Learning Centre adds new dimension to Lismore campus

Southern Cross University’s new Learning Centre in the heart of the Lismore campus was formally opened today (June 5) by the federal Member for Page Mr Kevin Hogan MP.

The Learning Centre is a three-storey building that incorporates a range of spaces for different styles of learning, as well as the traditional library area for the book collection.

Its construction – along with development of the engineering precinct in A Block – was made possible with $28 million from the federal government’s Education Investment Fund (Regional Priorities).

Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Lee said the building had reinvigorated the Lismore campus, providing contemporary spaces for students to study and collaborate, and creating a central location for activities on campus.

“This is a wonderful space for our students and a credit to all the people involved in its design and construction,” Professor Lee said.

“Through this project we have also been able to transform the old library, creating a science and engineering precinct with state-of-the-art laboratories,” Professor Lee said. “This will pave the way for the introduction of a new degree in mechanical engineering next year, in addition to civil engineering which we have offered since 2013.”

Mr Hogan unveiled the plaque for the library with Professor Lee and Southern Cross University Chancellor Mr Nick Burton Taylor AM.

“I congratulate Peter Lee on his vision for this project,” Mr Hogan said.

“Southern Cross University plays a major role in our community by providing a high standard of education, employment and culture. As a former student I am very pleased to see the university grow with the addition of the new state-of-the-art Learning Centre.”

The Learning Centre was designed by Jacobs-SKM and reflects a new and contemporary library design, providing a choice of spaces for contemplation, collaboration and connection. It features large windows providing views across the campus and plenty of natural light. Inside, large-scale historic images of Lismore and Northern Rivers region have been used as screens for each of the meeting rooms, while a large AV wall, including 16 individual 55-inch screens, connects each of the three levels.
 
FACTS AND FIGURES
• At 6100 square metres, the new Learning Centre is larger than the Lismore campus’ old Library space (5400 square metres)
• 13 meeting and collaboration rooms, plus spaces to relax, drop in, plug in, login, meet up, read, listen, work, browse, research, explore, study, learn and teach
• 90 desktop PCs
• 5-star green star aspirational design, with excellent environmental conditions, including ventilation, lighting, acoustics, solar panels and water harvesting
• Architects: Jacobs-SKM
• Builders: Hutchinson Builders

Photo: Federal Member for Page Mr Kevin Hogan, right, unveils the plaque for the Learning Centre with SCU Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Lee (left) and the Chancellor Mr Nick Burton Taylor AM.