Stop the demolition of Anzac Hall, Australian War Memorial
We started this petition to let federal parliamentarians know that the demolition of Anzac Hall should not happen.
The Australian War Memorial has been hell-bent on demolishing Anzac Hall since the first announcement of the $500 million Redevelopment Project. Now with the final hurdle met and the NCA approving the demolition, opportunities to make our voices heard are almost over.
While we are not against expansion at the War Memorial, we will never understand why it needs to include the demolition of this fit-for-purpose, award-winning building which cost Australian taxpayers $11.3 million to build and is only 20 years old? Surely there were other more sustainable options for expansion that don’t involve demolition and building from new?
As architects, we are passionate about preserving Australia’s heritage and honouring our national history, nowhere more so than the extraordinary service and sacrifice of the servicemen and women. Destroying such an investment – of effort, culture, and family memories – is a waste and mark of disrespect.
The Australian War Memorial is one of our nation’s most significant monuments. The site’s custodians have a duty to discuss any significant changes planned with the community and professional bodies such as the Australian Institute of Architects. They must also listen to the wishes of the community and to the advice of experts. This has not occurred.
The Institute remains dismayed by failures of due process in seeking to demolish Anzac Hall. We are equally concerned about the consequences for other icons now that the AWM, a preeminent national institution, has been permitted to disregard its heritage obligations.
National President Clare Cousins FRAIA
We need to let federal parliamentarians know that the demolition of Anzac Hall can’t happen. Can you add your name to the petition calling on all Senators and Members of the House of Representatives to stop this demolition.
The Australian War Memorial is hell-bent on demolishing Anzac Hall, which is at the rear of the main building, as part of its extravagant $500 million redevelopment plans. We understand the War Memorial needs to expand. But seriously, why does the War Memorial need to demolish this fit-for-purpose, award-winning building which cost Australian taxpayers $11.3 million to build and is less than 20 years old? Surely there were other more sustainable options for expansion which don’t involve demolition and building from new?
What’s really worrying is this whole project is being conducted without adequate consultation and the proper processes being followed. As citizens, you need to be asking those responsible for the War Memorial, why you haven’t been consulted about the demolition of this significant public building. And who has given approval for the building to be demolished? We’re certainly asking these questions.
As architects, we are passionate about preserving Australia’s heritage and honouring our national history, nowhere more so than the extraordinary service and sacrifice of the servicemen and women. Destroying such an investment – of effort, culture, and family memories – is a waste and mark of disrespect.
The Australian War Memorial is one of our nation’s most significant monuments. The site’s custodians have a duty to discuss any significant changes planned with the community and professional bodies such as the Australian Institute of Architects.