Campus Review Volume 26. Issue 5 | Page 24

ON CAMPUS campusreview.com.au Live, work, play – stay The University of Canberra is building accommodation that will help take the bond between campus and community to another level. Frances Shannon interviewed by James Wells M FrancesShanno16 A total of 3300 residences with an estimated value of $1.7 billion are set to be built by the University of Canberra on campus property within the next two decades. It’s an ambitious project aimed at reimagining how a university campus can intertwine with its local community. “Our vision foresees that by 2030 our campus will be a leading example of how a modern, world-class university transformed its physical surroundings to create an integrated learning community where scholars, students and the public intermingle,” outgoing UC vice-chancellor Stephen Parker says of the project. “[It will include] a mix of students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the general public living in a modern, progressive, sustainable, edgy community.” Acting vice-chancellor Frances Shannon sat down with Campus Review to discuss the project and how her university envisions it benefiting students, staff and the entire neighbouring Belconnen community. 22 CR: Can you give us the key points of the University of Canberra’s residential development? FS: Approximately 3300 dwellings will be constructed on University of Canberra land over the next 15 to 20 years. The gross value of the project is about $1.7 billion over that period of time. It’s called The