Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00620:body:0:p85
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00620
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 232376–235271

Aerial view of West Block: the location of an indicative building envelope is in pink
Source: www.nearmap.com

Small-scale additions
If small-scale additions are required to support a viable and sustainable new use for West Block, such as pergolas or a porte-cochère, they should be of generally light weight construction and set clear from the historic building fabric.

Naming signage
West Block was designed without signage applied to the building exterior.  Bronze serif lettering was mounted over the main entry in the early post-World War II period, reading 'Commonwealth Offices West Block' (Figure 52).   By the 1980s this had been simplified to 'West Block'.  Over time, signage denoting the use of the building has also been mounted to D Block, south elevation and to the rear (east) elevation of B Block.  If signage is required as related to a new use for West Block, this should be kept to the minimum required and in preference limited to the west elevation (B Block) and south elevation (D Block).
Figure 52 Lettering reading 'Commonwealth Offices West Block' was added over the main entrance in the early post-World War II period
Source: National Archives of Australia, NAA A2617, Section 14/16260

Policy 19 Re-establishment of original landscape features
Missing or diminished aspects of the original landscape treatment should be re-established.
The original formal planting arrangement to the north of West Block should, in preference, be re-established.  This arrangement, indicated at Figure 53, includes Lombardy poplars (Populus nigra 'Italica') in small square enclosures as an extension of the axial vista.  This arrangement was balanced on the north side of Queen Victoria Terrace, where these plantings have already been regenerated, and it would be appropriate to duplicate the current treatment of shaped hedges, edging pavements and other details which is established on the north side of the Terrace.  At West Block, the termination of the axis was further developed in a broader formal setting of four Arizona cypress trees (Cupressus arizonica), all of which are extant today.
It is noted that one of the original Lombardy poplars on the south side of Queen Victoria Terrace, within the West Block curtilage, presently survives. It is appropriate to continue the retention of this tree as long as arboriculturally feasible, while reinstating the eastern partner tree of the pairing with new (preferably advanced) stock.  When removal and replacement of the existing tree is ultimately required, a determination may be made as to the efficacy and aesthetic impact of maintaining two generationally non-matching trees versus the concurrent removal and replacement of both trees.
If the opportunity arises, reinstatement of the Lombardy poplar pair at the northwest corner of the car park, adjacent to the Queen Victoria Terrace / Commonwealth Avenue intersection,