The New Student Precinct (NSP) at the University of Melbourne is an award-winning project providing a new hub for students, staff and the community. This complex and ground-breaking project included the construction of two new buildings, the refurbishment/expansion of four existing buildings, and the creation of over 12,000m2 of public realm.
The voice of the community was at the centre of the project from concept through to design with over 15,600 individuals, including Traditional owners, students, staff and community engaged to actively contribute their views, ideas and expertise to inform the planning and design process. Designed to improve student experience and connect the campus to the surrounding community, the NSP has also creatively ensured an Indigenous presence has been weaved throughout the precinct using First Nations artifacts, artwork/designs and native local plants.
DCWC was engaged by the University of Melbourne as Program Manager for end-to-end delivery of the overall Precinct as well as delivery of Project Management and Superintendent services for the individual buildings. The project was designed under a collaborative model involving interface with 6 architecture and landscape practices. It was delivered under a design and construct contract during the complexities of COVID 19 and numerous supply chain challenges. DCWC worked closely with the University and Kane Constructions to manage the project successfully through to completion. DCWC also worked closely with various stakeholders and governing committees to ensure the design and functionality of each building met the needs of the stakeholders as they transitioned into day to day operations.
Highlights of DCWC's involvement in the NSP Project:
- Refurbishment of the 1888 Building.
- New Student Pavilion Building.
- ERC Library redevelopment.
- New Arts and Cultural Building including 300 seat proscenium arch theatre.
- Refurbishment of the Doug McDonell Building.
- Refurbishment of the Frank Tate Building.
- Northern Landscaping and Amphitheatre.
- Southern Landscaping and laneways.
The NSP Project is a testament to DCWC's expertise in the delivery of nationally significant tertiary education projects on a precinct scale. DCWC has a long history of working with universities to deliver complex and visionary projects that focus on the improvement of student experience. We are proud to have been a part of the NSP Project, which will provide a world-class hub for students, staff and community, enhancing peer engagement and promoting social inclusion for years to come.
The NSP Project has recently won the following Australian Institute of Architects 2023 Victorian Architecture Awards:
Victorian Architecture Medal
The Henry Bastow Award for Educational Architecture (Educational Architecture)
Architecture Award – Creative Adaptation (Heritage)
The Joseph Reed Award for Urban Design (Urban Design)
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