Development of the Campus - Kambri

Building Australia's National University: 75 Years of the Australian National University

Most recently, the campus has undergone an enormous transformation with the development of the Kambri Precinct. Early planning for Kambri began in 2013. The concept for this new precinct, which would encompass the area around Union Court, was to “combine the very best of the existing campus with the very best of a university village, set in the heart of the campus” (Jordan RMS Projects 2016). The Union Court Precinct and some of the surrounding areas were at a point where they were no longer fit for purpose, and so the redevelopment of the area was seen as essential to enabling the ANU to deliver world-leading cultural, physical and social experiences to compliment the university’s teaching and research, while also integrating the ANU into the city.  

The initial stage of the Kambri masterplan was approved by the University Council in April 2016. This part of the masterplan would incorporate the redevelopment of Union Court and University Avenue and would include the construction of the Marie Reay Teaching Centre, Di Riddell Student Centre, the new Fenner Hall residential hall, Cultural Centre incorporating amBUSH Gallery, Health & Wellbeing Centre, retail and food outlets, and an amphitheatre and walkways located alongside Sullivans Creek.  

The design for Kambri was produced by BVN Australia with construction undertaken by Lendlease. Demolition of existing buildings began in 2016, with the construction of a temporary Pop-Up Village to provide food and retail offerings to the ANU Community. Construction of the new precinct began in mid-2017, with the Kambri Precinct officially opened in February 2019.  

The name Kambri was gifted its name by representatives of the Little Gudgenby River Tribal Council, the Buru Ngunawal Aboriginal Corporation, the King Brown Tribal Group and the Ngarigu Currawong Clan. The name Kambri was chosen to reflect the key function of this new space, with Kambri meaning ‘meeting place’.  

 

 

 

View of Kambri with Marie Reay Teaching and Learning Centre, c.2019. Image courtesy of Lahznimmo Architects.

View of Kambri with Marie Reay Teaching and Learning Centre, c.2019. Image courtesy of Lahznimmo Architects.

View of Kambri with Marie Reay Teaching and Learning Centre and Health and Wellbeing Centre, c. 2019. Image courtesy of Lahznimmo Architects.

View of Kambri with Marie Reay Teaching and Learning Centre and Health and Wellbeing Centre, c. 2019. Image courtesy of Lahznimmo Architects.

Kambri - amBUSH Gallery and Fenner Hall, c.2019. Image courtesy of amBUSH Gallery.

Kambri - amBUSH Gallery and Fenner Hall, c.2019. Image courtesy of amBUSH Gallery.

Aerial view of Kambri, c. 2021. Photograph courtesy of the Australian National University

Aerial view of Kambri, c. 2021. Photograph courtesy of the Australian National University

Aerial view of Kambri, c. 2021. Photograph courtesy of the Australian National University.

Aerial view of Kambri, c. 2021. Photograph courtesy of the Australian National University.

Kambri under construction, c. 2018. Photograph courtesy of the Australian National University.

Kambri under construction, c. 2018. Photograph courtesy of the Australian National University.