Australia has been represented in India since the country obtained independence in 1947. The Chancery was built in 1966 and extended in 1991, but no longer provided suitable accommodation to support the operations of the High Commission.

This project involved provision of an interim Chancery for staging and the construction of a new permanent Chancery. Two new townhouses have been built with another existing house converted into three apartments.

The new facility houses a number of departments including DFAT, DIMIA, DEST, Defence, Austrade, AusAID and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.

The new Chancery provides a setting that enables the effective and efficient functional activities of the High Commission. The building provides a pleasant work environment and represents Australia by using a range of Australian materials and fi nishes in public areas.

The project involved a high security overlay which included resistance to terrorist attack as well as visitor and vehicle screening.

The development respects local culture by being sympathetic to the surrounding buildings, in both form and materials. In response to climatic conditions, shading has been provided to outdoor areas and breakout spaces.