Union House

Rejuvenation of this iconic building will help reinstate the original purpose of Union House and enable it to operate as a modern and unique venue for events, meetings, clubs and a range of university services. 

    Union House and the Cloisters from Victoria Drive

    Project details

    The redevelopment will align with the Union House Masterplan, creating five distinct zones:

    • Campus amenity - level 1
    • Social zone - levels 2 and 3
    • Student zone - level 4
    • UoA community zone - level 5
    • Function zone - level 6. 

    Previously hidden spaces in the Brutalist-style building are being reopened and updated to let in the light via new windows. A number of lost architectural elements are being reinstated, including cross-building pathways via the network of balconies, and more rooms are being created and made available for booking by students, staff and alumni. 

      Current works

      The current phase of the project includes the development of:

      • Multi-use student spaces for meetings, events and study, including kitchens, lounges, storage and specialist Club rooms on level 4.
      • A contemporary café/restaurant for staff, alumni and the wider community on level 5.
      • Bookable function rooms on level 5.
      • A private dining area for senior executives on level 5.
      • An upgraded bookable function space on level 6 (Rumours). 
      • Upgraded and new amenities throughout the building.
      • All-gender and accessible bathrooms, and a parenting room on the ground floor. 

      Expected completion of this phase is late-2024.

      Project team

      • Tony Perrin, James Rivett, Sonja Graetz, Lotte Symonds, Vicki Jacobs, Kendra Backstrom, Kon Corolis, Phillipa Schliebs 
      • Project Manager, tony.perrin@adelaide.com.au

      Gallery of current works

      Progress

      The multi-stage project began in 2018 and has included:

      • Relocation of the UniBar and refresh of the Cloisters (completed in February 2019).
      • Upgrade to the Lady Symon building, which saw the addition of a beautiful new exercise studio, change facilities and E-Sport room (completed in mid-2021). 
      • Restoration of the Old Bookshop in George Murray, with the addition of towering windows and thoroughfares through to the Barr Smith Lawns and Cloisters, and creation of an undercover plaza for events (completed in February 2023).
      • An expanded and upgraded Fitness Hub on level 4. (completed in May 2024)