Memorial welcomes local residents to be part of “early works” redevelopment consultation

The Australian War Memorial has invited local residents to take part in community engagement and consultation activities which will provide information about “early works” and changes to parking on the Memorial grounds commencing in October 2019.

Residents of Reid and Campbell have been invited to a drop-in session to be held on 24 July 2019, in the Captain Reg Saunders Gallery from 4pm to 7pm. 
Memorial Director Dr Brendan Nelson said the first stage of the early works includes an extension to the Memorial’s underground car park which will provide the increased capacity required to support the additional gallery space being developed. 

“Additionally, a temporary on-site car park will be constructed at the rear of Poppy’s Cafe above the new permanent parking, to provide an area for the construction and contractor parking. Currently, all early works will be within the Memorial site. Once the Memorial expansion has concluded, the above ground temporary car parking area is intended to be restored to a landscaped communal area for all visitors,” Dr Nelson said. 

The early works car parking structure is the first stage of the physical work being delivered under the Redevelopment Program and is an important milestone in the Memorial’s expansion plans.

“This is the largest project undertaken on the Memorial grounds since it was opened in 1941. The redevelopment program will significantly increase gallery, exhibition and function space in order to more substantially tell the stories of current and recent conflicts, operations, peacekeeping, and humanitarian missions. 

“It will also include a new temporary exhibition space, improved visitor orientation, wayfinding and amenities, areas for respite and reflection, new education facilities,” Dr Nelson said. 

“Of course, the Memorial belongs to all Australians and I urge anyone with a view on the early works to submit their feedback to the Memorial as part of these consultation activities.” 

Entry to the redevelopment early works drop-in centre will be available via the double doors to Captain Reg Saunders Gallery, on the western side of the Memorial, Level 1. Local residents unable to attend can email: redevelopment@awm.gov.au.