Major Facelift Planned for Quad!

The Refectory (R Block) and the Quad are about to get a major facelift when a restructure of the entire area commences early next year. 

The dark brick walls of the Refec will make way for a new look social area, while all the commercial activities on campus will move into a common space in and around R Block to create an area for staff and students.

Group Manager of Facilities, Dave Povey, is overseeing the project and said the initiative aims to create a dynamic hub of activity.

'This project originally started life as the learning commons project in R Block, but has since expanded to take in the whole quad area,' he said.

'We are planning on revitalising the Quad and the buildings facing onto that area, relocating commercial activity from W Block to the Quad and creating an area that feels vibrant and busy.'

The project will take place in stages, with the opening up of the Quad side of the Refectory planned to commence next January.

General Manager of the University, Dr Neil Peach, said the restructure is expected to cost between five and six million dollars.

'We have allocated money over the next three years to support the staged construction of the project,' Dr Peach said.

'The Commonwealth Government has also contributed $2.7million to the project.'

Mr Povey said the proposed changes to the Refectory will create a light open space that will better integrate many of the current commercial activities that are scattered across the campus.

'A remodelled food court is also planned as part of the refurbishment together with extensive modernisation of the entrance and under-croft area of R Block to include a licensed café and a technology hub with study space areas.'

C Block will also be redeveloped to house a café, the Uni Credit Union and Heritage Building Society while the Post Office and Book-Shop will also be relocated to the new hub.