East-West Promenade

A major pedestrian link is proposed between the National Library of Australia and the National Gallery of Australia and the High Court of Australia.

The East - West Promenade will lead pedestrians into the entries of these institutions. In the case of the High Court of Australia, the promenade will provide for pedestrian access from the west to the existing paved forecourt, as was always intended but never constructed. With the National Gallery of Australia, there will be a direct connection between the promenade and the entry via the existing bridge. At the National Library of Australia the promenade will terminate at the front steps.

New paths running parallel to the Land Axis will also connect the East-West Promenade to both King Edward Terrace and Commonwealth Place.

The entrances to the three institutions do not align. To address this, the promenade will be designed as a series of spaces that will permit a direct view between the buildings, connected by a broad, staggered path. The ‘steps’ in the alignment of the path will be points where sculptures or kiosks could be sited.

Currently, visitors to the National Gallery of Australia or the National Library of Australia drive their cars between the institutions. The East-West Promenade is an important piece of infrastructure that offers people an alternative – a pleasant walk that will take them past other attractions, including Commonwealth Place.