9. Use Plan

9.1. Background

This Use Plan provides a broad sense of the current and possible changes to the use of the place.

Changes to the use of the place will be informed by the organisational strategic vision and elements in the Heritage Management Plan, including the core principles, policies and zones. Any changes to the use of the place must consider the long-term integrity of the heritage values of the place and be subject to approval through the Action Proposal Process (Chapter 11) and must consider Policy 5 in this Heritage Management Plan.

9.2. Potential future uses

The use of the place, in particular any changes to it, will be reviewed and analysed in conjunction with the five-yearly reviews of the Heritage Management Plan.

Future uses will consider:

the heritage values of the place and their interpretation
how to monitor the impact of the change
the corporate objectives and the impact on organisational functionality
the care of the movable heritage collection. Future uses may trend towards:
increased visitor access
better disability access
opening up more areas of the building for exhibition, interpretation and learning activities
increased use of space for office accommodation
the provision of long-term collection storage solutions
the consolidation of use activities in the building by grouping activities of the same category in the same physical locations.

9.3. Use Plan 2020

The following map shows how the building is used in 2020. Approved uses include the following:

Interpretation: Interpretation refers to both long- and short-term displays. Interpreted spaces often incorporate rooms that have been conserved and re-created to a particular era, to interpret the history and values of Old Parliament House. Interpreted spaces may include exhibition material, such as showcases, objects, labels, digital and multimedia content.
Exhibition: Exhibitions are long- and short-term displays that may include showcases, objects, labels, digital and multimedia content. Exhibition material may relate to Old Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House Collection, the Australian Parliament, Australia’s social and political history, or democracy.
Learning: Learning activities include public programs for on-site and digital visitors. Learning spaces may include an exhibition element.
Storage: Storage is for the collection and for museum support activities.
Support services: Support services include kitchens, plant rooms, lifts, basements and stairs.