Canberra stadium proposal raises concerns over Griffin legacy
A historian has questioned the proposed waterfront venue, while the ACT planning minister says transport and parking impacts need further study.
Canberra Airport's chief executive and a business consortium are proposing a waterfront stadium near Commonwealth Park, drawing concerns from a historian about its impact on the city's original design. The proposed venue would accommodate 25,000-35,000 spectators for sporting and music events.
The group proposes buying Catholic Church land along Commonwealth Avenue for the project. Canberra Airport said it was prepared to help develop the proposal, but did not want to own the stadium or retain a financial interest in its operation.
ACT Planning Minister Chris Steel responded positively to the stadium rendering after meeting the airport's chief executive, but said more work was needed to assess the implications for parking and transport.
Tony Maple, from the Canberra and Region Heritage Researchers network, said the concept differed substantially from the stadium envisaged by Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin. Their plans included a lakeside cultural precinct with a stadium, baths, gymnasium and zoological gardens.
Maple said the Griffins' venue was intended as a flat gathering space rather than a multi-storey building. He warned the new proposal could occupy a substantial area of Commonwealth Park and diminish the surrounding parkland and the architects' legacy.
The National Capital Authority, which controls planning near the lake, said it would engage with the parties as the concept developed, subject to National Capital Plan requirements.
