Why is this Area Named Foch Forum?

Foch Forum is named after Ferdinand Foch who was Marshal of France and appointed to coordinate the Allies military operation during World War 1. The original Foch Forum was designed and located within the entrance stone gate, subsequent reconfiguration of Lemon Tree Passage Road and a round-a-bout has deviated the design.

Foch Forum is one of a number of garden areas in Tanilba Bay that owe their names to patriotism to honour the sacrifices made during World War 1. It was a gesture to commemorate the bravery and dedication of those who served and lead their countries.

Henry Halloran, a surveyor and real estate agent, bought the land in 1920 and planned a subdivision that would repeat elements of Walter Burley Griffin’s plan for Canberra based on a central Avenue of the Allies. Part of Henry Halloran’s enduring legacy are his Garden City subdivisions with radial patterns and contour-controlled layouts with huge amounts of public space, parks, squares and reserves.

Use of Alliteration for Street Names

A feature of Henry Halloran’s developments and subdivisions was that street names were chosen to capture attention through their alliteration (the repetition of the beginning consonant sounds of nearby words) and to remind buyers of the heroes of World War 1, like Navy Nook, Army Avenue and Diggers Drive.