BGC Construction to commence work on ANZAC Interpretive Centre
BGC Construction’s regional office has been awarded the contract by the Department of Finance, Building Management and Works to build an Anzac Interpretive Centre, which will play a pivotal role in the city’s Anzac Centenary commemorations.
The $6 million project, which commenced construct on Remembrance Day, is due for completion in September 2014 and will offer visitors a place to reflect on the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the Australian and New Zealand forces who served in World War One, and particularly of those who departed from Albany in 1914.
The Interpretive Centre will be located on Mount Adelaide, south of the existing forts complex. It will feature electronic displays and state of the art interpretive systems, exhibitions, educative resources and a contemplation space. The centre has been positioned to recreate the view of the Convoy at Anchor in 1914, with views of King George Sound.
A spokesperson for BGC Construction stated “BGC Construction is delighted to be the builder of the Anzac Interpretive Centre and our Executive Chairman, Len Buckeridge, is similarly pleased.
“We look forward to working with the project’s design and construction stakeholders, including many Great Southern sub-contractors and product suppliers, to deliver this exciting project.
“We expect the centre will be a drawcard for people wanting to learn about the Gallipoli campaign, Albany’s important role in that and Australia and New Zealand’s wider involvement in the First World War,” he added.
Located within the Princess Royal Fortress, the centre will be accessible not only physically, but also virtually via the internet and will highlight the significant role Albany played in the creation of the Anzac Spirit.
“The sacrifices of Australian families in the First World War had a profound impact on the national psyche and BGC is proud to be associated with a project that will help us better understand some of our society’s bedrock principles,” said Senior Contracts Manager Chris Spooner.
“The striking design of the centre and its location perched off Mount Adelaide will make it an exciting addition to Albany’s built form.”
Albany was the gathering point for the first convoys carrying the Australian Imperial Force and New Zealand Expeditionary Force which departed from Albany in November and December 1914. These troops – later collectively to be known as the ANZACs – were initially destined for Egypt for training before sailing on to Turkey, landing on the shores of Gallipoli from 25 April 1915. Many never returned home.
The construction of the Anzac Interpretive Centre was one of the recommendations of the National Commission on the Commemoration of the Anzac Centenary. The new centre will offer panoramic views of King George Sound where the convoys gathered, and Ataturk Channel. The Centre will house interactive displays which follow the journeys of those ships that set sail.