Preserving and renewing Canberra's landmarks

This week we saw Canberrans loudly vocalise the importance of the historic East and West Blocks within the parliamentary triangle.  What emerged was a sub text about how these buildings are an essential part of defining us as the nation’s capital and how important it is to Canberrans to retain the elements of our own, albeit young heritage, as we grapple with the inevitable changes that occur in any growing city.

We also saw three significant new projects vying to become the ACT Development of the Year.  The Florey Building at the ANU – an example of how heritage and renewal can be considerately intertwined; the new Vibe Hotel at the Canberra Airport – which gives an architectural nod to the Griffin legacy; and the ultimate winner of the Development of the Year, the Little National Hotel, an innovative, affordable luxury hotel – whilst a new build within the parliamentary precinct –delivers a level of sophistication appropriate for its location.

All three of these buildings represent a desire to not just preserve what came before, but a penchant for new development to pay its dues to our role as the nation’s capital. 

It is yet another demonstration that our pride of Canberra is shared, not only by those who want to preserve it, but also by those who bear the responsibility of building and renewing it.  It is with this knowledge, that we should be confident that what we love about our home, our city, our capital, can be reimagined in new ways which are befitting of a modern capital and in keeping with our rich heritage.

Adina Cirson is the ACT executive director of the Property Council of Australia.