The National Capital Authority will start works on an interim refresh of the Federation Centenary Fountains.
The NCA is leveraging the current works being undertaken in the Parkes Place precinct- to remediate storm water and refresh the National Rose Gardens - while the area is closed and contractors are on site.
This is an interim refresh and will enhance the presentation of the area, its useability and safety for the public, in anticipation of the 2027 Centenary of Old Parliament House.
The works will see the two side fountain pools reimagined as garden beds, and the central reflecting pool established as a plaza area.
The long-term vision for the Federation Centenary Fountains retains a water element as a central feature. The design and delivery of this vision is on a longer timeframe, will be progressed in consultation with the community and relevant stakeholders and will be subject to government budgetary priorities.
The interim works is expected to be completed by early 2026.
The Federation Centenary Fountains were envisaged in the Griffin Plan for Canberra but were not commissioned until 1968. They were refurbished between 1997 and 2000, operated intermittently until 2013 and were decommissioned in 2014 due to mechanical equipment failure, safety concerns related to access and maintenance, and environmental sustainability considerations. The fountains have not been operational since.
In November 2024, works were undertaken to remove the redundant Fountain heads and the covering of the resulting holes to ensure public safety.
The interim refresh works will bring a welcome upgrade to this precinct in the National Triangle, transforming the area into an attractive, usable space with gardens beds and a complementary plaza space suitable for hosting events.
