Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00620:body:0:p80
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00620
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 218410–221349

Regular monitoring of the condition of West Block's landscape setting, both in its own right and as part of the Parliamentary Triangle setting, is required in order to satisfy Schedule 7a (h)(ix) of the EPBC Act Regulations.  As noted at Section 3.6, Table 5 of this report, the landscape setting and landscape context are intrinsic to West Block's ability to satisfy CHL criterion 'F'.  The condition of these landscape elements/attributes should be monitored and recorded as part of the on-going maintenance regime for West Block.  See also Policy 12 'Cyclical maintenance and remedial works to significant built fabric' and Policy 21 'Recording'.

5.4                    Use, adaptation and change

Policy 15 Use
Future uses of West Block should be compatible with the assessed values of the place so that its cultural significance is maintained and conserved.
West Block was designed for office use, to support a variety of Parliamentary and bureaucratic functions.  These functions varied over time and are not overtly expressed in the physical fabric, which was consciously neutral, or 'official' to use J S Murdoch's term.
Continued use of West Block as an office would be compatible with the building's historic values.  It is, however, acknowledged that the building does not meet contemporary needs or expectations as office space, and that this is not a realistic prospect.  The building's location within the Parliamentary Zone, and close to the diplomatic precinct makes a commercial use more likely.  This is consistent with the NCP, which supports 'a limited range of commercial uses and tourism facilities [within the Parliamentary Zone] that complement and enhance the function and character of the area'.
A key consideration in an adaptive re-use will be to ensure that the assessed values of West Block are maintained.  These values are both tangible (built fabric and landscape setting) and intangible (historical significance).  The values that relate to tangible elements can be maintained through conservation works and on-going management.  The historical values can be maintained through conservation of the original/early building fabric and landscape elements, supplemented by on-site interpretation (Policy 23).

Policy 16 Contextual presentation
The contribution of West Block as a prominent and distinctive anchor at a key point of entry to the Parliamentary Zone should be retained and enhanced.
In anticipation of significant change to West Block and its setting as a result of adaptation to a new use, emphasis should be placed on reinforcing the visual prominence and landscaped setting of the historic building in views to the Parliamentary Zone and within it.  This is important for the continued interpretation and appreciation of the site.
See also Policy 11 'Views and visual relationships' and Policy 19 'Reestablishment of original landscape character and features'.

Policy 17 Changes to buildings