Construction has started on the $40-million enhancement of the Anzac Memorial in Sydney’s Hyde Park.
The design by practice Johnson Pilton Walker and the NSW Government Architect’s Office draws on unfinished elements of the original 1930s project, designed by architect Bruce Dellit.
The 1930s design features a reflective pool, but a second cascading water feature was never finished due to the onset of the Great Depression.
The new design for the memorial includes an education and interpretation centre that will sit beneath the memorial and the completion of the water feature at the memorial’s southern side.
Once completed, the memorial will also include an exhibition area, a hall of service and an oculus that will connect the two levels.
Construction of the memorial will be completed by Built, a company that also carried out the refurbishment of the First World War Galleries in the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
NSW Premier Mike Baird said the upgrade would bring life to the original 1930s vision for the memorial.
“By enhancing this memorial we are ensuring future generations can continue to honour those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today,” said Baird.
At the time of the official opening on 24 November 1934, Dellit said he wanted to move away from classical design and embrace a contemporary look to honour the Australian soldiers who fought in World War I. The marble and granite building features a stepped roof and statues by sculptor Rayner Hoff.
The NSW government announced the funding and design plans for the project in July 2015. The upgrade is funded by the NSW and Australian governments, which are providing $20.3 million and $19.7 million towards the redevelopment, respectively.
The City of Sydney will also supply $7.5 million to upgrade the existing Pool of Reflection and to complete other works around Hyde Park.
The project is slated for completion as the Centenary of Anzac commemorations conclude in 2018.
