It is important to note that upon the announcement of the Griffin's plan as the winning design for the new capital of Australia, O'Malley stated the following;
"As Minister for Home Affairs, [I] would be justified in using all the designs if necessary in order to produce the working design on which the capital would be built. A park might be taken from one, a boulevard from another, and a public square from a third."
This statement confirmed the fears of the architects in planners, stating that O'Malley would create a "hotchpotch" plan - a mish mash of plans that would ultimately fail.
It was this issue that led to the difficult times ahead for the Canberra development.
In June 1912, after the announcement of the winning design, a Board was established to begin the preparations for the Canberra plan, to be based upon the Griffin's plan, in conjunction with other designs. Construction was announced to be beginning shortly in November.
Upon hearing this news, Griffin wrote to O'Malley in November 1912, asking for his plan to be reinstated, and offering to come and explain the design in person. Construction began, and Griffin arrived in Australia in August 1913, and was offered the position of Federal Capital Director of Design and Construction.
Construction continued within Canberra, with Griffin being removed from his role (over disagreements in regards to his supervisory role) in 1921. The Griffin's both moved to India in 1935.
Parliamentary buildings began construction in 1923, as well as other smaller construction projects. Upon the opening of Parliament House in 1927, housing developments were accelerated in order to satisfy the growing population.
Development continued, with the construction of Lake Burley Griffin being completed in 1957. Another design competition was held for the design of the New Parliament House - the winners of which being Mitchell/Giurgola and Thorp. It was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in May 1988.
Development then focused upon education, monuments and cultural buildings. This included the Australian National University, the National Gallery and the High Court. Suburban development continued out into the surrounding districts, creating new suburbs which were named after Australian politicians.
In December 1988, the ACT was granted full self-government. After the first election on the 4th of March, 1989, the legislative assembly began their terms at temporary offices (and the Old Parliament House) in May, 1989 - the permanent premises in the New Parliament house were opened in 1994.
The Primary Axis Through Canberra.
Information Source: http://www.idealcity.org.au/timeline.html)
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