Plans have been unveiled for the redevelopment of the Anzac Memorial in Sydney, the monument built in the heart of the city to commemorate the sacrifice of Australians from New South Wales during the Great War.
The $40 million upgrade includes a new water feature, as well as an educational and interpretation centre beneath the Memorial.
New South Wales (NSW) Premier Mike Baird said: “This project will complete the original 1930s vision for the Memorial and will be the legacy of our Centenary of Anzac commemorations.”
A water cascade envisaged as part of the original design by architect Bruce Dellit was never realised because of the Great Depression.
“This project will allow our future generations to pay respect to those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today,” Mr Baird said.
Original Anzac Memorial precinct aerial – watercolour by Bruce Dellit 1932 (courtesy of NSW Government)
The redevelopment was announced on July 19th – the anniversary of both the Battle of Fromelles in 1916 and the laying of the Anzac Memorial’s foundation stones in 1932.
NSW Minister for Veterans Affairs, David Elliott, said: “Just as we today commemorate the 99th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles, this redevelopment, once complete, will allow future generations to learn about the Anzac legacy and Australia’s war history.”
The project is being funded with contributions of $20.3 million from the NSW state government and $19.6 million from the Australian Federal Government.
The plans have been developed by the Sydney architectural firm, Johnson Pilton Walker, and the NSW Government Architect.
The Anzac Memorial opened in Sydney’s Hyde Park in 1934, and is now dedicated to all Australians who fell in all wars.
The monument’s origins go back to the Gallipoli campaign and the wish of communities throughout Australia to have a focus for remembering their growing numbers of war dead. Fund raising for a New South Wales memorial started on the first anniversary of the Gallipoli landings in 1916.
You can read more on the Anzac Memorial website.
Information & images supplied by Government of New South Wales (Department of Premier & Cabinet)
Posted by: Peter Alhadeff, Centenary News