West Block and Dugout, Commonwealth Avenue,
Parkes ACT
formerly known as Secretariat No. 2 and the National Library (late 1920s)
West Block
Source: Eric Martin and Associates, 2014.
Finance ID
Number
DFD-61011
Commonwealth 105428
Heritage List
(CHL) Place ID
Number
Current Status
(including CHL
Place ID
Number)
West Block and the Dugout are listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List (Site ID
105428).
Ownership
The West Block and Dugout are managed by the Department of Finance on behalf of the
Commonwealth.
Location
West Block is located on Commonwealth Avenue, Parkes, ACT. It is located beside
Commonwealth Avenue and within the Parliamentary Zone and compliments East Block,
which is located on Kings Avenue. West Block and the Dugout is set back from Queen
Victoria Terrace and is a series of 4 blocks with links between, arranged along a central
north-south axis within a landscaped area.
The site is part of Block 2 Section 23 Parkes on Commonwealth Avenue on the western
side of the Parliamentary Vista. The site includes the building and its immediate
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surrounds.
West Block, located on Commonwealth Avenue, Parkes, ACT
Source: Eric Martin and Associates, 2014.
Description
The building has been known as Secretariat Number 2 and the National Library (late
1920’s) and more recently West Block. West Block is a significant component of the
Parliament House Secretariat group, which also includes East Block and the Provisional
Parliament House. The group is located at the southern end of the Parliamentary Zone at
each end of the Terrace road and forms essential and important axial planning element
with the Parliamentary Zone.
The Chief Commonwealth Architect, John Smith Murdoch, who also designed Old
Parliament House, East Block and four Government Hostels, designed the Parliament
Secretariat group (including West Block). West Block was designed in 1925 and
completed in 1928 and is an example of Federal Capital Architecture, a version of InterWar Stripped Classical style.
There are four elements of West Block, the Central section and North/South wings and
enclosed loggia to the south, are linked by the North/South axis and veranda porches at
the links. The listing includes the current substation, originally a bunker or fallout
shelter referred to as ‘the dugout’ and gas meter buildings to the east.
West Block is two storeys with a small basement in Blocks B and D and a roof plant room
in B and D. Block B includes a former flat on the third floor. The interiors have undergone
substantial change and refurbishment over the years with little of the original detail
remaining. The Bunker is a purpose built World War II bomb shelter and is believed to be
the current substation on the eastern side of the building.
West Block is constructed of brick with a brick plinth and white painted rendered brick
walls on the upper storeys. The building is modulated into rectangles of classical
proportions of with steel windows or projecting cornices and clean parapets. This design
has been modified considerably over the last 60 years.
The ground floor entrances and open, corner veranda openings were formed with
semicircular brick arches in contrast to other openings which were built with flat brick
lintels. Windows were originally metal framed built up with timber mouldings. The later
D Block incorporated similar scaling and external detailing to the original buildings. The
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east and west facades matched in scale those on B Block. The southernmost part matched
C Block.
It is notable that the corners were treated to match the in-filled balconies as executed in
the 1938 alterations to the original building. Although continually modified throughout
its life, West Block remains a key example of the Federal Capital style of architecture. The
building displays the characteristic flat roofs and parapets above cement rendered and
white painted brick walls and contrasting brick base. Greek pattern metal railings,
medallion motifs and projecting cement cornices articulate symmetrically disposed
elements of classical proportions with sharp silhouettes and overall horizontal
proportions and massing.
The Dugout building appears to be structurally unchanged. It is now used as an electrical
sub-station. A brick screen wall with three arches has been added to it and the area
behind the brick wall used for bikes. At some stage the roofing material was changed.
Western side of Block A with two of the 1928 Arizona Cypresses to the left.
Source: Eric Martin and Associates, 2014.
Symmetrical Facade and the Dugout.
Source: Eric Martin and Associates, 2014.
Landscape
Setting
West Block is a series of four blocks with links between arranged along a central northsouth axis within a landscaped area. A large car park is located to the east at a higher
level but this is not included within the site boundary.
The site generally falls from east to west with banks rising on the eastern side separated
from the building by a service road. The grounds are landscaped with mature exotic
trees, eucalypts and some hedges. Roads exist on three sides and a smaller car park on
the west.
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There remain remnants of Weston’s 1928 planting and the general layout retains most
1928 features.
Landscape Setting of West Block.
Source: Eric Martin and Associates, 2014.
Heritage
Objects and
Collections
There are no significant objects or collections at West Block.
History and
Summary of
Uses
West Block is located on the traditional lands of the Ngunnawal people and their
descendants continue to live in Canberra and the surrounding region.
With the federation of the Australian colonies in 1901 began a long process to establish
the national capital, with the land around the Canberra area formally acquired in 1911
and the international competition for the design of the new city finalized in 1912.
The Canberra Secretariat buildings (including West Block) and the Provisional
Parliament House were the first buildings designed and erected in the Parliamentary
Triangle of the new Federal Capital. The architectural nature of these buildings was quite
different from the buildings envisaged for the Parliamentary Triangle by Walter Burley
Griffin, the young American architect who won the international competition held in
1912, for the design of Canberra.
After World War I, ideas of monumental grandeur could no longer be supported because
of heavy war expenditure. The Federal Capital Advisory Committee decided building a
provisional Parliament House, which would not be an excessive drain on the public purse
and could serve the Parliament for some fifty years, would be best. The project for a
provisional Parliament House was given to the Commonwealth Architect, John Smith
Murdoch.
The first proposal for accommodation of administrative staff to support the transfer of
Parliament to Canberra was considered by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on
Public Works in 1923. The committee recommended permanent administration offices;
however, it was recognised that permanent administration offices could not be
completed for the first session of Parliament. The Secretariat Scheme was suggested as a
way out of the difficulties of synchronising the design and construction of permanent
administration building with the opening of the provisional Parliament house and the
first session of Parliament in Canberra.
The Advisory Committee suggested that the transfer of Departments to Canberra be
modified, and that instead of having Departments as a whole – a Secretariat or nucleus of
each Department be temporarily established, sufficient to assist the Minister with
Parliamentary work and to provide a link between the work and the general
administration of Departments in Melbourne. This was accepted by the Minister and
plans were prepared for two suitable building, Secretariat No. 1 (East Block) and
Secretariat No. 2 (West Block), which would be located one on either side of the main city
axis, to the south west of Parliament House.
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The 1925 John Smith Murdoch’s design for West Block was a three block building in the
same architectural language as its opposite block, East Block.
By 1928, with the completion of the West Block Building the occupancy of West Block
was listed as: Prime Minister’s Department, 11,747 sq ft, 44 permanent offices; Treasury,
6,990 sq ft, 45 permanent office; Home and Territories, 6,620 sq ft, 35 permanent offices;
Attorney General’s, 6,932 sq ft, 21 permanent offices. The National Library was also
located in the Northern wing and remained within the building until 1935-36.
The building has always accommodated various Commonwealth Departments and has
been adapted over time to meet changing accommodation requirements. For example
the original corner verandas and open porches have been sealed in. Access to the
penthouse, which was originally via the central B Block stair, has been removed
(evidence of the original stair can still be seen). The penthouse is now used as a plant
and equipment room. New three story extensions where added in the original central
courtyard spaces (you enter through these on the ground floor), creating internal
courtyards. D Block was also an extension to the original building.
Some of the elements of the original West Block that have been altered/compromised by
later additions are still extant in East Block.
The Bunker is a purpose built World War II bomb shelter and is used as the current
substation on the eastern side of the building. It was used in World War II to decode and
code messages between Prime Ministers Curtin and Churchill.
Commencement of construction of West Block in 1925
Source: Volume 2, 1994 Conservation Plan via Eric Martin and Associates, 2014
West Block in 1972
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Source: NAA image A6135, K2/5/72/11
Statutory Heritage Values
Gazetted
Statement of
Significance Commonwealth
Heritage List
West Block is a significant component of the Parliament House Secretariat group, which
also includes East Block and the Provisional Parliament House. The group is located at
the southern end of the Parliamentary Triangle and is an integral component of the
significant Parliamentary Triangle landscape, exhibiting the skilful handling of planning
and architectural forms within a designed landscape of related buildings and spaces. The
group forms essential and important axial planning elements with the Parliamentary
Triangle. The planning principles of the group are as established by Walter Burley Griffin,
and the architectural resolution of the group is as established within the office of John
Smith Murdoch, Director-General of Works. (Criterion F1)
West Block is important for its association with Federation, being part of the Provisional
Parliament House group, which formed the essential Government facilities in the early
development of Canberra as the Nation's Capital. The Secretariats are a remnant of the
relocation phase of the Federal Capital when they formed the seat of Federal and political
power. (Criterion A4) Australian Historic Themes: 4.3, Developing Institutions, 7.4
Federating Australia.
The Dugout is significant as a purpose built World War II bomb shelter. Along with West
Block it is important for accommodating strategic international communication functions
of Australia's war time activities. (Criterion 4) Australian Historic Themes 7.7 Defending
Australia.
The building is a fine example of Federal Capital Architecture, a version of Inter-War
Stripped Classical style. It exhibits classical style proportions and features of arcaded
entrance screens and courtyard arrival points. (Criterion D2)
The unpretentious style of the building with its low horizontal massing, the role of the
building as part of a group linked by architectural style and function, and the
contribution of the building group as a feature of the designed landscape of the
Parliamentary Triangle, are significant aesthetic qualities now greatly valued. (Criterion
E1)
The group of government buildings is uncommon. Only one other similar formal
grouping exists in Australia, and that is the Commonwealth and State offices group in
Brisbane, also designed by John Smith Murdoch. (Criterion B2)
West Block has associations with the formative days of the National Library, the
relocation phase of the Federal Capital, the planning and architecture of John Smith
Murdoch and Walter Burley Griffin, and the evolution of Federal Government
administration in Canberra. (Criterion H1)
Criterion A Processes
West Block is important for its association with Federation, being part of the Provisional
Parliament House group, which formed the essential Government facilities in the early
development of Canberra as the Nation's Capital. The Secretariats are a remnant of the
relocation phase of the Federal Capital when they formed the seat of Federal and political
power.
The Dugout is significant as a purpose built World War II bomb shelter. Along with West
Block it is important for accommodating strategic international communication functions
of Australia's war time activities.
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Attributes
All of the original form and fabric of West Block, and of the Dugout.
Criterion B Rarity
The group of government buildings is uncommon. Only one other similar formal grouping
exists in Australia, and that is the Commonwealth and State offices group in Brisbane,
also designed by John Smith Murdoch.
Attributes
The location and appearance of West Block in relation to East Block, Old Parliament
House and Parliamentary Triangle and the Land Axis
Criterion C Research
West Block does not fulfil this criterion.
Criterion D Characteristic
Value
The building is a fine example of Federal Capital Architecture, a version of Inter-War
Stripped Classical style. It exhibits classical style proportions and features of arcaded
entrance screens and courtyard arrival points.
Attributes
The building's original architectural design, including its classical style, proportions,
arcaded entrance screens and courtyard arrival points.
Criterion E –
Aesthetic
characteristics
The unpretentious style of the building with its low horizontal massing, the role of the
building as part of a group linked by architectural style and function, and the contribution
of the building group as a feature of the designed landscape of the Parliamentary Triangle,
are significant aesthetic qualities now greatly valued.
Attributes
The external form and appearance of building, plus its landscaped setting, especially in
relation to the Parliamentary Triangle.
Criterion F –
Technical
achievement
West Block is a significant component of the Parliament House Secretariat group, which
also includes East Block and the Provisional Parliament House. The group is located at
the southern end of the Parliamentary Triangle and is an integral component of the
significant Parliamentary Triangle landscape, exhibiting the skilful handling of planning
and architectural forms within a designed landscape of related buildings and spaces. The
group forms essential and important axial planning elements with the Parliamentary
Triangle. The planning principles of the group are as established by Walter Burley Griffin,
and the architectural resolution of the group is as established within the office of John
Smith Murdoch, Director-General of Works.
Attributes
The appearance and location of the building plus its designed landscape, in relation to
East Block, Old Parliament House and the Parliamentary Triangle.
Criterion G –
Social Value
West Block does not fulfil this criterion.
Criterion H –
Significant
people
West Block has associations with the formative days of the National Library, the
relocation phase of the Federal Capital, the planning and architecture of John Smith
Murdoch and Walter Burley Griffin, and the evolution of Federal Government
administration in Canberra.
Attributes
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The original form and fabric of the building, any remaining evidence of its use as the
former National Library plus its architectural styling that demonstrates the involvement
of JS Murdoch.
Criterion I Indigenous
tradition
West Block does not fulfil this criterion.
Department of Finance’s (Finance) updated heritage assessment
Finance’s
updated
Statement of
Significance for
Commonwealth
Heritage values
West Block is a significant component of the Parliament House Secretariat group, which
also includes East Block and the Old Parliament House. The group is located at the
southern end of the Parliamentary Triangle and is an integral component of the
significant Parliamentary Triangle landscape, exhibiting the skilful handling of planning
and architectural forms within a designed landscape of related buildings and spaces. The
group forms essential and important axial planning elements with the Parliamentary
Triangle. The planning principles of the group are as established by Walter Burley Griffin,
and the architectural resolution of the group is as established within the office of John
Smith Murdoch, Director-General of Works. The landscape is part of Charles Weston’s
vision for Canberra.
West Block is important for its association with Federation, being part of the Old
Parliament House group, which formed the essential Government facilities in the early
development of Canberra as the Nation's Capital. The Secretariats are a remnant of the
relocation phase of the Federal Capital when they formed the seat of Federal and political
power.
The Dugout is significant as a purpose built World War II bomb proof shelter which along
with West Block it is important for accommodating Strategic international
communication functions of Australia’s war time activities.
The building is an example of Federal Capital Architecture, a version of Inter-War
Stripped Classical style. It exhibits classical style proportions and features of arcaded
entrance screens and courtyard arrival points.
The unpretentious style of the building with its low horizontal massing, the role of the
building as part of a group linked by architectural style and function, and the contribution
of the building group as a feature of the designed landscape of the Parliamentary
Triangle, are significant aesthetic qualities now greatly valued.
The group of government buildings is uncommon. Only one other similar formal grouping
exists in Australia, and that is the Commonwealth and State offices group in Brisbane,
also designed by John Smith Murdoch.
West Block has associations with the formative days of the National Library, the
relocation phase of the Federal Capital, the planning and architecture of John Smith
Murdoch and Walter Burley Griffin, the landscape of Charles Weston and the evolution of
Federal Government administration in Canberra.
Source: Eric Martin and Associates, 2014.
Criterion A Processes
West Block has been an integral part of the history of Canberra and accommodated
Government Departments from the initial stages of establishing government in Canberra
in the 1920’s. All occupiers have played on important administrative role in Canberra. It
is an integral part of the Parliament Vista and contributes to the overall plan which is
significant internationally. East and West Blocks together with OPH were the first
buildings erected in the Parliamentary triangle. The National Library made its first home
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in West Block.
The site features that remain as important parts of the historical development of the area
are:
 Remnant original 1920s plantings associated with the establishment of the West
Block Precinct.
 Layout features (including the long vista off the longitudinal axis of West Block);
hard landscape elements such as roads alignments, footpath configuration and
alignments as well as some original edges; and levels (including the long
embankment along the eastern side of the building group) that remain as part of
the mid-1920s site planning.
 West Block’s historical and administrative relationship within the overall
Parliamentary zone curtilage and its relationship with the Hotel Canberra (now
the Hyatt Hotel).
 The Dugout which was the communications hub between Australia, England and
USA in World War II.
Criterion B Rarity
West Block does not possess any rare or uncommon aspects of Australian cultural history
except for the use of the Dugout in World War II.
Criterion C Research
West Block is an example of interwar stripped classical and of John Smith Murdoch’s
work and as such has the potential to yield information that contributes to Australia’s
cultural history. The role West Block has played in Government from 1927 and the
Dugout’s role in WWII are important aspects of Australia’s history.
Criterion D Characteristic
Value
West Block is a fine example of the architectural style Interwar Stripped Classical.
Criterion E –
Aesthetic
characteristics
The building exhibits finely restrained and dignified aesthetics which have been partly
eroded through later changes. It has been registered on the Australian Institute of
Architects Register of Significant Twentieth Century Architecture (RSTCA No R067 ) and
listed on the National Trust of Australia (ACT) Heritage Register.
The setting has been partly compromised but still has aesthetic value appreciated by the
community.
While small in extent the West Block landscape, where it retains original plantings, early
replacements and later additions faithful to the 1928 planting scheme, reflects Weston’s
carefully selected composition of species with the capacity to contribute an enduring
aesthetic and environmental legacy. However the vista along the Incense Cedar/Pinoak
avenue opposite Block A remains an important visual adjunct of West Block as Weston
intended and should be regarded as an integral part of West Block’s curtilage.
Criterion F –
Technical
achievement
West Block is a competent design by one of Australia’s leading architects of the time,
John Smith Murdoch. It was part of the Federal Capital Commission period and it
contributes to the architecture of the 1920s. It was one of several stripped classical
buildings designed by Murdoch. However, the building does not demonstrate any high
degree of creative or technical achievement.
Criterion G –
Social Value
West Block does not fulfil this criterion.
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Criterion H –
Significant
people
The building is one of the major works in Canberra of prominent Australian architect
John Smith Murdoch who contributed more than any other architect to the early built
development of Canberra. The building is associated with the transferred of
Government to Canberra, and its operation since. The Dugout is associated with Prime
Ministers’ Curtin and Churchill and an important WWII role.
The landscape is associated with Charles Weston and part of his vision for Canberra.
Criterion I Indigenous
tradition
West Block does not fulfil this criterion.
Source: Eric Martin and Associates, 2014.
Non-Statutory Listings
Register of the
National Estate
(RNE)
Register of the National Estate - Place ID 100476
Australian
Institute of
Architects
Register of
Significant
Twentieth
Century
Architecture
West Block and Dugout has been registered on the Australian Institute of Architects
Register of Significant Twentieth Century Architecture (RSTCA No R067).
Additional information
Property
Access
West Block is used by the Commonwealth as office accommodation and is not opened to
the public.
Consultation
Department of Finance consulted with the National Capital Authority, Registered
Aboriginal Organisations, and internal Finance stakeholders and contractors.
Any additional consultation with other interested parties should include the Compliance,
Environment and Heritage team, Department of Finance.
Conservation
Documents/
References
ACS, 1992, Draft Conservation Plan for the Canberra Secretariats.
Canberra Times (1996), The women who kept our secrets, The Jubilee Page, Thursday, 16
May 1996.
Eric Martin and Associates (2014), West Block Heritage Management Plan, Department of
Finance.
Freeman Collett & Partners (1994), West Block , Secretariat No.2. Parliamentary Triangle
Canberra, Conservation Plan.
Metcalfe, Nancy and Ron (March 2001) Personal communication, Refer file note (RNE file
8/1/0/489).
More
information
For further information regarding West Block and the Dugout, please contact the
Department of Finance.
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