The Kintore Avenue boundary of Government House will be brought in 10 metres to create the Anzac Centenary Memorial Garden Walk that links the grounds of Government House with the Walk.

The proposed project will require the first change to the boundaries of Government House since 1927, when the site for the South Australian National War Memorial was enshrined in legislation. The brick wall along Kintore Avenue was built in 1937.

His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AO, Governor of South Australia, today expressed his support for the project.

“This proposal has captured the hearts of South Australian veterans, and it is fitting that this project is confirmed today as we prepare to commemorate the centenary of the Gallipoli landing,” His Excellency said.

“As South Australians, we have much to be proud of and grateful for when it comes to our brothers and sisters who have served the interests of our country in the armed forces.

“Through physical infrastructure, their sacrifice and service is retained in our collective memory in perpetuity.

“This project will not only enhance the amenity of the North Terrace area, but establish a refreshed, unified memorial precinct to be a feature of the city centre.

“Given the historical significance of this project, I have accepted the proposal to excise land from the Eastern perimeter of Government House on the understanding that the design will ensure that there are no unreasonable impacts on the security, privacy, heritage and functionality of Government House.”

Premier Jay Weatherill said that legislation would be introduced to Parliament in May to enable the project.

“The Anzac Centenary Memorial Garden Walk will be a place of peaceful reflection, recognition and education,” Mr Weatherill said.

“People will be able to walk from the State’s principal site of remembrance, the South Australian National War Memorial on North Terrace, to Torrens Parade Ground and the Pathway of Honour.

“The Walk will be enhanced by the sense of connection with Government House.”

The project requires a change to the Schedule in a single page Act of Parliament that dates back to 1927 and an associated Act from 1949.

The proposed boundary changes will allow the construction of the promised Memorial Garden Walk, which was a 2014 election commitment.

Veterans Advisory Council Chair Sir Eric Neal, a former Governor of South Australia, said the Walk symbolised remembrance, service and loyalty.

“The National War Memorial and associated memorials acknowledge remembrance; service is symbolised by the Torrens Parade Ground, the site from which many South Australians left to serve their nation at war; loyalty is symbolised by Government House,” Sir Eric said.

“This is the best way for our State to commemorate the Centenary of Anzac – it will stand as a lasting tribute to the Anzac tradition.

“I congratulate His Excellency the Governor, Premier Jay Weatherill and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Martin Hamilton-Smith for the leadership they have displayed in bringing the project to this stage, as well as the Lord Mayor Martin Haese, for the support of the Adelaide City Council.”

Lord Mayor Martin Haese said the project would have significant benefits for the precinct.

“Adelaide City Council is pleased to be part of a commitment that marks a significant period in our history, whilst also adding to the beauty of the city,” Mr Haese said.

“It connects the memorial precinct to the identity of North Terrace and reinforces its identity as a cultural boulevard.”

The $10 million project, first proposed by the Veterans Advisory Council as the preferred project for the Centenary of Anzac, is funded through the federal Anzac Centenary Public Fund ($5 million), a State Government commitment ($3 million) and an in-principle Adelaide City Council commitment.

Tenders for the architects and other project partners were released on Tuesday this week.

Bills will be introduced into Parliament in May and the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure has already started the implementation phase of the project, overseen by a Project Control Group that comprises representatives of Government House, Veterans SA and Adelaide City Council.