The following formal submission have been made public
Submitter: Stewart MitchellNew Southern Entrance
STATEMENT:
My belief is that this consultation process undertaken by the NCA is deeply flawed. Once the acknowledged heritage impact of the 'early works' was judged as acceptable by the NCA, because the Minister for the Environment had signed off on it, there was little point in engaging further in the process. The NCA has not properly used their custodial role to ensure the unique heritage and culture of Canberra (and the AWM) is maintained.
However, I will make this submission purely to put on record (again) my agreement with the objections of the Australian Heritage Council and others to the scale and associated heritage impact this development represents. Needless to say, based on what has occurred to date, I don't expect that any notice will be taken.
The AWM redevelopment proposal represents significant impact on the AWM site and the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan. Approval of these works should not occur.
HERITAGE CONSIDERATIONS - SETTING OF THE AWM WITHIN THE CANBERRA NATIONAL AREA UNDER THE NATIONAL CAPITAL PLAN:
The NCA has a strong responsibility to independently consider the heritage impacts as it relates to the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan.
The conditions of approval set by the Minister for the Environment do not remove or substantially reduce the heritage impacts identified by the Australian Heritage Council and the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment’s own Historic Heritage Section. All the impacts identified by the Australian Heritage Council and the Historic Heritage Section with DAWE remain.
IMPACTS SPECIFICALLY APPLICABLE TO THE NATIONAL CAPITAL PLAN:
The NCA website lists five key matters to do with the NCP. The AWM redevelopment directly conflicts with three of these five:
• Conservation and enhancement of the landscape features which give the National Capital its character and setting, and which contribute to the integration of natural and urban environments.
The overall scale and bulk of the AWM redevelopment, together with its hardened landscape setting will greatly impact the current integration of the natural and cultural environment; which in this case is expressed by the existing immediate landscape setting of the AWM (trees and grasses) together with the natural landscape of Mt Ainslie and its lower slopes.
• Respect for the key elements of the Griffins’ formally adopted plan for Canberra.
The Griffin Land Axis, unlike the actual avenues on the key triangle in the Griffin plan (Commonwealth, Constitution and Kings Ave) reflects a foundational line in the landscape connecting high points, that starts at Mt Ainslie, goes through Capital Hill and continues down to Mt Bimberi on the ACT/NSW border. This Land Axis gives voice to the underlying natural landscape around which the plan of the physical city was aligned, but was not meant to destroy. The 1988 Parliament House development respected that by burying the bulk of the building and leaving the hill. The gradual formalisation of Anzac Parade and now the proposed expansion of the AWM Parade Ground and the formal hardening of its surrounds will erode the Griffin Land Axis (that is meant to be a string of sites along a line) and turn it into a monumental avenue visually terminating in the AWM - which it is not meant to do. The AWM redevelopment does not respect the Griffins’ formally adopted plan for Canberra.
• Creation, conservation and enhancement of fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions and ceremonies as well as National Capital uses.
The AWM redevelopment greatly impacts the AWM landscape setting by destroying the balance of a discrete formal building in a natural setting. This is what it and other national institutions have maintained — a strong landscape setting around them. The new extent of the Parade Ground and steps and bladed wall etc. will strongly impact the setting of the AWM on approach along Anzac Parade, as will the visibility (totally un-necessary and unacceptable) of the glazed addition in this Parliament House Vista. Oblique views of the AWM as a free-standing national shrine will be destroyed. In views from Mt Ainslie the visible bulk of the redevelopment will impact an appreciation of the Land Axis and also remove the free-standing form of the AWM.
• In a National Capital sense, the work to and around the Parade Ground and the glazed addition will most directly impact the values being protected by the National Capital Plan.
IMPACTS TO THE NATIONAL CAPITAL PLAN IDENTIFIED BY THE AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE CONCIL:
The Australian Heritage Council does not support the conclusion that the proposed redevelopment of the AWM will not have a serious impact on the listed heritage values of the site.
In addition to identifying the demolition of the existing Anzac Hall, the redesign and expansion of the Parade Ground, the inclusion of the Oculus and external lift, and the significant expansion of the CEW Bean building as negative impacts on listed heritage values, the AHC makes the following points which relate strongly to the NCP.
• The listed heritage values of the Memorial include its landscape and setting. The impacts on the landscape and micro setting from the accretion of the proposed structural change have not been properly considered for this redevelopment.
• The significant expansion of the CEW Bean Building (to the South), has a negative impact on the heritage landscape and setting through the reduction of ‘natural space’. It imposes a considerable impact on and imbalance of landscape design within the site, and compromises the relationship between the natural bushland setting of the Memorial and its continuity with Mt Ainslie.
• The holistic impact of the proposed changes on listed heritage values, including the landscape and setting, is of concern. There is a loss of natural areas to designed and constructed spaces and the full extent and design changes arising from the redevelopment of the Parade Ground area.
IN SUMMARY:
• The NCA has a strong responsibility to independently consider the heritage impacts as it relates to the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan.
• The NCA must consider the impacts identified by the Historic Heritage Section in DAWE which are major impacts on Canberra National Area aspects. The mitigative measures associated with Minister Ley’s approval do not remove these impacts.
• NCP - Character and setting. The overall scale and bulk of the AWM redevelopment, together with its hardened landscape setting will greatly impact the current integration of the natural and cultural environment; which in this case is expressed by the existing immediate landscape setting of the AWM (trees and grasses) together with the natural landscape of Mt Ainslie and its lower slopes.
• NCP - Griffin Plan. The AWM redevelopment does not respect the Griffins’ formally adopted plan for Canberra. The gradual formalisation of Anzac Parade and now the expansion of the AWM Parade Ground and the formal hardening of its surrounds will erode the Griffin Land Axis and turn it into a monumental avenue visually terminating in the AWM - which it is not meant to do.
• NCP - Fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions. The AWM redevelopment greatly impacts the AWM landscape setting by destroying the balance of a discrete formal building in a natural setting.
• NCP - Fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions. The new extent of the Parade Ground and steps and bladed wall etc will strongly impact the setting of the AWM on approach along Anzac Parade, as will the visibility of the glazed addition in this Parliament House Vista.
• NCP - Fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions. Oblique views of the AWM as a free standing national shrine will be destroyed. In views from Mt Ainslie the visible bulk of the redevelopment will impact an appreciation of the Land Axis and also remove the free standing form of the AWM.
• In a National Capital sense, the work to and around the Parade Ground and the glazed addition will most directly impact the values being protected by the National Capital Plan.
• The Australian Heritage Council has stated the redevelopment will have a serious impact on listed heritage values and identifies the negative impact of the redevelopment on the heritage landscape and setting of the Memorial - changes which impact the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan.
Stewart Mitchell
Former Head of Buildings and Services at the AWM
9 September 2021
My belief is that this consultation process undertaken by the NCA is deeply flawed. Once the acknowledged heritage impact of the 'early works' was judged as acceptable by the NCA, because the Minister for the Environment had signed off on it, there was little point in engaging further in the process. The NCA has not properly used their custodial role to ensure the unique heritage and culture of Canberra (and the AWM) is maintained.
However, I will make this submission purely to put on record (again) my agreement with the objections of the Australian Heritage Council and others to the scale and associated heritage impact this development represents. Needless to say, based on what has occurred to date, I don't expect that any notice will be taken.
The AWM redevelopment proposal represents significant impact on the AWM site and the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan. Approval of these works should not occur.
HERITAGE CONSIDERATIONS - SETTING OF THE AWM WITHIN THE CANBERRA NATIONAL AREA UNDER THE NATIONAL CAPITAL PLAN:
The NCA has a strong responsibility to independently consider the heritage impacts as it relates to the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan.
The conditions of approval set by the Minister for the Environment do not remove or substantially reduce the heritage impacts identified by the Australian Heritage Council and the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment’s own Historic Heritage Section. All the impacts identified by the Australian Heritage Council and the Historic Heritage Section with DAWE remain.
IMPACTS SPECIFICALLY APPLICABLE TO THE NATIONAL CAPITAL PLAN:
The NCA website lists five key matters to do with the NCP. The AWM redevelopment directly conflicts with three of these five:
• Conservation and enhancement of the landscape features which give the National Capital its character and setting, and which contribute to the integration of natural and urban environments.
The overall scale and bulk of the AWM redevelopment, together with its hardened landscape setting will greatly impact the current integration of the natural and cultural environment; which in this case is expressed by the existing immediate landscape setting of the AWM (trees and grasses) together with the natural landscape of Mt Ainslie and its lower slopes.
• Respect for the key elements of the Griffins’ formally adopted plan for Canberra.
The Griffin Land Axis, unlike the actual avenues on the key triangle in the Griffin plan (Commonwealth, Constitution and Kings Ave) reflects a foundational line in the landscape connecting high points, that starts at Mt Ainslie, goes through Capital Hill and continues down to Mt Bimberi on the ACT/NSW border. This Land Axis gives voice to the underlying natural landscape around which the plan of the physical city was aligned, but was not meant to destroy. The 1988 Parliament House development respected that by burying the bulk of the building and leaving the hill. The gradual formalisation of Anzac Parade and now the proposed expansion of the AWM Parade Ground and the formal hardening of its surrounds will erode the Griffin Land Axis (that is meant to be a string of sites along a line) and turn it into a monumental avenue visually terminating in the AWM - which it is not meant to do. The AWM redevelopment does not respect the Griffins’ formally adopted plan for Canberra.
• Creation, conservation and enhancement of fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions and ceremonies as well as National Capital uses.
The AWM redevelopment greatly impacts the AWM landscape setting by destroying the balance of a discrete formal building in a natural setting. This is what it and other national institutions have maintained — a strong landscape setting around them. The new extent of the Parade Ground and steps and bladed wall etc. will strongly impact the setting of the AWM on approach along Anzac Parade, as will the visibility (totally un-necessary and unacceptable) of the glazed addition in this Parliament House Vista. Oblique views of the AWM as a free-standing national shrine will be destroyed. In views from Mt Ainslie the visible bulk of the redevelopment will impact an appreciation of the Land Axis and also remove the free-standing form of the AWM.
• In a National Capital sense, the work to and around the Parade Ground and the glazed addition will most directly impact the values being protected by the National Capital Plan.
IMPACTS TO THE NATIONAL CAPITAL PLAN IDENTIFIED BY THE AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE CONCIL:
The Australian Heritage Council does not support the conclusion that the proposed redevelopment of the AWM will not have a serious impact on the listed heritage values of the site.
In addition to identifying the demolition of the existing Anzac Hall, the redesign and expansion of the Parade Ground, the inclusion of the Oculus and external lift, and the significant expansion of the CEW Bean building as negative impacts on listed heritage values, the AHC makes the following points which relate strongly to the NCP.
• The listed heritage values of the Memorial include its landscape and setting. The impacts on the landscape and micro setting from the accretion of the proposed structural change have not been properly considered for this redevelopment.
• The significant expansion of the CEW Bean Building (to the South), has a negative impact on the heritage landscape and setting through the reduction of ‘natural space’. It imposes a considerable impact on and imbalance of landscape design within the site, and compromises the relationship between the natural bushland setting of the Memorial and its continuity with Mt Ainslie.
• The holistic impact of the proposed changes on listed heritage values, including the landscape and setting, is of concern. There is a loss of natural areas to designed and constructed spaces and the full extent and design changes arising from the redevelopment of the Parade Ground area.
IN SUMMARY:
• The NCA has a strong responsibility to independently consider the heritage impacts as it relates to the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan.
• The NCA must consider the impacts identified by the Historic Heritage Section in DAWE which are major impacts on Canberra National Area aspects. The mitigative measures associated with Minister Ley’s approval do not remove these impacts.
• NCP - Character and setting. The overall scale and bulk of the AWM redevelopment, together with its hardened landscape setting will greatly impact the current integration of the natural and cultural environment; which in this case is expressed by the existing immediate landscape setting of the AWM (trees and grasses) together with the natural landscape of Mt Ainslie and its lower slopes.
• NCP - Griffin Plan. The AWM redevelopment does not respect the Griffins’ formally adopted plan for Canberra. The gradual formalisation of Anzac Parade and now the expansion of the AWM Parade Ground and the formal hardening of its surrounds will erode the Griffin Land Axis and turn it into a monumental avenue visually terminating in the AWM - which it is not meant to do.
• NCP - Fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions. The AWM redevelopment greatly impacts the AWM landscape setting by destroying the balance of a discrete formal building in a natural setting.
• NCP - Fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions. The new extent of the Parade Ground and steps and bladed wall etc will strongly impact the setting of the AWM on approach along Anzac Parade, as will the visibility of the glazed addition in this Parliament House Vista.
• NCP - Fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions. Oblique views of the AWM as a free standing national shrine will be destroyed. In views from Mt Ainslie the visible bulk of the redevelopment will impact an appreciation of the Land Axis and also remove the free standing form of the AWM.
• In a National Capital sense, the work to and around the Parade Ground and the glazed addition will most directly impact the values being protected by the National Capital Plan.
• The Australian Heritage Council has stated the redevelopment will have a serious impact on listed heritage values and identifies the negative impact of the redevelopment on the heritage landscape and setting of the Memorial - changes which impact the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan.
Stewart Mitchell
Former Head of Buildings and Services at the AWM
9 September 2021
Bean Building Extension and Central Energy Plant
STATEMENT:
My belief is that this consultation process undertaken by the NCA is deeply flawed. Once the acknowledged heritage impact of the 'early works' was judged as acceptable by the NCA, because the Minister for the Environment had signed off on it, there was little point in engaging further in the process. The NCA has not properly used their custodial role to ensure the unique heritage and culture of Canberra (and the AWM) is maintained.
However, I will make this submission purely to put on record (again) my agreement with the objections of the Australian Heritage Council and others to the scale and associated heritage impact this development represents. Needless to say, based on what has occured to date, I don't expect that any notice will be taken.
The AWM redevelopment proposal represents significant impact on the AWM site and the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan. Approval of these works should not occur.
HERITAGE CONSIDERATIONS - SETTING OF THE AWM WITHIN THE CANBERRA NATIONAL AREA UNDER THE NATIONAL CAPITAL PLAN:
The NCA has a strong responsibility to independently consider the heritage impacts as it relates to the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan.
The conditions of approval set by the Minister for the Environment do not remove or substantially reduce the heritage impacts identified by the Australian Heritage Council and the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment’s own Historic Heritage Section. All the impacts identified by the Australian Heritage Council and the Historic Heritage Section with DAWE remain.
IMPACTS SPECIFICALLY APPLICABLE TO THE NATIONAL CAPITAL PLAN:
The NCA website lists five key matters to do with the NCP. The AWM redevelopment directly conflicts with three of these five:
• Conservation and enhancement of the landscape features which give the National Capital its character and setting, and which contribute to the integration of natural and urban environments.
The overall scale and bulk of the AWM redevelopment, together with its hardened landscape setting will greatly impact the current integration of the natural and cultural environment; which in this case is expressed by the existing immediate landscape setting of the AWM (trees and grasses) together with the natural landscape of Mt Ainslie and its lower slopes.
• Respect for the key elements of the Griffins’ formally adopted plan for Canberra.
The Griffin Land Axis, unlike the actual avenues on the key triangle in the Griffin plan (Commonwealth, Constitution and Kings Ave) reflects a foundational line in the landscape connecting high points, that starts at Mt Ainslie, goes through Capital Hill and continues down to Mt Bimberi on the ACT/NSW border. This Land Axis gives voice to the underlying natural landscape around which the plan of the physical city was aligned, but was not meant to destroy. The 1988 Parliament House development respected that by burying the bulk of the building and leaving the hill. The gradual formalisation of Anzac Parade and now the proposed expansion of the AWM Parade Ground and the formal hardening of its surrounds will erode the Griffin Land Axis (that is meant to be a string of sites along a line) and turn it into a monumental avenue visually terminating in the AWM - which it is not meant to do. The AWM redevelopment does not respect the Griffins’ formally adopted plan for Canberra.
• Creation, conservation and enhancement of fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions and ceremonies as well as National Capital uses.
The AWM redevelopment greatly impacts the AWM landscape setting by destroying the balance of a discrete formal building in a natural setting. This is what it and other national institutions have maintained — a strong landscape setting around them. The new extent of the Parade Ground and steps and bladed wall etc. will strongly impact the setting of the AWM on approach along Anzac Parade, as will the visibility (totally un-necessary and unacceptable) of the glazed addition in this Parliament House Vista. Oblique views of the AWM as a free-standing national shrine will be destroyed. In views from Mt Ainslie the visible bulk of the redevelopment will impact an appreciation of the Land Axis and also remove the free-standing form of the AWM.
• In a National Capital sense, the work to and around the Parade Ground and the glazed addition will most directly impact the values being protected by the National Capital Plan.
IMPACTS TO THE NATIONAL CAPITAL PLAN IDENTIFIED BY THE AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE CONCIL:
The Australian Heritage Council does not support the conclusion that the proposed redevelopment of the AWM will not have a serious impact on the listed heritage values of the site.
In addition to identifying the demolition of the existing Anzac Hall, the redesign and expansion of the Parade Ground, the inclusion of the Oculus and external lift, and the significant expansion of the CEW Bean building as negative impacts on listed heritage values, the AHC makes the following points which relate strongly to the NCP.
• The listed heritage values of the Memorial include its landscape and setting. The impacts on the landscape and micro setting from the accretion of the proposed structural change have not been properly considered for this redevelopment.
• The significant expansion of the CEW Bean Building (to the South), has a negative impact on the heritage landscape and setting through the reduction of ‘natural space’. It imposes a considerable impact on and imbalance of landscape design within the site, and compromises the relationship between the natural bushland setting of the Memorial and its continuity with Mt Ainslie.
• The holistic impact of the proposed changes on listed heritage values, including the landscape and setting, is of concern. There is a loss of natural areas to designed and constructed spaces and the full extent and design changes arising from the redevelopment of the Parade Ground area.
IN SUMMARY:
• The NCA has a strong responsibility to independently consider the heritage impacts as it relates to the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan.
• The NCA must consider the impacts identified by the Historic Heritage Section in DAWE which are major impacts on Canberra National Area aspects. The mitigative measures associated with Minister Ley’s approval do not remove these impacts.
• NCP - Character and setting. The overall scale and bulk of the AWM redevelopment, together with its hardened landscape setting will greatly impact the current integration of the natural and cultural environment; which in this case is expressed by the existing immediate landscape setting of the AWM (trees and grasses) together with the natural landscape of Mt Ainslie and its lower slopes.
• NCP - Griffin Plan. The AWM redevelopment does not respect the Griffins’ formally adopted plan for Canberra. The gradual formalisation of Anzac Parade and now the expansion of the AWM Parade Ground and the formal hardening of its surrounds will erode the Griffin Land Axis and turn it into a monumental avenue visually terminating in the AWM - which it is not meant to do.
• NCP - Fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions. The AWM redevelopment greatly impacts the AWM landscape setting by destroying the balance of a discrete formal building in a natural setting.
• NCP - Fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions. The new extent of the Parade Ground and steps and bladed wall etc will strongly impact the setting of the AWM on approach along Anzac Parade, as will the visibility of the glazed addition in this Parliament House Vista.
• NCP - Fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions. Oblique views of the AWM as a free standing national shrine will be destroyed. In views from Mt Ainslie the visible bulk of the redevelopment will impact an appreciation of the Land Axis and also remove the free standing form of the AWM.
• In a National Capital sense, the work to and around the Parade Ground and the glazed addition will most directly impact the values being protected by the National Capital Plan.
• The Australian Heritage Council has stated the redevelopment will have a serious impact on listed heritage values and identifies the negative impact of the redevelopment on the heritage landscape and setting of the Memorial - changes which impact the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan.
Stewart Mitchell
Former Head of Buildings and Services at the AWM
9 September 2021
My belief is that this consultation process undertaken by the NCA is deeply flawed. Once the acknowledged heritage impact of the 'early works' was judged as acceptable by the NCA, because the Minister for the Environment had signed off on it, there was little point in engaging further in the process. The NCA has not properly used their custodial role to ensure the unique heritage and culture of Canberra (and the AWM) is maintained.
However, I will make this submission purely to put on record (again) my agreement with the objections of the Australian Heritage Council and others to the scale and associated heritage impact this development represents. Needless to say, based on what has occured to date, I don't expect that any notice will be taken.
The AWM redevelopment proposal represents significant impact on the AWM site and the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan. Approval of these works should not occur.
HERITAGE CONSIDERATIONS - SETTING OF THE AWM WITHIN THE CANBERRA NATIONAL AREA UNDER THE NATIONAL CAPITAL PLAN:
The NCA has a strong responsibility to independently consider the heritage impacts as it relates to the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan.
The conditions of approval set by the Minister for the Environment do not remove or substantially reduce the heritage impacts identified by the Australian Heritage Council and the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment’s own Historic Heritage Section. All the impacts identified by the Australian Heritage Council and the Historic Heritage Section with DAWE remain.
IMPACTS SPECIFICALLY APPLICABLE TO THE NATIONAL CAPITAL PLAN:
The NCA website lists five key matters to do with the NCP. The AWM redevelopment directly conflicts with three of these five:
• Conservation and enhancement of the landscape features which give the National Capital its character and setting, and which contribute to the integration of natural and urban environments.
The overall scale and bulk of the AWM redevelopment, together with its hardened landscape setting will greatly impact the current integration of the natural and cultural environment; which in this case is expressed by the existing immediate landscape setting of the AWM (trees and grasses) together with the natural landscape of Mt Ainslie and its lower slopes.
• Respect for the key elements of the Griffins’ formally adopted plan for Canberra.
The Griffin Land Axis, unlike the actual avenues on the key triangle in the Griffin plan (Commonwealth, Constitution and Kings Ave) reflects a foundational line in the landscape connecting high points, that starts at Mt Ainslie, goes through Capital Hill and continues down to Mt Bimberi on the ACT/NSW border. This Land Axis gives voice to the underlying natural landscape around which the plan of the physical city was aligned, but was not meant to destroy. The 1988 Parliament House development respected that by burying the bulk of the building and leaving the hill. The gradual formalisation of Anzac Parade and now the proposed expansion of the AWM Parade Ground and the formal hardening of its surrounds will erode the Griffin Land Axis (that is meant to be a string of sites along a line) and turn it into a monumental avenue visually terminating in the AWM - which it is not meant to do. The AWM redevelopment does not respect the Griffins’ formally adopted plan for Canberra.
• Creation, conservation and enhancement of fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions and ceremonies as well as National Capital uses.
The AWM redevelopment greatly impacts the AWM landscape setting by destroying the balance of a discrete formal building in a natural setting. This is what it and other national institutions have maintained — a strong landscape setting around them. The new extent of the Parade Ground and steps and bladed wall etc. will strongly impact the setting of the AWM on approach along Anzac Parade, as will the visibility (totally un-necessary and unacceptable) of the glazed addition in this Parliament House Vista. Oblique views of the AWM as a free-standing national shrine will be destroyed. In views from Mt Ainslie the visible bulk of the redevelopment will impact an appreciation of the Land Axis and also remove the free-standing form of the AWM.
• In a National Capital sense, the work to and around the Parade Ground and the glazed addition will most directly impact the values being protected by the National Capital Plan.
IMPACTS TO THE NATIONAL CAPITAL PLAN IDENTIFIED BY THE AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE CONCIL:
The Australian Heritage Council does not support the conclusion that the proposed redevelopment of the AWM will not have a serious impact on the listed heritage values of the site.
In addition to identifying the demolition of the existing Anzac Hall, the redesign and expansion of the Parade Ground, the inclusion of the Oculus and external lift, and the significant expansion of the CEW Bean building as negative impacts on listed heritage values, the AHC makes the following points which relate strongly to the NCP.
• The listed heritage values of the Memorial include its landscape and setting. The impacts on the landscape and micro setting from the accretion of the proposed structural change have not been properly considered for this redevelopment.
• The significant expansion of the CEW Bean Building (to the South), has a negative impact on the heritage landscape and setting through the reduction of ‘natural space’. It imposes a considerable impact on and imbalance of landscape design within the site, and compromises the relationship between the natural bushland setting of the Memorial and its continuity with Mt Ainslie.
• The holistic impact of the proposed changes on listed heritage values, including the landscape and setting, is of concern. There is a loss of natural areas to designed and constructed spaces and the full extent and design changes arising from the redevelopment of the Parade Ground area.
IN SUMMARY:
• The NCA has a strong responsibility to independently consider the heritage impacts as it relates to the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan.
• The NCA must consider the impacts identified by the Historic Heritage Section in DAWE which are major impacts on Canberra National Area aspects. The mitigative measures associated with Minister Ley’s approval do not remove these impacts.
• NCP - Character and setting. The overall scale and bulk of the AWM redevelopment, together with its hardened landscape setting will greatly impact the current integration of the natural and cultural environment; which in this case is expressed by the existing immediate landscape setting of the AWM (trees and grasses) together with the natural landscape of Mt Ainslie and its lower slopes.
• NCP - Griffin Plan. The AWM redevelopment does not respect the Griffins’ formally adopted plan for Canberra. The gradual formalisation of Anzac Parade and now the expansion of the AWM Parade Ground and the formal hardening of its surrounds will erode the Griffin Land Axis and turn it into a monumental avenue visually terminating in the AWM - which it is not meant to do.
• NCP - Fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions. The AWM redevelopment greatly impacts the AWM landscape setting by destroying the balance of a discrete formal building in a natural setting.
• NCP - Fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions. The new extent of the Parade Ground and steps and bladed wall etc will strongly impact the setting of the AWM on approach along Anzac Parade, as will the visibility of the glazed addition in this Parliament House Vista.
• NCP - Fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions. Oblique views of the AWM as a free standing national shrine will be destroyed. In views from Mt Ainslie the visible bulk of the redevelopment will impact an appreciation of the Land Axis and also remove the free standing form of the AWM.
• In a National Capital sense, the work to and around the Parade Ground and the glazed addition will most directly impact the values being protected by the National Capital Plan.
• The Australian Heritage Council has stated the redevelopment will have a serious impact on listed heritage values and identifies the negative impact of the redevelopment on the heritage landscape and setting of the Memorial - changes which impact the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan.
Stewart Mitchell
Former Head of Buildings and Services at the AWM
9 September 2021
Anzac Hall and Glazed Link
STATEMENT:
My belief is that this consultation process undertaken by the NCA is deeply flawed. Once the acknowledged heritage impact of the 'early works' was judged as acceptable by the NCA, because the Minister for the Environment had signed off on it, there was little point in engaging further in the process. The NCA has not properly used their custodial role to ensure the unique heritage and culture of Canberra (and the AWM) is maintained.
However, I will make this submission purely to put on record (again) my agreement with the objections of the Australian Heritage Council and others to the scale and associated heritage impact this development represents. Needless to say, based on what has occured to date, I don't expect that any notice will be taken.
The AWM redevelopment proposal represents significant impact on the AWM site and the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan. Approval of these works should not occur.
HERITAGE CONSIDERATIONS - SETTING OF THE AWM WITHIN THE CANBERRA NATIONAL AREA UNDER THE NATIONAL CAPITAL PLAN:
The NCA has a strong responsibility to independently consider the heritage impacts as it relates to the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan.
The conditions of approval set by the Minister for the Environment do not remove or substantially reduce the heritage impacts identified by the Australian Heritage Council and the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment’s own Historic Heritage Section. All the impacts identified by the Australian Heritage Council and the Historic Heritage Section with DAWE remain.
IMPACTS SPECIFICALLY APPLICABLE TO THE NATIONAL CAPITAL PLAN:
The NCA website lists five key matters to do with the NCP. The AWM redevelopment directly conflicts with three of these five:
• Conservation and enhancement of the landscape features which give the National Capital its character and setting, and which contribute to the integration of natural and urban environments.
The overall scale and bulk of the AWM redevelopment, together with its hardened landscape setting will greatly impact the current integration of the natural and cultural environment; which in this case is expressed by the existing immediate landscape setting of the AWM (trees and grasses) together with the natural landscape of Mt Ainslie and its lower slopes.
• Respect for the key elements of the Griffins’ formally adopted plan for Canberra.
The Griffin Land Axis, unlike the actual avenues on the key triangle in the Griffin plan (Commonwealth, Constitution and Kings Ave) reflects a foundational line in the landscape connecting high points, that starts at Mt Ainslie, goes through Capital Hill and continues down to Mt Bimberi on the ACT/NSW border. This Land Axis gives voice to the underlying natural landscape around which the plan of the physical city was aligned, but was not meant to destroy. The 1988 Parliament House development respected that by burying the bulk of the building and leaving the hill. The gradual formalisation of Anzac Parade and now the proposed expansion of the AWM Parade Ground and the formal hardening of its surrounds will erode the Griffin Land Axis (that is meant to be a string of sites along a line) and turn it into a monumental avenue visually terminating in the AWM - which it is not meant to do. The AWM redevelopment does not respect the Griffins’ formally adopted plan for Canberra.
• Creation, conservation and enhancement of fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions and ceremonies as well as National Capital uses.
The AWM redevelopment greatly impacts the AWM landscape setting by destroying the balance of a discrete formal building in a natural setting. This is what it and other national institutions have maintained — a strong landscape setting around them. The new extent of the Parade Ground and steps and bladed wall etc. will strongly impact the setting of the AWM on approach along Anzac Parade, as will the visibility (totally un-necessary and unacceptable) of the glazed addition in this Parliament House Vista. Oblique views of the AWM as a free-standing national shrine will be destroyed. In views from Mt Ainslie the visible bulk of the redevelopment will impact an appreciation of the Land Axis and also remove the free-standing form of the AWM.
• In a National Capital sense, the work to and around the Parade Ground and the glazed addition will most directly impact the values being protected by the National Capital Plan.
IMPACTS TO THE NATIONAL CAPITAL PLAN IDENTIFIED BY THE AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE CONCIL:
The Australian Heritage Council does not support the conclusion that the proposed redevelopment of the AWM will not have a serious impact on the listed heritage values of the site.
In addition to identifying the demolition of the existing Anzac Hall, the redesign and expansion of the Parade Ground, the inclusion of the Oculus and external lift, and the significant expansion of the CEW Bean building as negative impacts on listed heritage values, the AHC makes the following points which relate strongly to the NCP.
• The listed heritage values of the Memorial include its landscape and setting. The impacts on the landscape and micro setting from the accretion of the proposed structural change have not been properly considered for this redevelopment.
• The significant expansion of the CEW Bean Building (to the South), has a negative impact on the heritage landscape and setting through the reduction of ‘natural space’. It imposes a considerable impact on and imbalance of landscape design within the site, and compromises the relationship between the natural bushland setting of the Memorial and its continuity with Mt Ainslie.
• The holistic impact of the proposed changes on listed heritage values, including the landscape and setting, is of concern. There is a loss of natural areas to designed and constructed spaces and the full extent and design changes arising from the redevelopment of the Parade Ground area.
IN SUMMARY:
• The NCA has a strong responsibility to independently consider the heritage impacts as it relates to the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan.
• The NCA must consider the impacts identified by the Historic Heritage Section in DAWE which are major impacts on Canberra National Area aspects. The mitigative measures associated with Minister Ley’s approval do not remove these impacts.
• NCP - Character and setting. The overall scale and bulk of the AWM redevelopment, together with its hardened landscape setting will greatly impact the current integration of the natural and cultural environment; which in this case is expressed by the existing immediate landscape setting of the AWM (trees and grasses) together with the natural landscape of Mt Ainslie and its lower slopes.
• NCP - Griffin Plan. The AWM redevelopment does not respect the Griffins’ formally adopted plan for Canberra. The gradual formalisation of Anzac Parade and now the expansion of the AWM Parade Ground and the formal hardening of its surrounds will erode the Griffin Land Axis and turn it into a monumental avenue visually terminating in the AWM - which it is not meant to do.
• NCP - Fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions. The AWM redevelopment greatly impacts the AWM landscape setting by destroying the balance of a discrete formal building in a natural setting.
• NCP - Fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions. The new extent of the Parade Ground and steps and bladed wall etc will strongly impact the setting of the AWM on approach along Anzac Parade, as will the visibility of the glazed addition in this Parliament House Vista.
• NCP - Fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions. Oblique views of the AWM as a free standing national shrine will be destroyed. In views from Mt Ainslie the visible bulk of the redevelopment will impact an appreciation of the Land Axis and also remove the free standing form of the AWM.
• In a National Capital sense, the work to and around the Parade Ground and the glazed addition will most directly impact the values being protected by the National Capital Plan.
• The Australian Heritage Council has stated the redevelopment will have a serious impact on listed heritage values and identifies the negative impact of the redevelopment on the heritage landscape and setting of the Memorial - changes which impact the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan.
Stewart Mitchell
Former Head of Buildings and Services at the AWM
9 September 2021
My belief is that this consultation process undertaken by the NCA is deeply flawed. Once the acknowledged heritage impact of the 'early works' was judged as acceptable by the NCA, because the Minister for the Environment had signed off on it, there was little point in engaging further in the process. The NCA has not properly used their custodial role to ensure the unique heritage and culture of Canberra (and the AWM) is maintained.
However, I will make this submission purely to put on record (again) my agreement with the objections of the Australian Heritage Council and others to the scale and associated heritage impact this development represents. Needless to say, based on what has occured to date, I don't expect that any notice will be taken.
The AWM redevelopment proposal represents significant impact on the AWM site and the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan. Approval of these works should not occur.
HERITAGE CONSIDERATIONS - SETTING OF THE AWM WITHIN THE CANBERRA NATIONAL AREA UNDER THE NATIONAL CAPITAL PLAN:
The NCA has a strong responsibility to independently consider the heritage impacts as it relates to the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan.
The conditions of approval set by the Minister for the Environment do not remove or substantially reduce the heritage impacts identified by the Australian Heritage Council and the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment’s own Historic Heritage Section. All the impacts identified by the Australian Heritage Council and the Historic Heritage Section with DAWE remain.
IMPACTS SPECIFICALLY APPLICABLE TO THE NATIONAL CAPITAL PLAN:
The NCA website lists five key matters to do with the NCP. The AWM redevelopment directly conflicts with three of these five:
• Conservation and enhancement of the landscape features which give the National Capital its character and setting, and which contribute to the integration of natural and urban environments.
The overall scale and bulk of the AWM redevelopment, together with its hardened landscape setting will greatly impact the current integration of the natural and cultural environment; which in this case is expressed by the existing immediate landscape setting of the AWM (trees and grasses) together with the natural landscape of Mt Ainslie and its lower slopes.
• Respect for the key elements of the Griffins’ formally adopted plan for Canberra.
The Griffin Land Axis, unlike the actual avenues on the key triangle in the Griffin plan (Commonwealth, Constitution and Kings Ave) reflects a foundational line in the landscape connecting high points, that starts at Mt Ainslie, goes through Capital Hill and continues down to Mt Bimberi on the ACT/NSW border. This Land Axis gives voice to the underlying natural landscape around which the plan of the physical city was aligned, but was not meant to destroy. The 1988 Parliament House development respected that by burying the bulk of the building and leaving the hill. The gradual formalisation of Anzac Parade and now the proposed expansion of the AWM Parade Ground and the formal hardening of its surrounds will erode the Griffin Land Axis (that is meant to be a string of sites along a line) and turn it into a monumental avenue visually terminating in the AWM - which it is not meant to do. The AWM redevelopment does not respect the Griffins’ formally adopted plan for Canberra.
• Creation, conservation and enhancement of fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions and ceremonies as well as National Capital uses.
The AWM redevelopment greatly impacts the AWM landscape setting by destroying the balance of a discrete formal building in a natural setting. This is what it and other national institutions have maintained — a strong landscape setting around them. The new extent of the Parade Ground and steps and bladed wall etc. will strongly impact the setting of the AWM on approach along Anzac Parade, as will the visibility (totally un-necessary and unacceptable) of the glazed addition in this Parliament House Vista. Oblique views of the AWM as a free-standing national shrine will be destroyed. In views from Mt Ainslie the visible bulk of the redevelopment will impact an appreciation of the Land Axis and also remove the free-standing form of the AWM.
• In a National Capital sense, the work to and around the Parade Ground and the glazed addition will most directly impact the values being protected by the National Capital Plan.
IMPACTS TO THE NATIONAL CAPITAL PLAN IDENTIFIED BY THE AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE CONCIL:
The Australian Heritage Council does not support the conclusion that the proposed redevelopment of the AWM will not have a serious impact on the listed heritage values of the site.
In addition to identifying the demolition of the existing Anzac Hall, the redesign and expansion of the Parade Ground, the inclusion of the Oculus and external lift, and the significant expansion of the CEW Bean building as negative impacts on listed heritage values, the AHC makes the following points which relate strongly to the NCP.
• The listed heritage values of the Memorial include its landscape and setting. The impacts on the landscape and micro setting from the accretion of the proposed structural change have not been properly considered for this redevelopment.
• The significant expansion of the CEW Bean Building (to the South), has a negative impact on the heritage landscape and setting through the reduction of ‘natural space’. It imposes a considerable impact on and imbalance of landscape design within the site, and compromises the relationship between the natural bushland setting of the Memorial and its continuity with Mt Ainslie.
• The holistic impact of the proposed changes on listed heritage values, including the landscape and setting, is of concern. There is a loss of natural areas to designed and constructed spaces and the full extent and design changes arising from the redevelopment of the Parade Ground area.
IN SUMMARY:
• The NCA has a strong responsibility to independently consider the heritage impacts as it relates to the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan.
• The NCA must consider the impacts identified by the Historic Heritage Section in DAWE which are major impacts on Canberra National Area aspects. The mitigative measures associated with Minister Ley’s approval do not remove these impacts.
• NCP - Character and setting. The overall scale and bulk of the AWM redevelopment, together with its hardened landscape setting will greatly impact the current integration of the natural and cultural environment; which in this case is expressed by the existing immediate landscape setting of the AWM (trees and grasses) together with the natural landscape of Mt Ainslie and its lower slopes.
• NCP - Griffin Plan. The AWM redevelopment does not respect the Griffins’ formally adopted plan for Canberra. The gradual formalisation of Anzac Parade and now the expansion of the AWM Parade Ground and the formal hardening of its surrounds will erode the Griffin Land Axis and turn it into a monumental avenue visually terminating in the AWM - which it is not meant to do.
• NCP - Fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions. The AWM redevelopment greatly impacts the AWM landscape setting by destroying the balance of a discrete formal building in a natural setting.
• NCP - Fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions. The new extent of the Parade Ground and steps and bladed wall etc will strongly impact the setting of the AWM on approach along Anzac Parade, as will the visibility of the glazed addition in this Parliament House Vista.
• NCP - Fitting sites, approaches and backdrops for national institutions. Oblique views of the AWM as a free standing national shrine will be destroyed. In views from Mt Ainslie the visible bulk of the redevelopment will impact an appreciation of the Land Axis and also remove the free standing form of the AWM.
• In a National Capital sense, the work to and around the Parade Ground and the glazed addition will most directly impact the values being protected by the National Capital Plan.
• The Australian Heritage Council has stated the redevelopment will have a serious impact on listed heritage values and identifies the negative impact of the redevelopment on the heritage landscape and setting of the Memorial - changes which impact the setting of the AWM within the Canberra National Area under the National Capital Plan.
Stewart Mitchell
Former Head of Buildings and Services at the AWM
9 September 2021