Federal Government awards Deakin $5million to upgrade student facilities in Geelong

Deakin University will move forward with plans to revitalise student facilities at its Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds thanks to $5million from the Federal Government's Capital Development Pool Program.

Deakin's Chief Operating Officer, Mr Graeme Dennehy, welcomed the Government's support of the project.

"This funding will be used to transform the student services in the central precinct of the Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds and provide a contemporary environment for our growing student population," Mr Dennehy said.

"The needs of today's students are quite different from those of students when Deakin started teaching at the Campus in 1977. We also have more students studying on campus now.

"We recognise that the student experience of university life encompasses more than just the classroom. Our plans to revitalise the central precinct therefore focus on modern, well equipped student amenities to provide opportunities for social interaction, recreational activities and informal learning."

The project will include:

• Upgrading the current cafeteria area to incorporate lounge spaces, an internet café, games area and informal learning spaces. Food choices will be expanded to meet the different needs of the diverse student population. New audio visual and information technology systems will be installed to support entertainment events and learning activities.
• Reconfiguring the central amenities area, which currently includes student services and commercial outlets. The improved services will include a larger bookshop and stationery supplies outlet, travel and banking facilities and student drop in centres focused on language and learning and on careers and employment.
• Redeveloping the Union Green and Delacombe Court to provide recreational and informal learning spaces.

Deakin University anticipates that work will begin on the project during 2010.