RMIT University has officially announced its plans to dramatically refurbish its campus buildings along Swanston Street, known as the New Academic Street construction.
The project will refurbish buildings 8, 10, 12 and 14, which have been part of RMIT’s main city campus since the 1970s.
Professor Gill Palmer, acting Vice-Chancellor and President at RMIT University, has approved a call for expressions of interest from construction companies.
Professor Palmer said “NAS is a bold step into an exciting and innovative future for RMIT, building on and maximising the past seven years of campus development” in a media release released today.
The NAS project is expected to be completed by 2017. The media release did not explain how students would be impacted during the renovations – which include buildings where the Hub, cafeteria, student union offices, gymnasium, RMITV studios and Swanston library are located.
As previously reported in Catalyst, Swanston library will undergo restoration in an effort to create up to 40 percent more study space. During renovations, Catalyst understands up to 80% of library renovations will be moved to the Bundoora campus.
The plans include providing the buildings along Swanston St with more natural sunlight, and views onto Bowen Street as well as outdoor terraces, laneways and study areas.
“RMIT’s vision is that our campuses should be integrated with the cities we engage with, contributing to urban sustainability and culture. The NAS project will reinvent the centre of the City campus and improve support services for students and staff.”
Such services will include a new student hall which will allow students access to student services and specialist services in one place, as well as a multi-story outdoor garden space and a variety of shops, food and beverage outlets and recreational facilities.
“This brings us a significant step closer to the transformation of buildings 8, 10, 12 and 14 – making City campus an even better place to study, collaborate and work,” she said, “it provides a strong foundation for RMIT’s next 50 years of growth.”
By Sarah Burt
Image via Flickr user szoolt