Projects

The Eastern Precinct Development

“The Memorial ranks among the world′s great national monuments. Sharply etched grandeur and dignity, in its stylised Byzantine profile contrast with a distinctively Australian setting among lawns and eucalypts, at the head of a wide ceremonial avenue, ANZAC Parade. Kangaroos, occasionally straying from nearby bushy hills, add to the physical effect.”

Architects, Johnson Pilton Walker — July 2008

Introduction

The Australian War Memorial in its building and setting has undergone a major transformation in the past decade strongly reinforcing its importance in the historic and cultural landscape of Australia.

Building

Setting

These projects have all been part of a broader vision for the Memorial and they have been executed to a very high standard.

Site Development Planning

In 2001 the Australian War Memorial engaged the RAIA 2008 gold medalist architect Richard Johnson of Johnson Pilton Walker (JPW) to prepare a Site Development Plan for the Memorial precinct.

The Site Development Plan has been substantially implemented in the Western Precinct and the Parade Ground. The third precinct, the Eastern Precinct, by contrast is inconsistent in quality with the rest of the site and presents complex design issues associated with the visual and physical link of the precinct to the rest of the site and provision of the appropriate level of amenity and safety for increasing visitor numbers whilst maintaining the character of the precinct.

The Eastern Precinct Development Proposal

In 2007, a proposal to government secured funding to redevelop the Eastern Precinct to the same high standards of the rest of the Memorial site. The proposal includes a new formal Memorial Courtyard and National Service memorial, much improved and safer coach and car parking, rejuvenated outdoor areas, improved toilet facilities, and the replacement of the existing café with an accessible facility more suited to the requirements and significance of the site.

Objectives

The proposed Eastern Precinct development is a key element of the Memorial′s Site Development Plan and Draft Heritage Management Plan. The Eastern Precinct proposal has the following major objectives:

Design services

Johnson Pilton Walker (JPW)has been selected to provide Architectural and Landscape Architect design services for the Eastern Precinct development.  JPW is a well established and experienced architectural and landscape firm that has successfully completed similar works, including the redesign of the Parade Ground at the Memorial. Notably JPW is also collaborating with Utzon Architects (Jørn Utzon, Jan Utzon) on significant new works at the Sydney Opera House and, after winning an open international competition, is the architect for the National Portrait Gallery - the most significant new national institution constructed in the Parliamentary Triangle for almost 20 years.

The Memorial precinct is a listed place on the Commonwealth and National Heritage Lists, is registered on the Register of the National Estate, and is listed in the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (ACT Chapter) Register of Significant Twentieth Century Architecture. The Heritage Consultant, Godden Mackay Logan, has been contracted to provide heritage advice for the project and is working closely with the Memorial and JPW.

The Memorial will also work closely with approval authorities including the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA), the National Capital Authority (NCA), and local planning authorities to keep them informed of the development.  A process of consultation with a range of stakeholder groups has also commenced.

Contact

eastern_precinct@awm.gov.au.

The Site Master Plan identifies the Formal and Informal zones of the site which are commemorative and recreational in nature.The Site Master Plan identifies the Formal and Informal zones of the site which are commemorative and recreational in nature.

This image of the entire site outlines the Eastern Precinct, the area proposed for redevelopment.This image of the entire site outlines the Eastern Precinct, the area proposed for redevelopment.

This image shows the concept for the National Service memorial.Concept for the National Service memorial.

Supporting Documentation

Indicative Development Proposal, revised October 2008. This document incorporates changes to access, and coach parking, as a result of consultation and feedback from Stakeholders.