Shrine of Remembrance Masterplan 2025-45

A great city exists in its recognised identity: its essence. Melbourne’s place as a centre of thought, passion and expression is internationally recognised. Its restorative role as a place of peaceful reflection and memory is equally important.

• Uphold the Shrine’s commemorative purpose.
• Enhance the Shrine’s role as a place of national, cultural significance.
• Consider the perspectives of key stakeholders and the public.
• Respect the interests and rights of neighbouring land managers.
• Collaborate to find efficiencies and avoid duplication within the precinct.
• Provide an inclusive and welcoming space embracing community diversity.

An enhanced design will deliver a three-dimensional aspect to distinguish the Second World War Memorial Forecourt from its surroundings. It includes a perimeter path to reduce disruptions during services and bring visibility to relocated memorial tree plaques presently isolated outside the Shrine Reserve.

Additionally, this proposal supports enhanced access for visitors with assisted mobility needs as they move between the lower and upper levels.

The Garden of Remembrance and Post-45 Memorial originally dedicated to the period from 1945 – 1975, has become a catch-all for conflicts from 1945 to the present day, diluting its purpose.

Alongside the refurbishment of the existing Post-45 Memorial, a new, larger commemorative plaza will provide a place to commemorate post-1975 service and extend space for future commemorations.

This will also provide access from St Kilda Road, fulfilling a feature from the original 1934 design.

Located on land adjoining the Shrine Reserve and connecting the Shrine to the Royal Botanic Gardens, this new landscaped space will feature sculptural elements and water. Distinct from the surrounding gardens, this will not focus on themes of sacrifice, war and conflict, rather it invites peaceful reflection.

The new garden space and its location will be a destination for Shrine patrons and visitors to the Domain and Royal Botanic Gardens parklands.

Realignment of the north-west entry from St Kilda Road will enhance pedestrian access. This work will also establish a new accessible pathway and shallower stairway. The route reinforces the symmetry of the Shrine’s axial pathways and creates a direct line of sight to the Shrine.

A ‘pleated’ ramp to remove stairs near the entry to Anzac Station and provide a graded connection from the new station to the Shrine Reserve.

A clearly defined shared-use connection to calm traffic and enhance safer two-way movement of people between the Shrine and Royal Botanic Gardens — visually linking these two Melbourne icons.

A versatile multi-use space, offering connection to the Visitor Centre, Education Courtyards, and Education facilities. The space is accessible with capacity and functionality for temporary exhibitions and events.

An extended Visitor Centre to accommodate large groups and include a purpose-built café, lounge, and retail space.

New bathrooms including DDA-compliant facilities, family and change rooms and improvements to underground office spaces lacking daylight.

Development of a temporary use setting on the southern lawn for large events and staging.

This space is also allocated to any major, future monument. The sloped landscape ensures clear sightlines to the Shrine are maintained).