The ACT government is calling for expressions of interest from companies interested in redeveloping the historic Yarralumla Brickworks.

Chief minister Jon Stanhope said they were interested in "creative proposals" to conserve and re-develop the site.

“The Brickworks is an important piece of Canberra’s history and heritage and it is crucial to breathe new life into the precinct,” he said.

“We have seen just last year, with the transformation of the historic Kingston Powerhouse into a major cultural facility, what is possible when we think laterally about how to best protect and enhance important cultural heritage sites."

"The Yarralumla Brickworks presents another such opportunity to think really creatively about the future and the past.”

The government also wanted to promote "quality urban design" and environmentally sustainable outcomes, Mr Stanhope said.