The area between the National Library of Australia and Questacon has been transformed into a beautiful park, linking these two important national institutions.

The $7 million project addressed a number of serious occupational health and safety issues at the site. The works delivered enhanced levels of access, better lighting and greatly improved pedestrian safety for visitors to the two institutions.

Improvements

• Restoration of the National Library forecourt and fountain.
• Construction of a single broad ramp to the central section of the National Library.
• A new park to the east of Parkes Place West.
• A more formal recreation area in the south of Reconciliation Place, with a grid of transplanted plane trees.
• Seating and street furniture.
• Informal spaces for school groups and other visitors to gather.
• Barbeque facilities and a picnic shelter.
• Coach parking and a bus turning loop on Mall Road West.
• Traffic lights on the intersection of King Edward Terrace and Parkes Place.

The innovative design is the result of extensive community consultation and has been in the planning stage for over two years. The design has been approved by the Joint Standing Committee on National Capital and External Territories and then by both Houses of Parliament. Thanks to input from the National Library, Questacon, their users, the Department of Environment and Water Resources and the wider community is a great design solution for a seriously degraded public space.

Further information is available from the Project Team by phone (02) 6271 2888.