THE Australian National University (ANU) will redevelop Bruce Hall, building two new state-of-the-art student residential communities on the site at a cost of $100 million, following a decision of the University Council Major Projects Sub-Committee on Monday.

ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt says the new buildings will provide a home to around 400 students each, and will realise a vision for ANU to be home to the most outstanding student communities in Australia.

“The announcement comes after consultations with students and the University community,” Brian said.

“The new residences will be inspired by the existing Bruce Hall and its community. The students had played a significant role in the new plans.

“We want to ensure that the new Bruce and its sister hall offer a student experience without peer.

“I want to thank all those who took the time to get involved in the community forums. It is clear there is a great desire to preserve the unique culture and experience of living at Bruce Hall.

“We have incorporated input from current and former Bruce residents and I think the results of that work are evident in the outstanding designs we now have in place.

“The new buildings would pay homage to the old. The Flugelman sculpture at the front of Bruce Hall will also be preserved.

“The iconic furniture and art will be retained, and the dining room and social spaces will remain as focal points to bring people together in a community culture.

“Our students have played a central role in the design and we’re delighted to have a space that will offer a high quality Bruce experience for many years to come.”

The University will make the arrangements to ensure continuity in the Bruce community, and the current pastoral care model will be maintained as closely as possible.

The Bruce community will move to the new residential block ‘SA5’ during construction of the Hall, with Bruce furniture and artefacts also going to SA5 during to help keep the culture and traditions alive.

The new buildings will help meet the shortfall in demand for on-campus accommodation. In 2016, around 1,500 students were unable to find on-campus accommodation at ANU.