Evelyn Reynolds

The University of Melbourne has released a new estate masterplan for its Parkville campus in central Melbourne.
Principal design consultant Hassell created a long-term vision for the campus that would deliver more than 22,000 square metres of green space, for students, staff and the wider community.
“This landmark initiative represents a pivotal milestone in enhancing the University’s commitment to learning experience and research outcomes,” said Hassell principal Mark Roehrs. “It’s a comprehensive and strategic approach to the estate that balances the re-lifing of its valuable heritage estate with new infrastructure. The University will also enhance its contribution to the city with easier ways to navigate through the University precinct and exciting new green space.”

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A new central park in the heart of University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus. Image:

Hassell and Studio Lux

Hassell’s masterplan is the third in the university’s history. The first was produced by Brian Lewis in 1948 and the second was by Daryl Jackson in 2008.
A key move in the masterplan is to transform Grattan Street, which bisects the historic campus to the north and urban campus to the south, into a green corridor and in turn create a shared central park that would join together South Lawn and University Square.
The university will work in collaboration with the City of Melbourne to create expanded shared spaces, improved shading, bike paths and planting.
Grattan Street would become a major new entry point with proximity to the under-construction Parkville metro station, designed by Hassell, Western Williamson and Partners, and RSHP, as part of the Cross Yarra Partnership joint venture.
“At the heart of this vision is an aspiration to open up the University’s campuses, to make them more accessible for our staff and students and to transform them into shared places that are more welcoming for all communities,” said vice-chancellor Duncan Maskell.
The masterplanning process identified 70 needs across the campus.
It will also create opportunities for the university’s Indigenous staff, students and partners to co-create projects that promote cultural awareness and recognition of cultural heritage.
The south-west corner of the historic campus will also be redeveloped to create an expanded biomedical precinct.

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An expanded biomedical precinct at University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus. Image:

Hassell and Studio Lux

The university’s Medical Building, Old Microbiology Building, and Old Howard Florey Building will make way for an expanded Parkville Biomedical Precinct.
Several historic buildings will be refurbished, including the Old Engineering Building, Electrical and Electronic Building, and Maths and Stats Building, which will also have an extension to house a new multi-disciplinary learning hub and a science discovery centre.
Melba Hall will be rejuvenated, and the Baldwin Spencer Building will be refurbished to create work spaces for staff from the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning.
“The reimagination of our campus buildings and outdoor areas will make them more accessible, more connected to the environment, and they will be designed with energy efficiency in mind,” Maskell said. More

Melbourne’s Southbank will soon have a new green recreational space, following the announcement of a new park near the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA).
Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor announced a $1.5 million investment for the design and delivery of the park, which will complement new urban gardens in the surrounding area, as well as serve as an accompaniment to the future works to be delivered as part of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation.
“Today is just the first step in delivering what will be a fantastic open space for Southbank locals to enjoy,” Taylor said. The space, delivered in partnership with the City of Melbourne, Creative Victoria, and ACCA, will serve as a gathering place for locals and visitors to connect with nature. The park is one of 11 open space projects across Victoria, as part of the state government’s $7.4 million Better Parks and Playgrounds program.
Minister for environment Ingrid Stitt said the introduction of green spaces in metropolitan areas ensures communities still have unique and inclusive open spaces to take pleasure in.

“We’re ensuring Melburnians in urban areas have easy access to quality open space to exercise, relax or just enjoy the outdoors,” she said.

Through the Suburban Parks Program, 87 new and improved public spaces, including parks and dog parks, have been delivered.

Once complete the Suburban Parks Program will create up to 6,500 hectares of new parkland, walking and cycling trails, pocket parks and dog parks – the equivalent of more than 170 Royal Botanic Gardens. More

Billard Leece Partnership (BLP) and Cox Architecture have been appointed as the designers of the new Bundaberg Hospital, a $1.2 billion project that will provide vital health care services to the growing city.
The architects are part of the CPD Contractors consortium, which was selected as the preferred bidder for stage one of the development by the Queensland government.
The six-storey facility will house critical health departments including acute, medical, surgical, and mental health care, as well as emergency and clinical support services, supplemented by essential infrastructure.
BLP managing director, Tara Veldman, said they are thrilled to be involved with the delivery of such an important and beneficial project.
“It is a privilege to contribute to the delivery of the new Bundaberg Hospital, a project that will significantly enhance the Queensland region’s health infrastructure,” she said. “Our shared vision aims to establish a modern, future-proofed health facility that caters to the needs of the Bundaberg community and the wider Wide Bay-Burnett region.”
The design for the new hospital is expected to be completed in early 2024, with construction to follow. More

The Adelaide Aquatic Centre is one step closer to becoming a reality after a development application for the $135 million world-class facility has been submitted.
The application contains updated artist impressions of the design, a planning report that describes the proposed development, as well as several reports and assessments.
The State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) is expected to review the application in the upcoming months, with formal consent required prior to beginning construction in North Adelaide’s Pardipardinyilla / Denise Norton Park.
JPE Design Studio and Warren and Mahoney were appointed as the designers of the centre in September 2022.
Replacing the existing structure, the reimagined multi-level facility will offer amenities such as a 25-metre, an eight-lane outdoor pool with a lagoon; dedicated pools for rehabilitation as well as a gym, sauna and steam room facilities; a cafe and play areas.
The new centre will occupy less space than the existing one, returning approximately 1,000 square metres to the Adelaide Park Lands that surround the city.
The building’s design aims to blend in with the natural surroundings and align with National Heritage principles, with clear delineation between the city and the parklands. More

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