing material (ACM) within the plant room.
On the advice of specialist consultants, and as a precaution while further atmospheric testing is undertaken, the building will remain closed tomorrow (Tuesday 30 June).
Testing across all floors is scheduled to occur tomorrow and we will provide an update once the results are available and further advice is received.
Our immediate priority is to ensure the health and safety of all occupants and we are taking all necessary steps to ensure the environment is safe."
On 30 June in the afternoon, the advice was updated to:
"Further to our advice yesterday regarding the temporary closure of 1 Moore Street following the identification of asbestos-containing material (ACM) within a plant room, monitoring, testing, and specialist investigations are continuing.
Based on the advice of the specialist consultants engaged to assess the situation, the building will remain closed on Wednesday, 1 July and Thursday, 2 July.
We will provide a further update as soon as the next steps have been confirmed.
The health and safety of all building occupants remain our highest priority. Decisions regarding reoccupation of the building will continue to be guided by expert advice and the outcomes of ongoing testing and investigations."
3 July 2026:
"Closure extended pending further work
Further to our previous communications regarding the temporary closure of 1 Moore Street following the identification of asbestos-containing material (ACM) within a plant room, we would like to provide the following update.
Based on the advice of the specialist consultants engaged to undertake further monitoring, testing and investigations, 1 Moore Street will remain closed to and including Friday, 10 July.
Additional monitoring, testing and specialist investigations will continue during this period. The health and safety of all building occupants remain the highest priority, and any decision regarding reoccupation of the building will continue to be guided by expert advice.
We will provide a further update as soon as next steps are confirmed.
Please ensure this information is shared with your teams and that no one attends the site during this period unless explicitly advised."
CBRIN team continues to operate remotely and apologises for the inconvenience and business disruption this causes to the innovation community members who use and are scheduled to use the space.
We are working with our Foundation Members and the ACT Government to arrange alternative spaces for companies and users of our space to utilise. Our team is working hard to make this work for all involved, and any affected member of the innovation community can reach out to us at enquiries@cbrin.com.au for assistance.
Thank you everyone for your understanding.
