Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00620:body:0:p58
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00620
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 158734–161818

because of the place's special association with the life or works of a person, or group of persons, of importance in Australia's natural or cultural history  West Block and its setting

4.0                    OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS
The following establishes a framework for the conservation and management policies at Chapter 5.  It addresses issues arising from:
      * The statutory recognition of West Block and the Dugout for heritage reasons;
      * The application of planning and building regulations and controls;
      * The aspirations of the lease-holder and building operator;
      * The interests of stakeholders;
      * The condition of the building fabric (West Block and Dugout); and
      * The condition of the landscape setting and its constituent elements.
The intent is to provide a context for the development of policies (Chapter 5), which address the conservation of the place, while equally recognising that the future of West Block depends upon having a sustainable and viable future use.

4.1                    Implications arising from significance
The Statement of Significance at Chapter 3 confirms that West Block (designed in 1925, built in 1926-27 and in use from August 1927) is of historical significance to Australia for its association with Federation.  The building is a component of the Parliament House Secretariat group, the first premises purpose-built for Australia's democratic government.  The principal component of the group is the Provisional Parliament House itself, as reflected in its siting on the Land Axis, and its visual prominence within the national capital.  West and East blocks were supporting elements.  The primary role of these multi-purpose buildings was office accommodation.  The buildings within the Parliament House Secretariat group were conceived as temporary, pending the construction of a permanent Parliament House, completed in 1988.  (CHL criterion A)
The Dugout (built 1942 and adapted in 1943 and 1945) is of historical significance as the building from which Prime Minister Curtin communicated with Australia's allies during World War II, using a Typex cypher machine.  The building is also significant as a remnant of the World War II defences introduced within the Parliamentary Zone during World War II.  (CHL criterion A)
West Block is significant for demonstrating the principal characteristics of the Federal Capital style, an interpretation of interwar Stripped Classicism which is now strongly associated with Canberra's establishment phase.  Distinguishing characteristics of the style evident in the building exterior today include: horizontal massing; symmetrical façades divided into vertical bays; and a simple, unpretentious architectural expression, with limited use of decorative elements.  (CHL criterion D).  Internal evidence of the building's original/early character and layout is very limited and includes: the north-south axis that connects the four blocks; the two staircases within B Block; strong rooms in B Block; and a section of timber ceiling panelling in B