War Memorial begins search for builders to carry out expansion works

Businesses will attempt to make the shortlist for lucrative contracts to build a new Anzac Hall, a glazed courtyard connecting it to the main building, a reshaped parade ground, and other parts of the major overhaul.

The memorial has requested builders express their interest in the project, and will select candidates to bid in a limited tender process for three packages of expansion works.

Works to expand the memorial still need approval from both Parliament's public works committee and the agency overseeing Commonwealth land in Canberra, the National Capital Authority.

The memorial told potential contractors it could not guarantee the project would receive the approvals, and was working with the NCA to make sure the expansion designs met planning requirements.

Among the packages of building works are construction of the southern entrance, the extension to the Bean Building, and the new Anzac Hall.

It gave a timeline for the project based on securing National Capital Authority works approval to allow the first major early works to begin in April.

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The war memorial expects to award the building contracts between August and October, and has scheduled works outlined in the packages to finish by 2024.

Environment Minister Sussan Ley announced her backing for the expansion in December after her department assessed its impact on the building's heritage values.

The memorial expects the new Anzac Hall would double the area of the current building, which will be demolished.

Some of that space will be dedicated to more recent conflicts, including those in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Heritage and architectural groups have criticised the project since it secured funding in 2018, saying it would harm the memorial's heritage values and arguing against the proposed demolition of Anzac Hall.