February 2025
Construction works for the National Rose Gardens and surrounding landscape are now complete. Temporary construction fencing has been progressively removed.
To ensure the newly laid turf establishes properly, lawn areas will remain closed for a period. Flagging has been installed to guide visitors along the gravel paths and protect the grass while it fully establishes.
The lawns near Federation Plaza are expected to reopen by the end of May.
The grassed areas surrounding rose gardens may require a little longer.
These timelines are dependent on seasonal weather conditions and may shift if conditions slow growth and establishment.
This project involves upgrading the storm water network and landscape renewal works, including the National Rose Gardens.
The scope of works for the National Rose Gardens includes rebuilding of all garden beds and replanting with new roses.
The National Rose Gardens will be revitalised, in accordance with the relevant Heritage Management Plan.
The storm water network in the area is about 60 years old. Over the years, sections of the pipeline have deteriorated, and is exhibiting cracks, breaks, and deformations. There is also significant tree roots intrusion into the pipelines, which cause recurring blockages of the pipelines.
While working in the area, the NCA will also take the opportunity to revitalise the landscape, including revitalisation of the National Rose Gardens.
The work to the National Rose Gardens will involve the reconstruction of all garden beds, turf replacement, installation of improved paths for access, installation of irrigation where necessary, and the replanting of the garden beds with new roses.
December 2025
With inground works almost complete, in November works progressed to planting over 3000 new roses.
The new gravel pathway for the rose beds has commenced and topsoil added to level the area for new grass. As landscaping works draw to an end sections of fencing will be removed.
To help protect the freshly laid turf, bunting (aka the orange flag string) will be erected to allow access to gravel paths while the turf establishes.
November 2025
As we head into the last stage of upgrading the stormwater in the National Rose Garden, we need to relocate temporary fencing around the construction site.
What does this mean?
The new fence line will be positioned to align with the footpaths around the Parkes Place Precinct.
The movement of fencing will allow for final turf remediation works to occur across the site, and install a new access path to the Rose Gardens.
How long will the fence be up for?
The temporary fencing should be removed in mid-December (weather depending). Following the removal of the fence, bunting will be placed around the site to continue to protect the grass and roses as will they grow and establish.
October 2025
Upgrades continue to improve drainage infrastructure and preserve the landscape and heritage value of the Gardens.
The latest activities included:
In the coming month new stormwater line installation will be completed, rose garden planter beds will be in place and turf remediation will commence.
The temporary lane width reduction along King George Terrace will remain in place to support the civil works.
August 2025
July site works included trenching and subsequent removal of end-of-life storm water lines and the installation of new storm water lines and drainage structures across multiple locations.
During August 2025 trenching works to support the removal and replacement of storm water pipes will continue, along with the installation of additional site fencing to support landscaping works at the National Rose Gardens.
Temporary lane closures along King George Terrace will also occur later in the month to support the replacement of storm water pipes within the road verge. These will be undertaken in accordance with approved temporary traffic management plans.
July 2025
Following commencement of site works in May 2025, construction activities are underway.
During June 2025 works completed included service locating, installation of environmental controls and the start of civil works including clearing, in preparation for excavation and drainage works.
From July there will be ongoing clearing activities, trenching and subsequent removal of end-of-life stormwater lines and installation of new stormwater lines and drainage structures.
Updates will continue to be provided on this page.
May 2025
To ensure public safety and establish a secure construction zone, installation of temporary site fencing will commence from Tuesday, 3 June 2025.
The fencing installation will encompass areas along the perimeters of the Lawns and the National Rose Gardens, adjacent pedestrian paths, and key access points. A site fencing plan is provided to confirm closures.
Site fencing will stay in place for 6 – 9 months. Any changes to the site fencing layout will be communicated through further updates.
Following erection of the site fencing works within the site compound are expected to commence from Wednesday, 4 June 2025.
What to Expect: