Enhancing a vibrant academic community

Fundraising campaign for
the Southern Development

You may have heard of the University of Melbourne’s new strategic plan, Growing Esteem. This will comprise an academic program involving a three-year undergraduate degree followed by two years of intensive professionally-based degree studies and higher degree research programs.

If St Hilda’s is to continue to succeed, our facilities must adapt to the changing demography that Growing Esteem will generate. Accommodation that is acceptable for undergraduate students will not appeal to longer-term graduate students.

The Southern Development is a new five-storey building, which will replace the Cato Building at the rear of the College, overlooking the playing fields of the University.

The existing Cato recreational facilities of gymnasium, billiard/games room and TV lounge are planned to be reproduced on the ground floor of the new building, along with additional student laundry facilities. Above this, our design provides two floors of senior student units and one floor of resident tutor apartments, with the top floor housing the Vice Principal’s residence and a two-bedroom apartment for Visiting Scholars. In the new building, senior students will each be provided with a room containing a small kitchenette, en suite facilities and a generous study area.

The Southern Development is designed to meet the needs of older students for privacy, space and greater independence, while at the same time allowing the College to increase the numbers of resident tutors and so enhance its academic life.

With the improved facilities tailored towards more senior students and the increase in tutor accommodation, it is hoped that this will also have a positive impact on the student community, increase the students’ academic success and their personal development.

At the end of 2006, the builders took possession of the site and demolition commenced.

St Hilda’s is able to contribute $3 million towards the $4.5 million cost from its reserves and an appeal - still in its early stages - to raise the additional $1.5 million has begun. Mr Andrew Miller of UBS Wealth Management has agreed to be Campaign Chair, and Dame Elisabeth Murdoch has accepted an invitation to be Patron.

For more information, contact the College on 61 3 9248 8400 or email.