Notre Dame reveals major campus upgrade plans

The University of Notre Dame will deliver its most significant suite of upgrades in the history of the tertiary institution at its Fremantle campus.

Work is underway at Notre Dame’s port city campus to refurbish its St Teresa’s Library, rebuild its Craven Law Library, transform its Bateman Courtyard and create more collaborative spaces.

A dollar figure for the upgrades has not been disclosed but it has been desctibed has a multi-million dollar investment by the university. 

The institution described the project as the most significant and exciting student facilities upgrade project in the history of the University of Notre Dame Australia.

The scope of work includes rebuilding the Craven Law Library into an upgraded Craven Law Centre which would feature a dedicated moot court facility and additional teaching and study areas.

It would also include the full refurbishment of the St Teresa’s Library to enhance the space and upgrade the Bateman Courtyard with increased seating and shared areas.

Overall secure swipe card access will be rolled out at a 24-hour study hall with kitchen facilities and parenting and seminar rooms.

It’s expected to be delivered in three stages to be completed by September 2024.

Notre Dame Vice Chancellor Professor Francis Campbell said the modern student hub would become the heart of the Fremantle campus.

He said it would create a space where students could enjoy being a part of a welcoming and engaged academic community.

Student experience Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Selma Alliex said the investment demonstrated the university’s commitment to its students and the future of Fremantle’s local businesses and services.

“While many universities are increasingly moving to online learning, Notre Dame’s focus remains firmly on face-to-face learning and teaching, which is why providing a truly world-class study environment for our students is so important,” she said.

“We are creating a space where students will want to come and spend time with their peers, while also having the opportunity to enjoy all of the wonderful attractions and facilities that Fremantle has to offer.

Professor Alliex said the project’s design had been informed through widespread consultation to ensure the existing character and heritage of the West End was maintained.

“The student hub project will deliver a truly beautiful, modern, and functional space, which also respects and preserves the existing character of our magnificent buildings for future generations to enjoy,” she said.