An award-winning entrance to the Australian War Memorial is bringing a modern sensibility to a special space and has won the landscaper the Commercial & Civil Construction Landscaper of the Year Award for the second year in a row.
One of the most notable public institutions in the country, the Australian War Memorial, has continued to expand and modernise, with many construction works undertaken in recent years, including landscaping.
The latest expansion included a new entrance, created by Regal Innovations.
It’s a project bringing national significance, and the work also won Regal Innovations the Gold & Best Award in Commercial & Civil Construction – $4 million to $8 million at the TLA 2025 Landscape Excellence Awards.
The brief
The brief to Regal Innovations was to deliver a world-class entrance that would improve public access, enhance the aesthetic of the forecourt, and respect the symbolic importance of the site. The project required the redevelopment of the Southern Entrance, extension of works into Poppy’s Carpark, reconfiguration of the Main Building Forecourt, and preparation of the Parade Ground for national events such as Anzac Day. The design prioritised accessibility, legibility, durability, and dignity. The landscape needed to feel permanent and serene, without distracting from the gravity of the memorial.
More than 25,000m² of public domain were addressed. Features included over 2000m² of exposed aggregate footpaths, 12,500m² of turf, garden beds containing around 8000 plants, and the reinstatement of the red gravel Parade Ground walk.
One of the defining visual elements was the softscape design, which mirrored levels and alignments across both sides of the forecourt, requiring exacting detail and finish. The scale of this symmetry presented both a visual opportunity and a technical challenge.
Scope of works
This scope of works formed a part of the Australian War Memorial’s expansion, bringing a high-detail landscape and civil program across more than 25,000m² of ceremonial and public domain space.
Because of the nature of the site, the client expected the highest level of care and performance across all stages of the project. It was understood from the outset that the works would be subject to public visibility and scrutiny. Every square metre had to meet both functional requirements and the unspoken expectations of the veteran community, visitors, and the nation.
Softscape works included installation of more than 12,500m² of turf, construction of garden beds, soil preparation and mulching, and installation and commissioning of a site-wide irrigation system.
Hardscape works included more than 2000m² of exposed aggregate concrete footpaths, granite paving and feature edging, concrete and gravel pathways, including the reinstatement of the Parade Ground. Surfaces were chosen to match the memorial’s architectural language and meet durability and slip-resistance standards.
Civil and drainage works involved installation of stormwater drainage systems and subsoil pits, trenching, service conduits, and civil preparation for all landscape features, plus structural support and base works for stone elements installed by other contractors.
The Regal Innovations team also installed seating, bollards, bins and bike racks, along with interpretive signage and commemorative elements.
The project included ongoing landscape establishment works, fertilisation, pest control and irrigation tuning to ensure healthy growth.
Plantings
The project involved bringing around 8000 plants, along with turf and underlay soil, all chosen to ensure durability under heavy foot traffic while remaining in harmony with surrounding architecture.
Subtle plantings of Buxus sempervirens, Hebe ‘Otari Delight’, Hedera canariensis (Canary Ivy), and Juniperus taxifolia were included in concrete planter boxes lining the entranceway, and irrigation systems were integrated into the garden beds and turf zones.
The result
This was a landmark project, showcasing the best of landscape construction and delivered on a national stage. The team overcame complex logistics, scale, and sensitivity to create a timeless public space that honours Australia’s fallen, elevates the visitor experience, and will serve generations to come.
The award judges noted the quality of the execution of the hardscape, adding that the overall outcome was worthy of the location and significance of the project.
About the Awards
This award-winning project was highlighted at TLA’s 2025 Landscape Excellence Awards. These awards celebrate the highest standards and achievement in Landscape Construction, Design and Maintenance, in both the residential and commercial sectors.
Joining The Landscape Association
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The benefits of joining include supplier discounts via the TLA Member Rewards Program as well as business promotion, resources, services and advice, events, training and networking, industry information, advocacy, and representation.
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