A concept illustration for a revitalised Commonwealth Park, showing permanent Floriade beds and a bigger Stage 88. Images: NCA.
Permanent garden beds for Floriade, a bigger Stage 88 amphitheatre, the new city aquatic centre and more pavilions are in the mix for a revamped and revitalised Commonwealth Park.
The National Capital Authority has released a new concept vision for Canberra’s central park for the community to consider.
It comes after Turf Design Studio provided a site analysis and concept plan to the NCA to guide it on how to refresh what is acknowledged as a tired public place with ageing amenities.
Commonwealth Park Concept Vision 2025 sets out the NCA’s early thinking on options and opportunities for the renewal of Commonwealth Park over the coming decades.
Along with what the NCA sees in a renewed Park, it outlines the current issues and challenges, including what to do about the flying fox colony that is damaging trees and gardens.
The annual disruption of building temporary beds for Floriade and the resultant damage done to the park is proposed to be resolved through the establishment of permanent beds in a concentrated event precinct.
“An improved home for Floriade will provide year-round floral displays that celebrate the strong seasonality of Canberra,” the vision says.
“Permanent beds will reduce the need for temporary works and subsequent impacts on the Park.”
The permanent Floriade beds would prevent the annual damage to the Park.
The current Stage 88 arrangement is considered inadequate, limiting the variety of events it can hold.
Upgrades to its technical capacity, back-of-house and green room facilities and an expanded lawn amphitheatre would increase the range of events and allow for bigger performances.
New pavilions and facilities are proposed to support a broader range of exhibitions, events, displays and cultural offerings.
The new Canberra Aquatic Centre will be located near the light rail station on Commonwealth Avenue.
The vision says the proposed new aquatic centre next to the new light rail station, for which Federal Labor committed $68.9 million in matching funding last weekend, will be “sensitively integrated into the park, responding to the park and lake setting”.
It also sets out plans for a new garden by the lake that revitalises the south-western corner, an upgrade of Nerang pool, better connections and wayfinding.
The Sylvia Crowe Play Precinct, with a focus on wild play and the natural environment, will be supported by better amenities, new toilets, cafe/kiosk, seating, barbecues and picnic shelters.
The vision includes exploring the development of the Lily Pond in the eastern section into a water play area, with supporting amenities.
The vision identifies the need for increased investment in maintenance and care of paths, playgrounds, lawns, gardens, waterways and trees under a long-term masterplan.
The NCA says the concept vision seeks to preserve the integrity and current uses of Commonwealth Park while looking at ways it can evolve to meet the future needs of the community.
“The NCA is committed to reflecting Dame Sylvia Crowe’s original master plan and Commonwealth Park’s importance today as a home for major events and a much-loved public resource, while exploring opportunities for the park to respond to the future needs of Canberra and the capital,” Chief Executive Karen Doran said.
“Commonwealth Park Concept Vision 2025 is the start of an ongoing discussion with the community that will inform the NCA’s work on the future of Commonwealth Park as it progresses.
“Delivery will occur over many years, reflecting the priorities of government and the community, with each stage subject to further detailed planning and design, engagement and consultation.”
Consultation is open until 20 June 2025. To learn more and make a submission, visit the NCA website.
