“IT is with much regret that I today note the passing of Professor Alastair Swayn, the first ACT Government Architect, and wish to acknowledge the positive and significant contribution he made to the ACT community – one which has a lasting legacy on this city,” Mick Gentleman said today.

“Alastair Swayn was born in Scotland and travelled widely in Europe, Canada and South Africa.

“In 1973 he moved to Australia to work in Sydney with Collard Clark and Jackson joining the Canberra Office in 1979.

“Alastair was the Director of Darryl Jackson Alastair Swayn (DJAS), one of Canberra’s leading architectural practices.

“Professor Swayn was appointed in June of 2010, and during his tenure played a crucial role in several major ACT Government projects.

“As Government Architect, his work included the City Plan and the urban renewal strategy for Northbourne Avenue, as well as participation in the tendering and design development of the University of Canberra Public Hospital and the new courts complex on Vernon Circle. He believed in promoting Canberra as a city of design.

“The ACT Government will support the establishment of an internship program for young, up and coming architects to work with government. The internship will be called the Alistair Swayn internship program in recognition of Alistair’s work and role as the first government architect for the ACT Government.

“On behalf of the ACT Government and the Canberra community we extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and the entire planning and architecture community.”