FAQ - Hughes Plaza Learning Hub

1. What is happening?
2. Why the need for change?
3. Why Hughes Plaza?
4. What new facilities will be created?
5. How long will the redevelopment take?
6. What consultation will occur?
7. How will access across Hughes Plaza be affected by construction?
8. What will happen to the BankSA branch?
9. Will there be any relocations?
10. How can I find out more information about this building project?

1. What is happening?

The University Council has approved the $34.5 million re-development of Hughes Plaza to become a purpose-built student learning hub which will transform the student experience on campus. This is the next step in the University of Adelaide's four-year $400 million building program to provide first-class facilities for staff and students.

This will be the largest and most dynamic student learning hub in Australia and aims to provide significant social and learning benefits for our students that will be the envy of other universities. Other satellite learning hubs are likely to follow on our North Terrace, Waite and Roseworthy campuses. We've already opened a first student hub in the Faculty of the Professions on Pulteney Street and it's proving highly successful.

2. Why the need for change?

The University currently has no defined hub and a shortage of learning and recreational spaces for students. As a result, students tend to move off-campus, for group study, social interaction and leisure activities. The University wants to turn this trend around by providing suitable facilities and services to offer more opportunities for social interaction on campus and to cater for increasing demands for more informal and collaborative study spaces.

3. Why Hughes Plaza?

Hughes Plaza is the geographical heart of the campus, a logical intersection traversed by over 50% of the student and staff population daily. However, its uninspiring flat design and the lack of defined learning, recreational, food or beverage services, doesn't provide a reason to linger. The redevelopment of this space will simultaneously enhance the staff and student experience on campus as well as creating better use of the most frequently used thoroughfare on campus.

4. What new facilities will be created?

The learning hub will be a multi-level, all weather space where students can meet and undertake group study in flexible lounge areas, use free computer and other audio-visual facilities, access a broader range of student services and, in the same place, have access to quality coffee and diverse, affordable fresh food and beverages.

5. How long will the redevelopment take?

The construction of this new space is on a 14-month schedule. Relocations and preliminary fencing work will commence in October 2009, with construction beginning in December 2009 and an anticipated project completion date of March 2011.

6. What consultation will occur?

During October and November 2009 the University will be arranging focus groups with students and undertaking surveys to ensure the space provides what students want in this new facility. The University has used one of the world's leading thinkers in educational space design, Dr Kenn Fisher, as a consultant on this project.

7. How will access across Hughes Plaza be affected by construction?

Access across the campus via Hughes Plaza will be restricted during construction but alternative routes will be well signposted. Hughes Plaza neighbours will be provided with flyers outlining their specific access changes to enable them to notify staff and students prior to January 2010. They will also receive regular email bulletins during construction regarding any changes to access.

8. What will happen to the BankSA branch?

The BankSA branch has chosen not to create a temporary facility and will close soon, but we are negotiating to have a BankSA ATM installed on campus.

9. Will there be any relocations?

Some entities surrounding Hughes Plaza will be required to relocate. All entities that are required to relocate, or that will be affected by the proximity of construction have been and will continue to be communicated with to ensure as little inconvenience as possible. Relocations will begin in November and will occur in stages to minimise disruptions. Specific details about relocations will be posted on the Building Life Impact website as they are confirmed.

10. How can I find out more information about this building project?

Information and updates about the redevelopment of Hughes Plaza will be provided on a dedicated web page on the University's website - www.adelaide.edu.au/space.