Federation Centenary Fountains Interim Works

Project Summary

The NCA is launching a project to address the state of Federation Centenary Fountains. They have not been functioning since 2014, and in their current form, pose a potential trip/fall risk to visitors in the area.

In the long term the project will see the fountains transformed to include a garden bed element while still retaining a water feature as central element. This will require significant consultation with the public and other relevant stakeholders and will be subject to government priorities and budget.

In the interim, the NCA will be taking measures to make the area presentable and also address the potential risk to visitors in the area. To achieve this, the size and layout of the original Fountains will be retained:

• The eastern and western fountains will be used to create two garden beds with native plants.
• The central pool will be used to create a central ‘plaza’ so the space can be walked on and used to accommodate future events in the area. 

The NCA commits further engagement with stakeholders. Community consultation will occur in November 2025. 

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Project Background

The Federation Centenary Fountains are located centrally within the Parliamentary Zone in Parkes Place, at the intersection of the axes between the John Gorton Building and the Treasury Building, and the Land Axis. The Fountains currently comprise of two symmetrical rectangular pools, which are located either side of the square central reflecting pool. 

The Fountains have not operated since 2014 and are in poor condition. In their current state the Fountains are unsightly and detract from the presentation of the National Triangle. They also pose potential safety risks to the public. 

A heritage impact assessment has been completed for the site. The interim works respond to the Commonwealth heritage values of the Parliament House Vista, including maintenance of the land and cross axes, symmetry and balance, and a richness of experiences and precinct uses and narratives. 

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