The University is now calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) in shaping what is intended to be the adaptive reuse of one of regional Australia's most innovative buildings.
UNE's boilerhouse was built in the 1950s as the University's own coal-fired power station, built over three stages (1959, 1963 and 1971). The building won a prestigious Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) award in 1974. The boilerhouse was decommissioned in 1999 and has remained unused for the past two decades.
Rather than bulldoze a classic industrial space, UNE has developed an ambitious vision for converting the remaining infrastructure, which includes a soaring concrete chimney, into a world-class facility specialising in early learning programs and activities around Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) subjects.
UNE's Vice-Chancellor and CEO, Professor Brigid Heywood, said the winning tenderer will be capable of creating an iconic destination.
"We will only ever have one decommissioned boilerhouse," Prof. Heywood said, "and we aim to create something new from it that will help define not just UNE, but the region. We have one shot at converting this structure into an educational space that will shape learning and memories for decades to come, and we are looking for exceptional partners to help us realise this vision."
The redevelopment of the Boilerhouse as an innovative destination is being made possible by a $6.1 million Regional Growth grant from the New South Wales Government and a multimillion dollar donation from the Abbott Foundation and other supporters.
UNE Discovery Program Leader Dr Kirsti Abbott, said the University's ambition is to transform the Modern Industrial Age boilerhouse into a playful discovery space aimed especially at children up to 12 years old, and their families and friends.
The design UNE is looking for will combine the best of current educational practices, pedagogy and play, incorporating current and emerging technologies into an architecturally expressive structure.
"We don't want a static museum with displays behind glass, nor a traditional playground," Dr Abbott said. "Experiences and playscapes within the Boilerhouse will be themed – think of a giant brain, an energy generator or an underground ecosystem – and designed for flexible, self-directed learning opportunities for all visitors. It will be an all-weather, all-day playspace that is also a gathering, meeting, party and event space for the New England region."
UNE have released Expression of Interest Documentation (EOI) for firms wishing to register their interest in becoming the Primary Design Consultant for the University's Boilerhouse Discovery Project.
The Boilerhouse is to be designed in way that retains and highlights the industrial history of the building, incorporating a STEAMpunk theme. The facility shall therefore be open and flexible, the activities space shall be a safe, secure and exciting environment for children and families to share experiences and time together. The building will contain learning experiences that are both internal, external and a combination of both. The building shall contain adaptive spaces for teaching, conferences and meetings.
The University of New England undertook extensive rehabilitation of the Boilerhouse site in 2019, including removal of all hazardous material.
Businesses that wish to submit an EOI can do so online at https://www.tenderlink.com/une
