John Gorton Building, Parkes ACT
formerly known as the Administration Building
John Gorton Building, Parkes ACT.
Source: Department of Finance, 2012
Finance ID
Number
DFD-61008
Commonwealth John Gorton Building: 105472
Heritage List
(CHL) Place ID A part of the Parliament House Vista: 105466
Number
Current Status
(including CHL
Place ID
Number)
The John Gorton Building is included on the Commonwealth Heritage List and Register of the
National Estate. The John Gorton Building is also included as part of the Parliament House
Vista as contributory elements (CHL Place ID: 105466 and RNE Place ID: 19128).
Ownership
The John Gorton Building is managed by Department of Finance on behalf of the
Commonwealth.
Location
The John Gorton Building is located in the north-eastern corner of Canberra’s Parliamentary
Zone. The John Gorton Building and Communications Centre are a total block development
located on Block 1 Section 35, Parkes, ACT. The site is bounded by King Edward Terrace to
the north, Parkes Place to the west, King George Terrace to the south and Dorothy Tangney
Place to the east. The property is located in the suburb of Parkes, three kilometres south of
the Canberra City Centre.
The Central National Area has been nominated to the National Heritage List and is under
consideration by the Australian Heritage Council (NHL ID: 106100).
Record last updated 15 January 2015 |
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Above: Location of the John Gorton Building.
Source: Environment Resources Management, 2014 via Google maps
Description
The John Gorton Building lies within the Parliamentary Zone, Canberra’s ceremonial precinct
featuring some of Australia’s most culturally significant buildings. These buildings include
Parliament House, Old Parliament House, Defence Headquarters, Treasury Building, National
Library and the High Court of Australia. The John Gorton Building is considered to be an
example of the inter-war Stripped Classical Style and was designed to match the aesthetics of
existing buildings in the Parliamentary Zone.
Exterior
The exterior of the building features cladding of a pale pink granite facade on the ground
level, with sandstone cladding to the upper floors. The Stripped Classical Style has resulted in
minimal ornamentation of the building. As part of this style, the John Gorton Building
features symmetrical portico and restrained spandrels between the storeys of the building.
The John Gorton Building comprises of a ground floor, six upper floors (including a plant
room on level six), a basement, a sub-basement, and a Communications Centre. Access to the
building is provided on all four facades of the building. The entrance on the west facade
differs to the other entranceways as it is raised and features ornate period style doors
handles. A heavy set of aluminium-faced portico is supported by pink granite clad pillars that
provides access to the north of the building via a publically accessible cafe. Access to the
south facade provides access way to the Department of the Environment reception.
Major facade conservation works to the sandstone commenced in 2013 and the interior has
been refurbished several times although original finishes have been retained in all public
areas. The roof was replaced during 1996-8 and comprises of ribbed clip lock metal sheeting.
There is also copper cladding over each of the wings, lead flashing to parapets and steel
framed skylights above the light wells.
The John Gorton Building features prominent guttering, water heads and downpipes of
copper. In 2011, sections of the downpipes were affected by theft. A majority of downpipes
were replaced with German oxidised copper welded to the existing copper downpipes,
mounted to the granite. Two replacements involved Colorbond rather than copper in the
most prominent locations to deter theft in the future.
Record last updated 15 January 2015 |
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John Gorton Building exterior
Sources: Department of the Environment, unknown; Environment Resources Management, 2014;
and Australian Heritage Photographic Library Barcode number: rt60288
Interior
The interior of the John Gorton Building is divided between three tenancies, the Department
of Finance, Department of the Environment and Cafe Milieu. The structural columns on each
floor have been retained and incorporated into the current layout. The building comprises if
a wide central corridor, light wells, lifts and stairwells. Bathroom and kitchen facilities are
located on each floor. In 1996 (and reopened in 1999) John Gorton Building was closed to
undertake demolitions and major refurbishments. As a part of the refurbishment works,
eight of the 11 light wells were restored; three remaining light wells were converted into
meeting rooms. Good quality and finely polished marble floors and terrazzo wall panels were
retained, and stainless steel handrails and balustrades were installed in prominent areas to
meet current code requirements. The entrance foyer accessed via the southern entranceway
was extensively refurbished and contains highly polished timber flooring, mixed polished
marble and stone clad concrete pillars, with a reinstated light well.
The basement level contains bike storage, lockers, meeting rooms and a prayer room. The
bathrooms and kitchenettes are similar in design, layout and materials across all levels and
in all tenancies in the building. Work areas are open plan and extend away from the central
corridor. Suspended ceiling panels have been installed to conceal modern air conditioning,
lighting, telecommunication and electrical wiring. To maximise natural light, all offices and
meeting rooms have at least one glazed wall.
L to R: Interior of the John Gorton Building from the entrance of the Department of Finance side; entrance from the
Department of the Environment side; and the second floor demonstrating high quality fit out materials.
Source: Environment Resources Management, 2014.
Landscape
Setting
The John Gorton Building plays a significant role, along with the Treasury Building, in
balancing the land axis as design by Walter Burley Griffin. The John Gorton Building also
contributes to the heritage values of the Parliament House Vista.
The building takes up the majority of the block of land, and is complemented by well
maintained grounds surround John Gorton Building, including substantial lawns, mature
plane trees, a large car park with mature trees and raised planter beds within pink granite
planter boxes on either side of the entranceway.
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A paved central-northern courtyard features a central sculpture fountain constructed in
granite that is consistent with surrounding building materials. To the east of the fountain are
two eucalypt plantings, which do not appear to be a part of the original fountain design and
are not a component of the earlier, exotic plantings in the immediate landscape.
Mature plane trees to the north of John Gorton and a fountain looking north to King Edward Terrace.
Source: Environment Resources Management, 2014.
Heritage
Objects and
Collections
The cultural heritage significance of the John Gorton Building is enhanced by its moveable
heritage items, which either directly relates to the purpose of the buildings and/or through
significant artworks. The John Gorton building features several artworks and displays. These
artworks include the bust of John Gorton and Aboriginal artworks including Larrakitj Poles,
Glass panel titled Tjapatji Bates, and a painting titled Four Arches by Limmen Bight Country.
Part of the artwork collection includes winning entries in the National Indigenous Heritage
Art Award and a collection of paintings of small marsupials and birds. The reception desk in
the foyer features paintings by artists from Melville Island (Commonwealth of Australia,
1999).
Photographs and original artworks are used throughout the building, particularly in public
spaces and the meeting rooms. Large photographs in the foyer include close-ups of bark,
rocks and stonewalls. Photographs and artwork for the key meeting rooms follow the themes
established by the meeting room names: Waratah, Banksia, Burra, Reef, Aurora, and Uluru.
Interpretation of the history of the John Gorton Building is provided in the central foyer and
eastern corridor on the ground floor. The display comprises historic photographs, plans and
text explaining the design, construction and refurbishment of the John Gorton Building. The
display also includes photographs of the Ministers that have been responsible for the various
agencies that have occupied the building.
The Department of the Environment maintain the collection of artwork along with the
historic images and items relating to the history of John Gorton Building and the
Communications Centre.
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L to R: Larrakitj Poles from Arnhem Land; and the bust of John Gorton.
Source: Environment Resources Management, 2014
History and
Summary of
Uses
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Pre-European settlement - Ngunawal people travelling through the region, utilising
resources on the annual gatherings for moth hunting and initiation ceremonies.
1830s - Pastoral settlement of the region, large areas of land granted to and purchased
by Robert Campbell. Introduction of sheep farming.
1910s - Walter Burley Griffin wins design competition for the new Federal Capital.
Construction of Canberra begins.
1924 - Competition for the design of government buildings including the
Administrative Building announced. The competition was restricted to architects
residing in Australia, 94 entries were received. Sydney architect George Sydney Jones
won the competition. Estimated cost for the preferred design is £631,819.
1927 - Jones died suddenly in January before the working drawings were completed.
Sydney architects Robertson and Marks continued the project. In October, the Federal
Capital Commission let the contract for laying the foundations over an eight month
period for a total value of £50,783.
1928-1929 - Construction of the foundations was completed in April. Shortly
afterwards, the Government decided not to proceed with the construction of the
building in the short term.
It was discovered that 631 tons of cement were omitted from the concrete and a
committee of inquiry was formed. The committee subsequently determined that the
foundations were sufficiently strong enough to support the building.
1934 - A new report finds that the foundations were not strong enough to support the
building.
1935-37 - An improvement to economic conditions saw the project restarted. After a
year of work the project was again postponed.
1943 - The project was revived as part of the post war program for the development of
Canberra. The John Curtin Government established the External Communications
Branch within the Department of External Affairs to handle all Government cablegrams
for transmission to addresses outside Australia either in plain language, code or cipher,
as well as all inwards cablegrams for the Australian Government.
1946 - A new scheme for a larger building based on Jones’ original design was
prepared. The new design featured five floors, 450,000 square foot of floor space,
reinforced concrete construction, with external walls faced with granite at the base and
freestone above. Total cost estimated at £1,425,128.
1947 - The Government decided to proceed with the construction of the building in
stages, using as much Australian material as possible. The plan was to complete the
building in four years and accommodate 3000 public servants, and 1000 bicycles and
30 cars in the basement.
1948 - The original foundations were gelignited. Construction proceeded slowly due to
changes to the plans, post war labour shortages, competing government priorities and
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strict controls.
1953 - In early 1953 it was estimated that construction was still three years from
completion. Plans for a corresponding building across the main axis from the
Administrative Building were abandoned. The Administrative Building was described
at this time in government circles as ‘a monument to Cost Plus’.
1955 - A Senate Select Committee reported that the building was still two years from
completion.
1956 - Occupation of the building commenced on 6 February by the Australian News
and the Information Bureau. At this time, the building was substantially completed,
with some minor work occurring until 1960.
1963-68 - The volume of international messages handled by the External Affairs
Branch of the Federal Government increased at 28% each year.
1969 - Administrative Building occupied by the Department of Foreign Affairs. The
urgent requirement for a computerised system for all Government communications
outside of Australia was required.
1970-72 - The feasibility of incorporating the computer system into the Administrative
Building was considered by the Government. It was concluded, that the security
requirements, space requirements and custom installation specifications necessitated a
purpose-built underground facility. The MacMahon Government approved the
construction of the Communications Centre adjacent to the Administrative Building.
1973-74 - Increased cost estimates resulted in further Government approvals. The
Whitlam Government approved the revised costs to allow the construction of the
Communications Centre to proceed. Rankine and Hill were appointed as design
engineers for the Communications Centre and Schmaehling Boys and Vickery Pty Ltd
(Sydney) were appointed as the architects and interior designers. The Department of
Housing and Construction managed the project on behalf of the National Capital
Development Commission (NCDC) and Wagdy Hanna was the Supervising Architect.
Mainline Constructions won the tender to construct the new Centre and commenced
work in August 1974. Following the collapse of Mainline Constructions, Civil and Civic
was appointed as the replacement contractor with an expected completion date of
August 1976 and an adjusted tender sum of $3,367,070.
1977-78 - Construction of the new Communications Centre was completed and staff
commenced staged occupation from March 1977. The completed Centre featured a
wide range of interior artworks, lighting and detailed interior design to ensure sensory
deprivation issues that may arise from working underground were prevented.
1979 - The Centre transitioned to full reliance on the new computer mainframe for all
communications. The new mainframe commenced operation in February, with nodes in
London and Washington brought online in April and July of that year respectively.
1980-81 - Upgrade of the Administrative Building and its northern entrance was
undertaken for the Department of Foreign Affairs.
1983 - A new roof was installed over the original roof.
1987 - The Administrative Building was listed on the RNE as part of the Parliamentary
Triangle. The Administrative Building and Communications Centre were also
individually listed on the RNE.
1988 - Communications Centre computer system simplified, with the nodes in London
and Washington decommissioned. Following these changes, the Canberra mainframe
operated the entire network.
1989 - The southern entry and lobby were upgraded for the Department of Foreign
Affairs.
1987-1992 - Reports on options for refurbishment of the building were commissioned
by the Domestic Property Group within the Government.
1994 - Project Coordination Australia was appointed to manage the base building
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refurbishment. In October Wilde Woollard (cost consultants) and Daryl Jackson Alastair
Swayne (design team) were appointed to the base building refurbishment team.
1995 - Final sketch plans for the refurbishment were completed and approved.
1999 - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade departed the building and relocated to
the RG Casey Building in Barton in September. The demolition of internal structures in
the Administrative Building commenced in November. During the refurbishment
works, eight of the eleven original light wells were reinstated, bringing the internal
layout closer to the 1940s re-design. The Communications Centre staff and some
equipment were also relocated to the RG Casey Building at this time. The original
Communications Centre was vacant from this time.
1997 - The Commonwealth Property Committee approved the relocation of
Environment Australia and the Department of Finance and Administration in
September. In November Project Coordination Australia and Wilde Wollard were
appointed to project manage and cost plan the relocation of Environment Australia to
the building. Robert Peck von Hartel Trethowan was engaged to design the fit out and
Connell Wagner was engaged to prepare the environmental assessment of the building
and services.
1998 - In April Lend Lease were engaged to construct the Environment Australia fit out
and work commenced in May. The practical completion for the fit out for the
Department of Finance and Administration was completed in November and the
Department moved into the western end of the building in December.
1999- The practical completion for the fit out for Environment Australia was
completed in January and the agency staff moved into the building between February
and March. The building was officially renamed as the John Gorton Building by the
Prime Minister, the Hon John Howard on 30 June 1999.
2000 -The Communications Centre mainframe was replaced by a new system that was
progressively implemented in January and completed in mid-June. The system was
decommissioned on 23 June 2000 after 21 years of reliable global service.
2001-2003 - Environment Australia implemented plans to refurbish the former
Communications Centre for use by the Australian Greenhouse Office. Several light wells
were constructed through the slab to accommodate the new use. A range of original
artworks including the original 1970s foyer were retained during the refurbishment
works. Environment Australia and the Department of Foreign Affairs conducted
research projects and oral history interviews to compile a history of the
Communications Centre and provide material for a permanent display in the new
Greenhouse Office installed in the former Communications Centre.
2004 - JGB and Communications Centre gazetted for inclusion on the CHL.
2011 - Replacement of several copper downpipes that were stolen. Replacement
material is German oxidised copper; two replacements are Colorbond.
Source: Environment Resources Management, 2014.
Above: The John Gorton Building under construction, 1953.
Source: ACT Heritage Library Image Numbers 00910; 001522; and 009509
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Statutory Heritage Values
Gazetted
Statement of
Significance Commonwealth
Heritage List
Planned in 1924, designed in 1946 and completed in 1956, the Administrative Building is
significant as a good Canberra example of the inter-war Stripped Classical style. Key features
of this style displayed by the building include: the symmetrical facades; the division of the
elevations into vertical bays; the occasional use of correct Classical details; the use of a basic
Classical column form; the expressed portico; the simple surface treatments; and subdued
spandrels between the storeys which emphasise verticality. Design elements, which retain a
high level of integrity, include the exterior, foyers, lift lobbies and central corridors. The
Administrative Building is also part of the significant cultural landscape of the Parliamentary
triangle. It occupies a prominent and strategic location flanking the land axis in accordance
with the 1916 Griffin plan. Together with the later Treasury Building balancing its mass
across the central lawns of the land axis, the Administrative Building contributes to the
planned aesthetic qualities of the Parliamentary triangle.
Criterion A Processes
The John Gorton Building does not fulfil this criterion.
Criterion B –
Rarity
The John Gorton Building does not fulfil this criterion.
Criterion C –
Research
The John Gorton Building does not fulfil this criterion.
Criterion D –
Characteristic
Value
Planned in 1924, designed in 1946 and completed in 1956, the Administrative Building is
significant as a good Canberra example of the inter-war Stripped Classical style. Key features
of this style displayed by the building include: the symmetrical facades; the division of the
elevations into vertical bays; the occasional use of correct Classical details; the use of a basic
Classical column form; the expressed portico; the simple surface treatments; and subdued
spandrels between the storeys which emphasise verticality. Design elements which retain a
high level of integrity include the exterior, foyers, lift lobbies and central corridors.
Criterion E –
Aesthetic
characteristics
The Administrative Building is also part of the significant cultural landscape of the
Parliamentary triangle. It occupies a prominent and strategic location flanking the land axis
in accordance with the 1916 Griffin plan. Together with the later Treasury Building balancing
its mass across the central lawns of the land axis, the Administrative Building contributes to
the planned aesthetic qualities of the Parliamentary triangle.
Criterion F –
Technical
achievement
The John Gorton Building does not fulfil this criterion.
Criterion G –
Social Value
The John Gorton Building does not fulfil this criterion.
Criterion H –
Significant
people
The John Gorton Building does not fulfil this criterion.
Criterion I Indigenous
tradition
The John Gorton Building does not fulfil this criterion.
Department of Finance’s (Finance) updated heritage assessment
Finance’s
Planned in 1924, designed in 1946 and completed in 1956, the Administrative Building is
Record last updated 15 January 2015 |
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updated
Statement of
Significance
significant for its strong association with the early planning of the national capital through its
position within the Parliamentary Triangle, its role in realising Walter Burley Griffin’s plan
for the central area of Canberra and as a good Canberra example of the inter-war Stripped
Classical style (Criteria A and D).
The Building also illustrates the growth of the Commonwealth Government since Federation
and provides an insight into the post-WWII development and planning of the central national
area in Canberra. (Criterion A) The addition of the Communications Centre as a basement
level self-contained building to the John Gorton Building in the 1970s is an uncommon aspect
of the history of the John Gorton Building and the central national area of Canberra.
Considered as a whole, the site provides a unique insight into Australia’s Cold War history
(Criterion B).
Key features of the inter-war Stripped Classical style displayed by the building include: the
symmetrical facades; the division of the elevations into vertical bays; the occasional use of
correct Classical details; the use of a basic Classical column form; the expressed portico; the
simple surface treatments; and subdued spandrels between the storeys which emphasise
verticality. Design elements which retain a high level of integrity include the exterior, foyers,
lift lobbies and central corridors. The 1998 Janet Laurence artwork that has been applied to
the structural columns in the southern foyer makes a strong aesthetic contribution to the
interior of the John Gorton Building. (Criterion D).
The Administrative Building is also part of the significant cultural landscape of the
Parliamentary Triangle. It occupies a prominent and strategic location flanking the land axis
in accordance with the 1916 Griffin plan. Together with the later Treasury Building balancing
its mass across the central lawns of the land axis, the Administrative Building contributes to
the social, cultural and planned aesthetic qualities of the Parliamentary Triangle (Criterion E
and G).
The incorporation of light wells to provide natural light through the core of the building, and
the sensitive reinstatement of these features during the 1999 refurbishment works has
technical and architectural merit. (Criterion F).
The John Gorton Building has some significance for its associations with Walter Burley Griffin
and former Prime Minister John Gorton. (Criterion H).
Source: Environment Resources Management, 2014.
Criterion A Processes
The John Gorton Building has a strong association with the early planning of the national
capital through its position within the Parliamentary Triangle. Although the John Gorton
Building not was constructed until the 1950s due to ongoing budget constraints, its design
was prepared in 1924 and the building is closely based on this original early design. The
Inter-War architectural characteristics of the John Gorton Building reflect the early design
elements and qualities of the 1920s, providing a visual connection to this early phase of
Canberra’s development as the nation’s capital.
The building plays an important role in realising Walter Burley Griffin’s plan for the central
area of Canberra. The building also illustrates the growth of the Commonwealth Government
since Federation.
The continued use and occupation of the building by Commonwealth reinforces the ongoing
importance of the place in providing purpose built office accommodation for the
Record last updated 15 January 2015 |
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Commonwealth Government in Canberra.
The John Gorton Building also provides an insight into the post-WWII development and
planning of the central national area in Canberra.
Criterion B –
Rarity
The addition of the Communications Centre as a basement level self-contained building to the
John Gorton Building in the 1970s is an uncommon aspect of the history of the John Gorton
Building and the central national area of Canberra. Considered as a whole, the John Gorton
Building and Communications Centre provide a unique insight into the history of the
Commonwealth and its management of Australia’s communications with other nations and
the influence of the Cold War on securing and coding information transmitted for a range of
purposes including Defence and Foreign Affairs.
Criterion C –
Research
The John Gorton Building does not fulfil this criterion.
Criterion D –
Characteristic
Value
Finance’s assessment concurs with the values of the John Gorton Building for this criterion.
Criterion E –
Aesthetic
characteristics
Finance’s assessment concurs with the values of the John Gorton Building for this criterion.
Additional information about the aesthetic attributes of the John Gorton Building are:
The 1998 Janet Laurence artwork that has been applied to the structural columns in the
southern foyer makes a strong aesthetic contribution to the interior of the John Gorton
Building.
The John Gorton Building collection of artwork, although outside the scope of this study, is
likely to meet this criterion at a high level.
Criterion F –
Technical
achievement
The incorporation of light wells to provide natural light through the core of the building, and
the sensitive reinstatement of these features during the 1999-refurbishment works has
technical and architectural merit.
Criterion G –
Social Value
The John Gorton Building contributes to the overall visual qualities of the Parliament House
Vista, which is also included on the Commonwealth Heritage List for a range of values
including its social significance. The Vista is accessed and enjoyed by large numbers of local
residents and tourists each year for a range of cultural, political and working activities, and
the John Gorton Building makes an important contribution to the setting and visual qualities
of the Vista.
Criterion H –
Significant
people
The John Gorton Building is associated with Walter Burley Griffin’s design for Canberra. The
Parliamentary Triangle realises this design to a significant extent, and the John Gorton
Building is a key symmetrical element within this design.
The John Gorton Building is also associated with former Prime Minister John Gorton through
the renaming of the building in 1999. The process of renaming the building in Gorton’s
honour commemorates his contribution to Australia over his RAAF and Political careers.
Although the incorporation of the 1998 artwork by Janet Laurence in the southern foyer
establishes an association between the John Gorton Building and this notable contemporary
Australian artist, additional time is needed to determine the overall significance of
Laurence’s body of work and contribution to Australian cultural life.
Criterion I Indigenous
The John Gorton Building does not fulfil this criterion.
Source: Environment Resources Management, 2014.
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tradition
Non-Statutory Listings
National Trust
Register (NTR)
of Significant
Places
The John Gorton Building is an Interim Place on the National Trust Register of Significant
Places
Register of the
National Estate
(RNE)
The John Gorton Building was included in the Register of the RNE in 1987 (RNE Place ID
19128). In February 2012, the RNE became a non-statutory archive.
ACT Register of
Significant
Twentieth
Century
Architecture
Register
The John Gorton Building has been identified as an example significant Twentieth Century
architecture in the ACT.
ACT Heritage
Register
John Gorton Building was nominated for inclusion on the ACT Heritage Register. However,
as the John Gorton Building is located on Commonwealth and already listed on the CHL, the
ACT Heritage Council decided not to include the John Gorton Building on the ACT Heritage
Register (April 2013) as it would provide no additional protection to the heritage values of
the place.
John Gorton Building is also included as part of the Parliament House Vista as contributory
elements (RNE Place ID 13371).
Additional information
Property
Access
Consultation
The John Gorton Building is a secure government office building. However, it contains
publicly accessible café and foyer, which includes a well, presented interpretive display.
Department of Finance (Finance) consulted with Environmental Resources Management
Australia Pty Ltd, the National Capital Authority, and internal Finance stakeholders and
contractors. Environmental Resources Management Australia Pty Ltd also consulted with the
Registered Aboriginal Organisations as part of the heritage values assessment process.
Any additional consultation with other interested parties should include the Compliance,
Environment and Heritage team, Department of Finance.
Conservation
Documents/
References
ACT Heritage Library (2014), Australian pictures in Trove:
http://trove.nla.gov.au/general/australian-pictures-introve?action=PADisplay&mode=display&rs=resultset-14662695&no=8
Department of the Environment, (2014), Heritage:
http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage
Environment Resources Management (2014), John Gorton Building and Communications
Centre, Parkes, ACT Heritage Management Plan, Department of Finance.
Garnett, Rodney and Hyndes, Danielle (1992), The Heritage of the Australian Capital
Territory, Canberra.
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National Archives of Australia, (2014): http://www.naa.gov.au/
Philip, Cox, Richardson, Taylor and Partners Pty Ltd(1992), Administrative Building,
Conservation Plan for Australian Estate Management, Canberra.
More
information
For further information regarding the John Gorton Building, please contact the Department
of Finance.
Record last updated 15 January 2015 |
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