Henry Ferdinand Halloran, an enterprising developer, bought the property at auction in 1924 and began planning the future city.

Halloran emphasised the future promise of the region, being the closest freehold (Torrens title) land to the new federal territory.

[5] Plans for the northern part of the subdivision, called Canberra Freehold Estate, included space for offices, shops, a hospital and theatres.

The main top-mast off HMAS Sydney was erected, but it rotted at the base and collapsed, and was later moved to Jervis Bay.

[13] A reason that the area has remained undeveloped for so long was the concern that any housing would be affected adversely by aircraft noise if Canberra Airport was expanded.