$2.5 million extension for Robb College

May 21, 2007

The University of New England's Robb College will receive its biggest overhaul in four decades, thanks to a federal grant of $2.5 million announced last week.

The money will go towards the construction of a 50-bed extension, called the East Court, which will bring the total capacity of Robb College to 250-300 students.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor David Rich said the money would help UNE maintain its reputation for outstanding on-campus accomodation.

"The Residences are a distinctive and very important feature of UNE and the university is committed to a substantial program of upgrading and redevelopment to ensure they continue to meet the needs of students and the institution," Professor Rich said.

"The Capital Development Pool grant of $2.5 million is a very welcome contribution from the Commonwealth government, and when added to a similar sum from internal sources will allow the construction of top quality accommodation in a new wing at Robb College," he said.

Many of the new beds are expected to be taken by students enrolling in the new rural medical school that will open at UNE next year.

The extension will include a large number of single bedrooms with ensuites and kitchenettes, as well as several dedicated study areas for residential students.

Jan Moran, the Head of Robb College, said the extensions would assist the university to offer a greater diversity of accomodation styles, as well as contributing to the general refurbishment of the colleges in line with the university's strategic plan.

Posted by Leon Braun at May 21, 2007 12:25 PM