The memorial cairn marking the spot where Governor Macquarie proclaimed the township of Bathurst has been removed and placed in storage until the city’s flag staff project nears completion.
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Bathurst mayor Gary Rush said the memorial, which is the most significant infrastructure planned for the city’s bicentenary, would create a lasting legacy of the city’s role as part of the story of the opening up of inland Australia.
It has been designed by local architect Henry Bialowas and Tablelands Builders will be carrying out the construction.
Cr Rush said for too long this site of national significance has been understated.
The cairn will be held in a secure location for storage and restoration before the unveiling of the flag staff on Proclamation Day – May 7, 2015.
The demolition of the existing toilet block is currently underway, with foundation work expected to begin in the next couple of weeks.
New public toilets will be incorporated in the flag staff structure.
“It’s particularly exciting to see the flag staff commencing,” Cr Rush said.
“I think the excavation works already give us a sense of the size and scale of the flag staff project.
“The whole intention is for it to be a historically significant legacy monument of our bicentenary celebrations.”
Cr Rush said the cairn would be the focal point of the structure, with the community able to look down through a transparent platform to the illuminated cairn below.
“It’s great to see the project has gone to a local construction company, Tablelands Builders, and their engagement of local subcontractors,” he said.
The structure will feature a glass pyramid at the base of the flag staff showcasing the newly-restored cairn, which will be located in the centre of the viewing concourse with a view over the Macquarie River.
The monument development will incorporate a number of features, including an accessible storage unit for outdoor council staff and to accommodate equipment for the upkeep of the grounds surrounding the flag staff.
The edges of the viewing concourse will feature flowers dedicated to Governor Macquarie and his wife Elizabeth. They are the Governor Macquarie rose and the Elizabeth Macquarie iris.
“This modern yet commemorative structure will be the quintessential representation of our city and how far we have come,” Cr Rush said.
“It will tell the story as witnessed by the traditional owners of the land, the Wiradjuri people, of the proclamation of Bathurst by the European settlers, and create a significant new cultural tourist attraction for the region.”
