Legislative Assembly Building, Canberra Explained

Legislative Assembly Building
Building Type:Legislative
Architectural Style:Post-War International
Address:196 London Circuit
Location Town:Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Location Country:Australia
Start Date:1959
Completion Date:1961
Renovation Date:1994
Client:National Capital Development Commission
Owner:ACT Government
Architect:Roy Simpson
Architecture Firm:Yuncken Freeman
Main Contractor:Concrete Constructions Pty Ltd
Coordinates:-35.2816°N 149.1312°W

The Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly Building, also known as the South Building, is located on the southern side of Civic Square, London Circuit, Civic in the Australian Capital Territory. The public entrance to the Assembly is accessible from Civic Square, on the eastern side adjacent to the Canberra Theatre Centre.[1]

History

The building was designed as one part of the Canberra Civic Square, also incorporating the Canberra Theatre and Museum, in 1959–1961 by Roy Simpson of Yuncken Freeman for the National Capital Development Commission.[2] Originally was known as the "Civic Offices", they were originally built to house the offices of the ACT Advisory Council, the ACT Industrial Court and the Department of the Interior.[3] [4] [5] The modernist-style building has been the home of the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly since 1994 after it was refurbished to accommodate the Chamber and provide space for offices. The Assembly first met during 1989 in a temporary Chamber at 1 Constitution Avenue.

The ACT Coat of Arms over the entrance were designed by Lenore Bass, wife of Tom Bass who created the "Ethos" sculpture in Civic Square, and unveiled in September 1961.[6] [7]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Manager . Web . 2021-02-25 . Visit . 2023-04-10 . www.parliament.act.gov.au . en.
  2. Web site: Civic Square . Design Canberra Festival . 24 July 2018.
  3. News: New Civic Offices At City, Bachelor Flats For Turner . . 33 . 9,336 . Australian Capital Territory, Australia . 8 July 1959 . 24 July 2018 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
  4. News: NEW CIVIC OFFICES TAKEN OVER . The Canberra Times . 35 . 9,854 . Australian Capital Territory, Australia . 7 March 1961 . 24 July 2018 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
  5. News: CIVIC OFFICE BLOCKS BY FEBRUARY . The Canberra Times . 35 . 9,825 . Australian Capital Territory, Australia . 1 February 1961 . 24 July 2018 . 20 . National Library of Australia.
  6. News: COAT OF ARMS OVER CIVIC SQUARE . The Canberra Times . 36 . 10,012 . Australian Capital Territory, Australia . 7 September 1961 . 24 July 2018 . 28 . National Library of Australia.
  7. News: STATUE FOR SQUARE NEAR READY . The Canberra Times. 36 . 10,037 . Australian Capital Territory, Australia . 6 October 1961 . 24 July 2018 . 4 . National Library of Australia.