APPROVAL of the University of Western Australia’s proposal for the Riley Complex signals the end of the line for University House.
Plans for the $20 million replacement of University House have been approved by the university senate, with construction expected to begin in January next year.
The Riley Complex will feature a range of facilities for teaching staff, students and the general public, including a state-of-the-art lecture theatre for public lectures.
“It’s for our staff but it’s also aimed at our post graduate people,” deputy vice-chancellor Alan Robson said.
“There are a lot of people enrolled in our MBA course who come in after hours.
“We also see conference facilities and the big public lecture theatre as important aspects.
“We feel it’s part of our responsibility to stimulate debate in our community.
“We’ve had one on population levels and genetic engineering and we see this as a good venue for that.”
The university commissioned Hotel and Leisure to submit recommendation for the establishment and operation of the development.
The project manager for the Motorola development, Andrus Budrikis, was appointed as project manager for the development.
The design of the building will reflect the university’s traditional architectural base of limestone-coloured walls and terracotta tiles.
The building will be linked to the existing university buildings via a first floor walkway, which will connect it with the Arts building and the Reid Library.
