Projects

The Eastern Precinct Development

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

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.

This image shows the concept for the National Service memorial.The National Service memorial looking east towards the new Outpost cafe.

This image shows the concept for the National Service memorial.The Memorial Courtyard and National Service Memorial.

The new café and café forecourtThe new café and café forecourt.

Inside the new café.Inside the new café.

Supporting Documentation

Eastern Precinct Development – Heritage Impact Statement, November 2008.  Prepared by Godden Mackay Logan, Heritage consultants.

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

Landscape Design Report – December 2008 – prepared by Architects, Johnson Pilton Walker.