The developers of a new government office block next door to the ACT Legislative Assembly will have to halt construction during sitting weeks under the terms of its contract with the ACT government.
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Capital Property Group will start work on a $300 million government, commercial office and hotel precinct next to the ACT's parliament after Christmas.
But under the clause, discussed in ACT budget estimates hearings on Monday, work on the site could be stopped when the ACT's parliament sits if it was deemed too disruptive.
The Assembly's business support general manager Ian Duckworth acknowledged while there would be four years worth of disruptions because of construction work, some activities would be harder to endure than others.
"Disruptive work in terms of digging down for three basements of car parking is expected to commence in February and run through at least until May and June if not longer and that's an issue that's probably been sharpest in our focus in terms of the disruption it could cause, particularly for the people living on the southern side of the building," Mr Duckworth said.
He said double-glazing could be fitted on the southern side of the building as a result and committee hearings could take place off-site next year.
Speaker Joy Burch said the developer had been asked to consider working at night to minimise the disruption to neighbouring office blocks and respect the Assembly's sitting pattern.
However Ms Burch noted once construction is completed, there would be a building with 3000 people sitting in it "a throw of the tennis ball" from the Assembly.
The Assembly was yet to sort out where members would park, as the development will wipe out the existing 9000 square metre car park.
"It will be different for us," Ms Burch said.
The Assembly will sit for 39 days this year and the schedule for next year is not yet available.
"The Capital Property Group and its builders are cognisant of the work of the Assembly and the densely populated precinct," a spokeswoman said.
"As part of the lease agreement between the parties, a process and methodology has been agreed to manage any disruption to the Assembly during construction - this includes the ability to stop work if required."
The car park on the corner of Constitution Avenue and London Circuit will be redeveloped into two buildings, linked by a laneway of cafes and shops.
One will contain five storeys of government offices and the other will have 12 levels of commercial offices and a five-star Adina Apartment Hotel Grand with 132 rooms over four levels.
Construction is expected to be finished by August 2020.
