The following formal submission have been made public
Submitter: James WindeyerNew Southern Entrance
I have made submissions at the earlier stages of the redevelopment of the Australian War Memorial in which I focussed on the massive cost of the plans. Now the so called "preliminary works" have destroyed the ANZAC Hall and other structures something must appear in their place. The project is obviously going ahead.
So now as the National Capital Development Authority is seeking reaction to the specific designs I write to express my concerns in relation to the New Southern Entrance and Parade Ground.
The new entrance brings visitors to the Commemorative Area from underground. It is not an appropriate way to approach the Roll of Honour, Pool of Reflection and Hall of Memory and all the significance they embody. In so doing and seemingly directing visitors more towards the exhibitions than to the Commemorative Area it emphasises the museum purpose of the building over the memorial aspect. That is my fundamental objection to the whole project. It is about more space to display large fighting machines. And while the existing south entry will be restored I understand its use will be restricted to ceremonial occasions.
The expansion and development of the parade ground emphasises its presence and signals more about the ceremonial than the commemorative - more space for men and women parading in military uniform. Yet the large part of the story of Australians in war is a story of civilians. Ideally even ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day would be occasions for civilians, and serving and ex-service men and women to gather in quite contemplation not on parade.
Finally and of perhaps lesser importance is the messaging given by the Book shop, in a large part of the entrance area strategically placed beside the entrance and exit. If it is to be simply a "Book" shop as opposed to a book and souvenir shop that would be appropriate but space to sell everything from army bottle openers and ANZAC biscuits to poppy tea bag holders suggests pure commercialism. Leave the book shop. Move the souvenirs, if they have to be, to Poppys Cafe.
So now as the National Capital Development Authority is seeking reaction to the specific designs I write to express my concerns in relation to the New Southern Entrance and Parade Ground.
The new entrance brings visitors to the Commemorative Area from underground. It is not an appropriate way to approach the Roll of Honour, Pool of Reflection and Hall of Memory and all the significance they embody. In so doing and seemingly directing visitors more towards the exhibitions than to the Commemorative Area it emphasises the museum purpose of the building over the memorial aspect. That is my fundamental objection to the whole project. It is about more space to display large fighting machines. And while the existing south entry will be restored I understand its use will be restricted to ceremonial occasions.
The expansion and development of the parade ground emphasises its presence and signals more about the ceremonial than the commemorative - more space for men and women parading in military uniform. Yet the large part of the story of Australians in war is a story of civilians. Ideally even ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day would be occasions for civilians, and serving and ex-service men and women to gather in quite contemplation not on parade.
Finally and of perhaps lesser importance is the messaging given by the Book shop, in a large part of the entrance area strategically placed beside the entrance and exit. If it is to be simply a "Book" shop as opposed to a book and souvenir shop that would be appropriate but space to sell everything from army bottle openers and ANZAC biscuits to poppy tea bag holders suggests pure commercialism. Leave the book shop. Move the souvenirs, if they have to be, to Poppys Cafe.