Architects Crone secured development approval for the plans on February 1. 

The project got a $1.25m grant from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund  in 2017, to be matched 50:50 by the council. 

Crone Principal and Design Director Niall Durney said they were looking to preserve the historical value of the museum. 

“This is a unique project due to the location and history of the site," Mr Durney said. 

Crone’s concept for the design includes building a new structure that complements the existing former caretaker’s building. This building will feature mirrored cladding to reflect the surrounding landscape. Native grass plantings will also be installed on the roof.

It is thought this design will mimic the surrounding landscape and help to blend the new building into the rocky escarpment, particularly when viewed from the memorial tower above.

The interior of the new wing includes 230m sq of adaptable space to exhibit permanent and travelling collections of war memorabilia and an area for educational programs. 

The approval comes with conditional consent conditions including the need for a plan outlining the impact of construction on neighbouring properties. 

It also requires a further geotechnical studies to ensure any risks with excavations at the site are mitigated. 

NSW Rural Fire conditions are also included in the consent, noting that the area shall be managed as an ‘inner protection area.’

An emergency/evacuation plan will consider that “the museum buildings not operate on days of extreme or catastrophic fire weather” as well as contingency plans to relocate irreplaceable memorabilia on these days. 

The architects say: “the materials in the design were selected to comply with the region’s stringent bushfire controls.”

“There has been a misconception among some that the design features a mirrored glass facade, which is incorrect. The facade incorporates mirrored sheet metal cladding.”  

The work is estimated to commence mid this year and take 12 months to complete, with conditions in place to stop work a week before any event on the hill such as Remembrance Day. 

Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Bob Kirk was enthusiastic about the new design.

“The concept plans do a fantastic job in fitting in with the unique landscape of Rocky Hill, whilst also blending in modern elements and finishes,” Cr Kirk said.

“Around 25,000 people visit our Rocky Hill Memorial Museum each year and the concept for expansion will allow us to accommodate further touring groups, as well as attract touring exhibitions – in turn further lifting visitation numbers and the economic benefits for the region.”

Constructed in 1925, the memorial is a lasting tribute to locals who served in WWI.