The following formal submission have been made public
Submitter: Kym MacMillanNew Southern Entrance
May I first say that I am fully supportive of the proposed redevelopment of the AWM - I like the overall design ideas and have no doubt that, if ultimately delivered as these videos describe it, the new buildings will be outstanding and the AWM will retain its prominence as a Canberra icon for many years to come.
I like the new entrance to the building - it looks spectacular! My comments relate primarily to the forecourt and particularly its use for ANZAC Day dawn services (and I acknowledge a degree of self interest here as I am a regular attendee at this event):
- when large crowds attend (and hopefully we'll be able to get back to that again soon!) many people are standing on the sloping grass on those portions of the lawns just south of the stepped areas with their designated seating. On wet or frosting mornings, these grassed areas can be very slippery, especially for older visitors. Is it possible to extend the stepping the lawn further south to provide additional flat areas?
- the Stone of Remembrance is effectively at ground level on the lower forecourt, meaning that it (and the catafalque party) cannot be seen by most in the large crowds who gather on the parade ground or the grassed areas to the south. Could consideration be given to raising the level of the Stone (with an appropriately sized raised area around it for the catafalque party). This would probably only need to be 3-4 steps high to be effective. I don't believe that this would be a challenge for the guard or the dignitaries laying wreaths, but would greatly enhance the viewing of those in the crowd.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
I like the new entrance to the building - it looks spectacular! My comments relate primarily to the forecourt and particularly its use for ANZAC Day dawn services (and I acknowledge a degree of self interest here as I am a regular attendee at this event):
- when large crowds attend (and hopefully we'll be able to get back to that again soon!) many people are standing on the sloping grass on those portions of the lawns just south of the stepped areas with their designated seating. On wet or frosting mornings, these grassed areas can be very slippery, especially for older visitors. Is it possible to extend the stepping the lawn further south to provide additional flat areas?
- the Stone of Remembrance is effectively at ground level on the lower forecourt, meaning that it (and the catafalque party) cannot be seen by most in the large crowds who gather on the parade ground or the grassed areas to the south. Could consideration be given to raising the level of the Stone (with an appropriately sized raised area around it for the catafalque party). This would probably only need to be 3-4 steps high to be effective. I don't believe that this would be a challenge for the guard or the dignitaries laying wreaths, but would greatly enhance the viewing of those in the crowd.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.