Parliamentary Zone Review
The Parliamentary Zone, a key-hole shaped area of land bounded by State Circle, Commonwealth and Kings Avenues and Lake Burley Griffin, has a pre-eminent role in the National Capital as, arguably, Australia's most significant and symbolic public space. In this context, it is critical that a long term plan be prepared that will revitalise the Zone and enhance its cultural, social and political significance as Australia's National Capital enters the 21st Century.
In the budget papers of 1998/99, the Federal Government commissioned the National Capital Authority to undertake a strategic review, and to initiate the development of a master plan for the Parliamentary Zone.
The objective of the Review is to refresh and promulgate the historical vision for the Parliamentary Zone and to provide an innovative and practical procedure for translating that vision into reality. It provides a scope for an expanded set of opportunities to emerge in relation to the National Capital and its prime symbolic area.
The Parliamentary Zone Review is seeking to incorporate comments and ideas from the public, and invited, acknowledged experts. The appointment of an Advisory Panel was the first step in the process. The Advisory panel is made up of five people with diverse expertise across architecture and landscape architecture, planning, public relations and marketing, the media, environment and academia.
The Review may consider a range of issues that include:
- Interpreting the Zone for all Australians and vistors to the capital, as well as promotion of a positive profile for the Parliamentary Zone
- Integrating existing programs such as the cultural programs of commemorations, conservation of heritage landscapes, signage on buildings and the Central National Area lighting strategy
- The significance of heritage issues, including indigenous culture
- Research and analysis related to the site and its context
- Awareness of the needs of all existing building users
- Traffic and parking
- Potential funding and implementation strategies
At the conclusion of the Review, the Authority will have, in consultation with the public and expert groups, a Development Structure Plan, a Cultural Plan and a set of defined projects that will provide an innovative and practical procedure for translating a refreshed vision into reality.