Kane Constructions has been awarded Head Contractor to deliver Main Works Package 1 (MWP1) for the historic Australian War Memorial (AWM) Redevelopment. This package consists of the new Southern Entrance, structural and civil works for the heritage listed Main Building, and the reshaping of the Parade Ground.
Designed by Scott Carver, the New Southern Entrance is located below the existing entrance forecourt, and will improve the visitor arrival experience, support enhanced visit planning and orientation, and provide universal access into the Building from both the precinct grounds and the existing underground car park. The heritage entrance, stairs and Commemorative forecourt will be reinstated in their original positions and will remain available as an entrance to the Memorial for all visitors who wish to use it.
The New Southern Entrance will be accessible from both the east and west, have direct path access from the Poppy’s Cafe, and be immediately connected to the underground car park to the east via the landscaped courtyard which includes a bespoke glazed lift connecting the courtyard with the existing car park level and forecourt level. The New Southern Entrance has been designed to sit below the level of the original building, not affecting the iconic silhouette and stone façade, facing the Stone of Remembrance and Parade Ground and providing a strong visual and physical connection to Anzac Parade.
The expansion and re-shaping of the Parade Ground has been designed to improve sight lines to the Stone of Remembrance. It will be used for military parades, and provide increased and improved accessible seating capacity for major events, as well as enhancing visitor safety and site security. The works include new terraced seating areas, landscape pathways and connections from Anzac Parade to the Memorial forecourt level.
A centre piece of the New Southern Entrance is the glazed oculus, a mathematical inversion of the Hall of Memory dome. It provides a visual and emotional connection between the new entrance and the existing building and offers a moment of reflection and orientation as visitors begin and end their journey through the Memorial.
Designed by Guida Moseley Brown (GMB) Architects, the Main Building refurbishment will enhance wayfinding and exhibition flexibility within the existing spaces. Kane is delivering complex civil and structural works within the heritage listed Main Building which will prepare the structure of the internals of the Main Building Level 1 for the base building fit-out and gallery installation to follow.
Works are due to be completed in 2024.
