Works on a world-class student precinct on the Parkville campus have commenced.
The New Student Precinct will bring together services, events, activities, and new retail opportunities to create a vibrant centre of activity on the Parkville campus.
The University is evolving and growing. With over 40% of our students now studying south of Grattan Street, increased opportunities for students to live at quality accommodation facilities close to campus, and new development Precincts such as the Carlton Connect Initiative, the University is investing in opportunities to further connect the campus as urban landscape within the City of Melbourne.
To support this vision to connect our urban spaces and create a quality student experience, the University is set to reimagine the heart of student activity at Parkville through this new precinct where students can connect, study, innovate and unwind.
The majority of the Precinct construction is scheduled for completion by the end of 2021 – early 2022.
It's a space for students, designed with students in mind. Students will be able to create the spaces that they want and need. Student Ambassador feedback
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the New Student Precinct vision?
The New Student Precinct is central to delivering the University’s ambition for a world-class campus-based student experience. The Precinct presents a co-located solution that will bring together the services, infrastructure and amenity of the University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU) including UMSU International, the Graduate Student Association (GSA) and key services offered by Academic Services. It will emphasise student engagement, social inclusion and diversity, and will actively deliver the University’s vision for campus spaces and places to work as living laboratories.
Students have told us that the defining element that improves their sense of satisfaction, wellbeing and overall experience is a sense of genuine connection. Their definition of connection is made up of the experiences which enable and facilitate an integrated experience, bringing together learning, living, academic growth and development.
The New Student Precinct will be a physical space on campus that addresses three primary strategic goals in line with the University’s Growing Esteem agenda:
1. Quality Student Experience
2. Precinct-based Campus Development
3. Efficient Asset Renewal
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Where is it?
The Precinct will be located on the corner of Grattan and Swanston Street, and is defined by Monash Road to the north and the Melbourne School of Engineering Precinct to the west.
The site is at the centre of the University's traditional and new student accommodation hubs, making it an ideal location for our 60,000 students to connect. It will also neighbour the University's innovation precinct, Melbourne Connect, and is conveniently located close to public transport links, including the new Melbourne Metro Rail station on Grattan Street.
To learn more about the Precinct's location, follow this link.
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What will the Precinct deliver?
The New Student Precinct has been designed with students at the heart of its thinking. The facilities will The Precinct will deliver the co-location of students services, convenient access to public transport, new Arts and Cultural faciltiies, increased study space and outdoor space, as well as also delivering on several key University of Melbourne Strategies.
To learn more about what the Precinct will deliver, follow this link.
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Why create a New Student Precinct?
The University is committed to supporting the contemporary needs of our students, with over 40% of students now studying south of Grattan Street, an increasing number of international students and 50/50 undergraduate and postgraduate cohort. Working closely with the University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU), Murrup Barak, Graduate Student Association (GSA), in addition to student representatives across campus, the University is co-creating a New Student Precinct that will accommodate the changing necessities of an evolving student population.
The current infrastructure dedicated to the student experience (outside of faculty) is also poor and currently non-compliant.
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Who is designing the Precinct?
The Precinct is being designed by a consortium of architects, lead by Lyons Architecture. Each team will be responsible for a different aspect of the design, bringing an eclectic and inventive approach to the whole of Precinct design.
To learn more about our design team, follow this link.
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When will it be complete?
It is anticipated that the New Student Precinct will open mid-2022.
However, there are a number of variables that may affect the timing of the Project and the relocation of UMSU into the Precinct. Regular updates on the progress of the Project can be found on the New Student Precinct website.
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What does co-creation mean?
The Project is committed to co-creating the Precinct with students as partners, the approach driven by design thinking methodology. Co-creation requires a commitment from both parties to engage in a real partnership to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes and benefits are achieved. The co-creation of the Student Precinct will enable students to be part of the governance, design and activation of the space, and to be consulted throughout the life of the Project to ensure their views inform decision-making, governance and the overall design. Since its inception, the Project Team have conducted multiple co-creation activities and events, engaging over 15,000 students to date.
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Why is grass growing on the Precinct’s amphitheatre?
Prior to the Precinct build commencing in the first half of 2020, grass is currently growing on the amphitheatre site. This is part of the Project’s Environmental Management Plan to mitigate the impacts of dust caused by wind blowing through the site. A site with a topsoil that is not seeded with grass can cause issues to the ventilation in adjacent buildings and to passing pedestrian traffic in the site’s vicinity.
Do you have any questions for the Project Team? Do you want more information on the Precinct? Please email us at student-precinct@unimelb.edu.au.
CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION
The Project has almost completed the 'contract documentation' stage of the project.
Contract Documentation focuses on the finalisation of all elements of design. This consists of conducting thorough reviews of each design element in order to sign off on the blue prints which will instruct the built form of the Precinct (see an illustrated aerial view below). The documents collected throughout the phase will be handed over to the Precinct builders as we enter the next exciting phase of the Precinct development.
For the latest designs, please take a look at our Contract Documentation gallery below or click on the names of the Precinct buildings or spaces to learn more about what each will deliver.
- Eastern Resource Centre (ERC) Library
- Student Pavilion
- Arts and Cultural Building
- Frank Tate Building
- Doug McDonell Building and Atrium
- 1888 Building
- Landscape
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The bridging link between the Student Pavilion and Arts and Cultural Building -
The welcome ground outside of the new home of Murrup Barak. -
The Student Pavilion -
Study space within the Student Pavilion -
A quiet space within the Rowden White Library in the Student Pavilion -
The Doug McDonell Laneway -
The interior of the Murrup Barak entryway -
An outdoor area of the student pavilion
Contract Documentation Milestones
Contract Documentation milestones include the following:
- Additional reviews of the Precinct’s design conducted to ensure full and thorough design coordination;
- Further Quality Assurance of discrete project elements have been undertaken. These elements include acoustics, materials, landscaping, AV/ITS, informal study spaces and wayfinding;
- Ongoing management of registered significant trees and future significant trees to ensure that landscaping and sustainability is prioritised;
- Campus activations, prototyping of designs and temporary wayfinding conducted to enhance the student experience;
- Development of an operational model to enable a curated student experience in the Precinct from a student’s very first day on campus; and
- Several artworks commissioned, including Indigenous art for installation in the Precinct upon completion.
Why is grass growing on the Precinct's amphitheatre?
Prior to the Precinct build commencing in the first half of 2020, grass is currently growing on the amphitheatre site. This is part of the Project’s Environmental Management Plan to mitigate the impacts of dust caused by wind blowing through the site. A site with a topsoil that is not seeded with grass can cause issues to the ventilation in adjacent buildings and to passing pedestrian traffic in the site’s vicinity.
DETAILED DESIGN
The Project completed the 'detailed design' phase of the Project in mid-2019.
Detailed design focuses on the implementation of architectural, landscape and interior details, including the documentation and drawing that is required for construction. The intricate aspects of the design including colours, fittings, fixtures and cabinetry are all confirmed in this phase.
Some of the latest designs can be viewed below. For a more detailed update on detailed design, visit our Project Stories page.
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The entrance to the Arts and Cultural facilities at the corner of Monash Road. -
The Monash Road entrance to the Arts and Cultural Building, interfacing with the new Student Pavilion. The ground plane of the Precinct has been lowered for equity of access to facilities -
A view of the Arts and Cultural Building at night time -
The undercroft of the new Arts and Cultural Building will provide easy access to the heart of the Precinct -
The outdoor Ampitheatre will have the flexbility to be programmed for a variety of events, performances and activities, including live performance -
The outdoor Ampitheatre will be located adjacent to the Student Pavilion and the Sidney Myser Asia Centre on Swanston Street -
The Frank Tate Building will be restored for student use, with ample outdoor seating around the building -
The student lawn adjacent to the Frank Tate Building. The Precinct will provide green space for student wellbeing
EARLY AND ENABLING WORKS
The Precinct Early and Enabling Works was completed in mid-2019.
Early and Enabling Works refers to the first stage of construction for the Project and is a general term for preparation works that take place prior to the main construction works. This can include demolition and modification works, relocation of infrastructure, services and facilities, removal of existing foundations and other obstructions and preparation works to building facades to ensure buildings are weather-proof, vermin proof and secure throughout construction among others.
As part of these works, the John Smyth and Lot 6 Buildings were demolished to open up the site and improve the interface between the Precinct and Swanston Street.
The Alice Hoy Building was also partly demolished to allow for the construction of a new Arts and Cultural Building. The video to he left shows the demolition of the west wing of the Alice Hoy Building completed as part of these works.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
The Project completed the schematic design phase in October 2018. This design phase builds on the ideas developed in concept design to define and confirm floor plan and facility requirements.
A fly-through of the Precinct schematic design at the 50% complete mark can be viewed below.
CONCEPT DESIGN
The concept design stage was completed in May 2018. This stage involves the architectural and landscape team undertaking detailed discussions with end-users to develop and define the design, determine floor plans and the Precinct facilities.
LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN
Landscape master planning that considers the site and context of existing trees and landscape – including City of Melbourne interfaces such as Swanston Street and Grattan Street – and the need for activated outdoor, retail and green space, was completed in late 2017. Importantly, the landscape master plan also includes Indigenous and sustainable design principles co-created with students as part of the co-creation process.
Some examples of the current landscape designs for the Precinct can be seen below.
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Outdoor space and landscapes will form an integral part of the Precinct, providing areas for students to relax and recharge in the warmer months. -
The Outdoor Amphitheatre looking towards Swanston Street. -
The landscape at Gate 8 Grattan Street will be transformed, creating a sense of arrival and place for the new home of Murrup Barak which will be relocated to Building 170, located to the left of this image. -
The landscape leading from Gate 8, Grattan Street to the entrance of the Eastern Resource Centre. -
The former site of Lot 6 will be transformed into a courtyard with native planting at the 1888 Building.
MASTER PLANNING
An Urban Design Framework, a Feasibility Study and the Early and Enabling Works detailed design were developed in 2016 and 2017.
The aim of the Urban Design Framework was to understand the existing site limitations and to identify opportunities and challenges in upgrading existing Precinct infrastructure and developing new building fabric. The Feasibility Study was conducted to ensure the major intervention posed in the Urban Design Framework of lowering the ground plane was feasible. Both pieces of work were instrumental in informing the design of the Early and Enabling Works detailed design.
There is a space for everyone. If you need to relax and disconnect, there will be a space for that. If you want to socialise and have fun, you can find a space for that too. Nobody is in control of what you do in those spaces. Student response to the co-creation process
Co-creation
Co-creation is the cornerstone of the Project, with thousands of students actively contributing their views, ideas and expertise to the planning and design process. Co-creation encourages a more active involvement from key stakeholders to achieve the desired outcome directly influenced by the end-users.
Activation
Inviting students to engage in creative and entrepreneurial endeavours, or ‘activations’, to seed and test ideas prior to the Precinct’s completion is a key aspect of the Project, encouraging students and the wider University to connect and contribute to the space.
Teaching and Learning
The Project is committed to providing students with practical experience and exposure to its core activities through a dynamic program of real-world teaching and learning opportunities integrated into coursework.
Sustainability
Sustainability in design, construction and student-led activations is a core commitment of the Project, aligned with the University's Sustainability Plan 2017 - 2020.
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP3)
As a signature project to the University’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP 3), the Project Team are committed to creating opportunities for Indigenous students and staff to contribute to the design, creation and activation of the Precinct.
Inclusivity
The Precinct Project aims to create a space that caters for a diverse student and staff population. The Precinct will be engaging with students and staff through the design process to ensure equity, inclusivity and access to indoor and outdoor spaces are integrated into the Precinct design.
Our Campus in the 21st Century
The Our Campus in the 21st Century (OC21) framework, is the planning and communication tool that supports and enables University of Melbourne projects, initiatives and partnerships to evolve and excel. The New Student Precinct Project aligns with the OC21 Framework.
The Precinct should be a place for all student needs. This goes beyond student services... All of the right things are provided... and it’s a space where you can take part in varied activities. Student response to the co-creation process
Current Opportunities
I really enjoyed being part of the Project Team...I like to talk to the students and bring their ideas back to the team, I have lots of fun! Student Ambassador
All our updates
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The Fair Food UniCycle Turns One!
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Open Day 2018
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A Look Behind the Hoarding - June to July 2018
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Concept Design Renders
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Outdoor Gallery Exhibition Opening - National Reconciliation Week 2018
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New Student Precinct Design Response Presentation
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Mon-Pop Orientation-Week
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Mon-Pop Build
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New Student Precinct Moments 2017
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Open Morning Tea
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The Growroom Build
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Growroom and Fair Food UniCycle
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Outdoor Gallery
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Our Students
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Student Ambassador Induction Meeting
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Short Cut with Marley
MARCH 2020 UPDATE
- The project is progressing well and remains on track.
- Kane have installed a street light on Stationary Lane to assist with argon deliveries to Chemical Engineering 1 (BN165)
- Kane have now taken partial possession of level 1 and 2 of the Alice Hoy Building. There will no longer be access to teaching spaces, lifts or amenities on these levels. Kane will provide an escort for persons with special needs to use the lift or amenities on a call-to-escort basis, appropriate signage will be posted. All other occupants will be encouraged to use the stairs. Emergency evacuation paths will be maintained at all times. Outside Kane working hours, the central corridor will remain freely accessible to lift and amenities.
- A bamboo requiring removal on site was taken to Melbourne Zoo as a treat for the elephants (see image below).
- 'Neighbours Meetings' have been delayed until students and staff return to the Parkville Campus.
- Please find the 25 March 2020 Kane Construction's Interface Report here to view a construction lookahead.
The construction of the New Student Precinct commenced in early 2020 with the majority of the Precinct scheduled for completion by the end of 2021 to early 2022.