The Federation Centenary Fountains were a key part of the Griffins’ plan. Photo: NCA.
The centenary of Old Parliament House in 2027 is fast approaching, and the National Capital Authority (NCA) is already sprucing up the area in preparation – including the fountains out the front that have been broken for more than a decade.
The Federation Centenary Fountains date all the way back to Walter Burley Griffin’s plan for the new capital, but it took until 1968 for the three ponds to be commissioned.
They were refurbished between 1997 and 2000, but only operated intermittently until 2013.
The NCA eventually pulled the plug on them a year later in 2014 due to “mechanical equipment failure, safety concerns related to access and maintenance, and environmental sustainability considerations”.
The fountains have sat dormant ever since – at least until 2022, when the massive tent for the temporary ‘Van Gogh Live’ exhibition was constructed on top of them.
In November 2024, the redundant fountain heads were removed and the holes covered up to “ensure public safety”.
The fountains in action – a long time ago. Photo: NCA.
With crews now working to fix stormwater issues in the Parkes Place precinct, and reconstructing garden beds, replacing turf, improving paths, installing irrigation and replanting new roses in the National Rose Gardens – both right next door – the NCA says now is the time to start work on an “interim refresh” of the fountains.
“The NCA is leveraging the current works being undertaken in the Parkes Place precinct … while the area is closed and contractors are on site,” a statement from the Authority reads.
“This is an interim refresh and will enhance the presentation of the area, its usability and safety for the public, in anticipation of the 2027 Centenary of Old Parliament House.”
However, don’t expect new fountains.
The NCA is currently upgrading the rose gardens nearby. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
In late 2023, the NCA issued a call for “design concepts” as an “alternative to their reconstruction”.
“Detailed analysis of the work necessary to refurbish the fountains” had estimated the bill at between $15 and $20 million, with “significant” ongoing operational costs.
“The large, shallow body of water central to the fountains’ design results in high evaporation rates,” the NCA said.
“This water would be drawn from Canberra’s potable water sources. The operation of pumps and filters will result in significant electricity use and potential greenhouse gas emissions.”
The two options included demolishing the central reflection pool while keeping the central ‘Wedding Cake Fountains’, or demolishing everything and coming up with a “new design proposal” for the area.
The final plans, revealed this week, will have the two wide fountain pools “reimagined” as garden beds, and the central pool replaced by a “plaza area”.
“The interim refresh works will bring a welcome upgrade to this precinct in the National Triangle, transforming the area into an attractive, usable space with garden beds and a complementary plaza space suitable for hosting events,” the NCA says.
Construction on the fountains’ replacements is due to finish early in 2026. Photo: Ian Bushnell.
Construction is set to be completed by early next year. Long-term, however, the hope is to bring some water back.
“The long-term vision for the Federation Centenary Fountains retains a water element as a central feature,” the NCA adds.
“The design and delivery of this vision is on a longer timeframe, will be progressed in consultation with the community and relevant stakeholders and will be subject to government budgetary priorities.”
