The South-East Wing of Old Parliament House—the side of the building closest to the National Archives building—is being refurbished as an important component of the major redevelopment and permanent Australian Prime Ministers Centre (APMC) and Fellows facility.

The refurbishment will also improve the suitability of this part of the building for education, public assembly and staff accommodation. It’s due for completion in March 2009. These works and modifications for adaptive re-use are all aimed at enhancing the Old Parliament House experience.

We’re currently in the middle of a period of heritage assessments for some parts of the project, while things are progressing well with other onsite works, with the Wing becoming a hive of activity.

The main floor of the Wing will be the permanent home of the Australian Prime Ministers Centre, while the lower and upper floors will accommodate relocated staff. At this stage it is likely that the APMC will relaunch itself in the Wing in early March 2009, subject to the final phase of the heritage approval process.

The South East Wing side road is now closed to traffic and will remain so until external works are completed. Scaffolding has been erected to allow roof, gutter, glazing, render and painting works to take place safely. Asbestos removal activity is also in the final phase with completion due shortly.

Early trades works have continued throughout this removal process. Visitors to the building might have noticed scaffolding in the House of Representatives courtyard. We took the opportunity to undertake some external façade works here prior to Floriade in order to minimise disruptions to the cafe and visitors enjoying this area of House while that festival is on.