Memorial News
New Carpark, More Trees As Work Begins On ANZAC Hall
3/2/00 - Work is to begin shortly on a new carpark at the Australian War Memorial as part of the major ANZAC Hall project.
ANZAC Hall is being built at the rear of the main Memorial building on the site of the present carpark, and will house the Memorial's collection of large technology items, including the Japanese midget submarine, the First World War Mark IV tank and various aircraft, artillery and vehicles.
The new carpark will be built in two sections - on the western and eastern sides of the Memorial site, providing a total of 348 spaces. This is an increase of 78 spaces over current arrangements, and is designed to avoid the possibility of overflow parking in residential areas. Residents of Campbell have been consulted in the design process, as has the Campbell High School to ensure the carpark entrance causes no problems with school buses. There will be eight disabled parking spaces provided, located on the eastern side of the main building, closer to the Memorial entrance.
The western carpark will be the first to be constructed, and will be shielded by an earth bank planted with native grasses and trees. The bank will ensure the vista from ANZAC Parade is maintained.
Some existing trees will not survive the earthworks required for the new carpark. They will be replaced by new trees, and by transplanting existing trees from other parts of the Memorial grounds. Trees in the existing carpark will be removed. Many of these were due for removal because they were beginning to drop branches, posing a danger to visitors and staff. However, new trees will be planted around ANZAC Hall and in the courtyard to be created between the Hall and the main building. In net terms, there will be an increase in the number of trees in the Memorial grounds.
The carpark construction and tree-planting program conforms to the Australian Heritage Commission's master plan for the site, and has received the approval of the National Capital Authority. Work is due for completion by April.
%7Cutmccn%3D(direct)%7Cutmcmd%3D(none)%3B){kind=small}