The Parliamentary Zone is the symbolic heart of the National Capital and is at the geometric centre of the Griffins’ plans for Canberra.

The precinct is characterised by the wide road reserve of State Circle, one of the main transport corridors in the area that circulates around Parliament House. It has narrow footpaths and limited pedestrian shade. This area has a dramatic entrance onto State Circle from Commonwealth Avenue provided by the heritage-listed ‘State Circle Cutting’, an exposed rockface that sits below the Federation Mall bridges.

The adjacent landscape of Capital Hill is characterised by the historic Centenary Trail. State Circle vistas range from views across the lake to Mount Ainslie and to Parliament House itself. A number of residential buildings, offices and St Andrew’s Church front onto State Circle.

Some key considerations for design of light rail in the Parliament House Precinct include how the project would:

• Respect the cultural, heritage and landscape significance of the Precinct and its features.
• Integrate light rail stops within an existing curved arterial road alignment on State Circle.
• Navigate the Commonwealth Avenue and Adelaide Avenue bridges at the transition zones into and out of State Circle, and the heritage listed State Circle Cutting.

To respond to these considerations, the concept design and Environmental Impact Statement will explore the following design features and implications:

The Griffins’ vision

Light rail design aligning with the geometry and symbolism of the Precinct, consistent with the Griffin legacy and the National Capital Plan.

Preserving the precinct’s cultural and heritage significance and maintaining iconic vistas in and around Parliament House.

Enhancing the landscape and public realm with additional trees and improvements to pedestrian amenity.

Connecting people to places

Employment growth in the area is expected to increase the need for transport to and from this precinct. Fitting light rail within existing roads and providing for safe pedestrian access to stops.

The opportunity and challenge of providing people-focused streets and active travel connections, including improved access to cultural attractions and events.

Placemaking

Opportunity to improve the public realm and general amenity at all stops locations being considered.

High quality urban design and innovation

A wire-free alignment and stop architectural elements to minimise the visual impact on the vistas of Parliament House, and consideration of the iconic landscape and visual amenity in design and placement of infrastructure.

Natural systems

A tree succession plan to support biodiversity and restore and enhance the character and amenity of the precinct.

Alternative stops within the National Triangle and Barton are being explored to maintain flexibility as the project progresses. Stop locations being considered are in proximity to the Australian Treasury building, on Bligh Street and on Sydney Avenue.

The National Triangle and Barton are home to major cultural institutions and events, restaurants, bars, embassies and historic hotels. Many Australian Government agencies are in the area, which employ thousands of Canberrans.

Some key considerations for studies of alternative stop locations within this area include:

• Improved access to tourist attractions, cultural institutions and events for Canberrans and visitors.
• A landscape strategy and tree succession planting to replace impacted trees, amenity and heritage values.
• Local road and traffic adjustments on Macquarie and Bligh streets, and National Circuit.
• Adjustment to access arrangements for some Barton businesses and residents to accommodate light rail.
• A wire-free system throughout the National Triangle and Barton Precincts.