Media Release
February 11, 2004
Construction begins on the new Mawson Centre
Construction will begin today on one of the most significant new buildings in Adelaide’s Northern Suburbs.
The $9.2 million Mawson Centre development, the result of an innovative partnership between the SA Department of Education & Children's Services (DECS), UniSA, the City of Salisbury, Delfin Lend Lease and the Land Management Corporation, will be launched Thursday February 12 at 11am at the Mawson Lakes Hotel.
The Mawson Centre is due for completion at the end of this year.
Commencement of construction will be celebrated with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by the Premier Mike Rann at 11.20 am.
The Centre will be home to a public library, a 24/7-computer barn, a 250-seat theatre, a 'shopfront' for the Mawson Lakes Education Service, various teaching, meeting and exhibition spaces, a café, and office facilities for senior UniSA staff.
Within Denton Corker Marshall's masterplan framework, MGT Canberra Architects and Russell & Yelland Architects, in collaboration, have designed this civic facility to be the centre that unites UniSA’s Mawson Lakes campus with the burgeoning Mawson Lakes community.
The Mawson Centre is unique in the way in which the facility will be used in the community but also in the partnership that is supporting its development. According to the architects it is a rare example of an effective collaboration between a university, a government education department, Local Government and a local developer, to support education in the community.
UniSA will have the majority ownership and management responsibility for the Centre.
UniSA Vice Chancellor Professor Denise Bradley says the project represents a real commitment to education in the northern Adelaide community.
"UniSA has been committed to educating and serving the community since its inception in 1991," Professor Bradley said.
"Our Mawson Lakes campus has provided a base for our many activities with communities in northern Adelaide. We are greatly looking forward to the further opportunities for community collaboration the Mawson Centre will provide.
"UniSA has also commenced work on a library extension and building for Education."
News editors please note: The presentation of a mural from the Mawson Lakes School children will provide excellent picture opportunities.
The Mawson Centre construction launch program
11.00am - Guests arrive and served refreshments.
11.10am - Move over to stage area for official function - Kaurna welcome
11.20am - Professor Denise Bradley AO to welcome – discusses The Mawson Centre and who will benefit from its construction.
11.25am - Professor Bradley introduces art presentation to be performed by students from Mawson Lakes School.
11.30am - Professor Bradley introduces the Premier and invites him to launch the commencement of construction. Premier’s address. Unveiling a commemorative plaque.
11.40am - Professor Bradley thanks all attending. Morning Tea in the Mawson Lakes Hotel
Media contact
- Michèle Nardelli office (08) 8302 0966 mobile 0418 823 673 email michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au