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
- the Memorial building has been refurbished
- the Exhibitions have been revitalised.
- ANZAC Hall enables dramatic “object theatre” presentations and associated public programs.
- the CEW Bean building has provided improved curatorial and collection facilities, and make possible a much larger exhibition space for the new galleries Conflicts 1945 to Today in the main building.
Setting
- the Western Courtyard and Sculpture Garden has been created
- the Parade Ground has been refurbished
- a Site Development Plan has been prepared
- a design has been prepared for a new National Service memorial
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:
- be consistent with the Memorial′s Commonwealth and National Heritage Listing and the Site Development Plan.
- bring this important area of the site into line with the overall objectives and quality established for the Western Precinct and the Parade Ground.
- reinforce and rejuvenate the character of the open natural landscape in contrast to the more formal Western Precinct.
- provide the best possible setting for the Memorial building.
- significantly improve access, safety and amenity, particularly for groups arriving by coach and for those with impaired mobility, and deal with current OH&S issues.
- provide a more accessible and flexible café and functions venue with on-grade access to the main memorial building, the schools′ entrance and the picnic areas of the site.
- provide an underground car park with approximately 200 parking spaces close to the main memorial building entrance and remove dependence on surrounding residential streets for peak period ‘overflow’ parking.
- provide additional and planned opportunities for additional memorials e.g. the National Service memorial and additional plaque placements
- remove the temporary carpark and reinstate the degraded landscape.
- provide additional facilities and access for major events and ceremonies.
- provide an improved setting for the recently constructed CEW Bean Building.
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
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.
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.
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