Title

Notre Dame's architects awarded for contribution to Fremantle's West End heritage

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Winter 12-6-2012

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame Australia

Publication Place

Fremantle

Abstract

The City of Fremantle has recognised Marcus Collins Architects for their significant contribution to the historic West End of Fremantle at its 2012 Heritage Awards held recently.

Well known for their heritage work in Western Australia, they were acknowledged for two projects they completed at The University of Notre Dame Australia's Fremantle Campus.

They won the Compatible Infill Development category for Notre Dame's first new building which was located on a former car park.

The building, which houses the School of Health Sciences, School of Physiotherapy and the Institute for Health and Rehabilitation Research, is designed to provide specialist health sciences facilities as well as general purpose education space and offices.

"The core design philosophy for the building was that it would be both clearly contemporary as well as reflect the Victorian and Edwardian era warehouses and offices of Fremantle's West End," explains Mr Collins.

"The building is prominently located on Phillimore Street forming a signature entry statement to the University. It is constructed adjacent to Fares House which is of heritage value to the City. The two are designed to link as one complex."

The second accolade was a commendation in the Adaption of a Heritage Place category for Marcus Collins Architects' work on the interior of Notre Dame's main library.

"St Teresa's Library was first adapted from its 1960s warehouse shell to become the University's first library in 1994," Mr Collins said.

"At that time, the work on the building was very limited. The year 2011 saw a major building project with the construction of a mezzanine floor together with other extensive works including ceilings and air conditioning bringing to fruition the original design intent for the building.

"The aesthetic goal for the mezzanine addition was that it builds on the 1960s industrial appearance of the original warehouse roof and columns to provide maximum additional floor area without turning it into a two storey building.

"It is gratifying to be recognised for our work by heritage experts."

In presenting the award, Councillor Andrew Sullivan spoke highly of Notre Dame's two projects and their contribution to reinforcing the heritage values of the West End.

The University's Vice Chancellor, Professor Celia Hammond, congratulated Marcus Collins Architects on the two awards.

"I commend Marcus and his team for their dedication and commitment over the past 20 years to preserve the heritage of buildings which were once warehouses, hotels and banks," Professor Hammond said.

"They have also been the architects for new, state-of-the-art facilities on Notre Dame's Broome, Fremantle and Sydney campuses. We are extremely grateful for all that they have done for the University and Fremantle."

The Heritage Awards of the City of Fremantle and the Town of East Fremantle are important events in recognising and promoting good practice in heritage conservation.

Fremantle's West End is acknowledged as a heritage precinct of national importance and is of international significance as an intact Victorian port city of Fremantle.

MEDIA CONTACT: Michelle Ebbs: Tel (08) 9433 0610; Mob 0408 959 138 Leigh Dawson: Tel (08) 9433 0569; Mob 0405 441 093

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