Commonwealth Place Forecourt
Commonwealth Place was completed in 2002. The initial works included new pavement up to the edge of the existing Parkes Place roadway but did not modify the area between the building and the lake's edge.
Early in 2003, the National Capital Authority developed a design concept for the Commonwealth Place forecourt.
Centred on Griffin's Land Axis, the new forecourt will enhance use of the site by introducing a pedestrian zone into which motor vehicles will be permitted in a controlled manner. The road to either side of the forecourt will be configured to calm and control traffic. Public amenities will be provided, including shade structures, street furniture, food and beverage concessions, public toilets, jetties and terraced steps allowing interaction between the land and Lake Burley Griffin.
The project was designed for a two stage construction.
On 21 May 2003, GHD Pty Ltd was engaged to provide civil engineering consultancy services for the design development of the whole scheme and documentation of Stage 1. On 25 June 2003 both Houses of Parliament approved the forecourt design.
On 6 August 2003, Dale and Hitchcock Civil Engineering and Landscaping was awarded a lump sum construction contract for Stage 1. Completed in December 2003, Stage 1 included the realignment and reconstruction of Parkes Place road along the southern foreshore. The new works improve pedestrian safety and visitor amenity through the creation of a shared pedestrian zone, incorporation of traffic calming measures and relocation of car and bus parking.
On 13 May 2004, GHD Pty Ltd's contract was varied to include civil engineering consultancy services for the design and construction phase of Stage 2. Stage 2 is programmed to be constructed between July and December 2004. Stage 2 involves realigning the lake wall and includes jetties and terraced steps allowing interaction between land and the water of Lake Burley Griffin.