Commonwealth Place

In his original design for the National Capital, Walter Burley Griffin emphasised representation of the Australian people in a variety of ways. Chief amongst these was his idea for a ‘Capitol’ building on Capital Hill (now the site of Parliament House), which would be a type of pantheon to honour the Australian people, their achievements and their values. At the same time, Griffin proposed a ‘Municipal Axis’ representing the civic values and cosmopolitan lifestyle of Australian society. This axis was Constitution Avenue, which formed the base of Griffin’s ‘Parliamentary Triangle’ and was situated across the lake from the Government Group. On this northern lakeshore, Griffin also proposed public gardens, and what we now know as Commonwealth Park, he nominated as a park for the people.

In the Parliamentary Zone, Griffin proposed a central terrace court for the Government Group of buildings. The terrace court was to be carried onto the roof of a central building of the waterway embankment, and an open forum integrated with his idea of a ‘Water-gate’. Until now many of these ideas for public representation in the capital have not come to pass. The Commonwealth Place initiative, the heart of the place of the people, responds to this continuing pressing need for a major public place at the centre of the Parliamentary Zone.

Commonwealth Place will provide a national forum for rallies, concerts, gatherings, ceremonies, markets, displays and exhibitions. These may include a ‘Hall of Heroes’ or special seasonal displays from Australian States and regions. It will be a place to meet and enjoy coffee or a meal. It will be a place to sit in comfort and watch activity on the lake and the foreshore.

The proposed site is the large open area on the Land Axis between the International Flag Display. The site extends down to the foreshore and up to the existing large grass embankment. In location, the site has no equal for the development of a public place of such national value.

Commonwealth Place will be approximately 12,000 square metres in area - the equivalent of 1.5 rugby fields, 18 tennis courts or the total ‘footprint area’ of Old Parliament House. Working with the site levels and respecting the vista of the Land Axis, the new public place will nestle into the ground, be sheltered on three sides like an amphitheatre and have a floor level which is roughly that of the waterfront pathway. Built in this way, it will offer shelter from strong winds and yet remain open to the sun and allow views of the lake. It will also be out of the line of sight from Old Parliament House.

Surrounding the square (or plaza) will be a variety of uses including exhibition spaces, cafes, visitor amenities, restaurants and coffee shops. These facilities will be incorporated into a Great Verandah – a welcoming space for all visitors that exemplifies Australian hospitality and provides shelter.

Apart from its central location, the proposed site has the crucial advantage of being on the foreshore where now most public activity is concentrated. However, at present there are no public amenities such as tourist facilities, seats, food outlets or coffee shops in this area. The new facility will benefit from, and provide benefits to, the foreshore activity.

Commonwealth Place will also be connected to the proposed new pathways running parallel to the Land Axis and the proposed East-West Promenade from the National Gallery of Australia to the National Library of Australia. Pedestrian movement to the site will increase once these pathways are built.

Commonwealth Place will provide a balance between Parliament House, representing Australian democratic government and unity, and the Australian War Memorial, representing sacrifice and valour in the defence of our country and freedom.

After almost a century of development, Commonwealth Place presents an opportunity to give the Australian people a prime place in the heart of the Capital.