Extensive renovations to Notre Dame's St Teresa's Library blessed

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Winter 2-8-2012

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame Australia

Publication Place

Fremantle

Abstract

"May this place of learning always be the home of truth and wisdom, faith and good will towards all, helping to build up our community and Archdiocese and your kingdom of love, justice and peace." Rev Edward Malloy CSC

The University of Notre Dame Australia's Fremantle Campus celebrated major renovations to St Teresa's Library by blessing them at a special function held on Monday 23 July 2012.

The blessing coincided with a visit to the Campus by three of its US Governors: Rev Edward Malloy CSC, President Emeritus of the University of Notre Dame du Lac; Rev William Beauchamp CSC, President of the University of Portland and Rev Mark Poorman CSC, Executive Vice President of the University of Portland.

Fr Malloy was invited to officially bless the library before an audience which included dedicated library volunteers, staff and members of the Notre Dame community.

The extensive renovations to St Teresa's Library were designed by University architects, Marcus Collins Architects, and constructed by W Fairweather and Sons. The Australian Government supported the project through their allocation of the Teaching and Learning Capital Fund grant for Higher Education.

The addition of a substantial mezzanine floor has added more than 1200sqm to the library's area, increasing the number of study rooms and computer tutorial areas.

At the blessing, Vice Chancellor, Professor Celia Hammond, explained that the library was adapted by Marcus Collins Architects from its 1960s warehouse shell, to become the University's main library in 1994.

"The 2011 internal fit-out, including construction of a mezzanine floor, brings to fruition the original design intended for the library," Professor Hammond said.

"Both Marcus Collins Architects and W Fairweather and Sons have been integral to the capital development of Notre Dame since its establishment as a university. The beauty of Notre Dame in Fremantle – and especially of St Teresa's Library – is testament to their vision, skill and industry.

Marcus Collins Architects has won many awards for their work at Notre Dame. Most recently, they won the Adaption of a Heritage Place category at the City of Fremantle's 2012 Heritage Awards. The award acknowledged their significant contribution to the historic West End of Fremantle.

In July, they won national recognition from the Australian Institute of Architects for their work on the University's new building, the Tannock Hall of Education, located on the Fremantle Campus. The judges considered Tannock Hall to be an exemplary work of new architecture within the heritage West End precinct 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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