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Campus improvements will greet returning students

February 06, 2006

DixsonPaint.thumb.JPGBy Stephanie Hubbard

Students returning to The University of New England this month to begin their studies for 2006 will be pleasantly surprised by refurbishments and upgrades begun around the University’s campus over the holidays.

A major upgrade of the Dixson Library is well under way, improving both the look and the function of one of the most important buildings on the campus.

UNE's Construction Manager, Graham Johnson, said the upgrade would improve the library in a number of ways, including optimum access for people with a disability. “The new entry will also provide a central point of entry and an architectural statement that identifies the building more easily to those unfamiliar with it,” Mr Johnson said. The University’s Facilities Management Services hopes that Stage 1 of the upgrade will be completed in time for Orientation, beginning on February the 13th.

Painting of the library building has begun with the section above the entry. The new colour there is “Fluorescent Fire”, and other colours will be featured as painting continues. (The photograph displayed here shows Armidale painters Grant Dell and Jeff Love in front of the newly-painted section of the library.)

The continuing upgrade of the library is just one of many projects scheduled for completion this year at the University. “For instance, many of the car parking facilities on the campus are being enhanced,” Mr Johnson said, “and we are planning to move the School of Human and Environmental Studies into refurbished quarters in the Earth Sciences building.”

Last year, there were a number of refurbishment projects both on the University campus itself and at the C.B. Newling Building in Armidale. One of the largest and most obvious of these was the upgrading of UNE’s Central Courtyard. “Additions to the courtyard such as landscaping and benches have provided a pleasant central gathering point and landmark on the campus,” Mr Johnson said. “The Newling Building, too, was refurbished, with the accommodation of the resident UNE Partnerships being rearranged to improve the building’s utility.”

Posted by Jim Scanlan at February 6, 2006 04:36 PM