In summary

  • Construction of Swinburne’s new Latelab and student hub will begin this month
  • Co-created with students, the new space will provide additional, secure study and collaboration space on campus
  • The project is part of Swinburne’s next gen_campus transformation, delivering  campuses for the future where we can learn, connect and innovate together. 

Construction of Swinburne University of Technology’s new Latelab and student hub will  begin this month.

Construction firm arete Australia has been appointed to overhaul the 27 John Street building at Swinburne’s Hawthorn campus and deliver the new 24/7 Latelab and student hub.

Works will take place throughout 2024 and is expected to be completed for students to use in Semester 1, 2025.

The new space, co-created with our student community and Koloff Architecture, will provide secure space for students to study and collaborate 24/7.

It is part of Swinburne’s next gen_campus transformation, a series of projects to deliver campuses for the future where we can learn, connect and innovate together. 

An artist impression of the rooftop terrace and kitchen in the new Latelab and student hub, which begins construction this month. Image: Kosloff Architecture.

Building a next gen Latelab and student hub

The team from arete Australia have been on campus from late February to prepare for construction to begin this month.

Construction fencing and scaffolding will be erected around the 27 John Street building this week, with construction work planned to commence on 18 March.

Swinburne Chief Operations Officer Nancy Collins said this is an exciting milestone, not only for for the next gen_campus transformation but for Swinburne’s commitment to sustainability.

“As an adaptive re-use project, we will be working with existing materials to reduce negative impacts on the environment and promote the health and comfort of our students in a way that improves building performance and amenity,” she said.

“Sustainability is not only a priority for us, but it is clearly top of mind for our students too. Through the co-creation process, our students spoke about the need to reduce consumption of non-renewable resources, lower waste and create a productive, healthy, and sustainable environment.”

Like any major construction project, Swinburne is  working to mitigate impacts and will share updates on our website, the Swinburne app, our social media, and via on campus signage.

An artist impression of the new Latelab and student hub, which begins construction this month. Image: Kosloff Architecture.

By students, for students

The new Latelab and student hub has been designed to meet the needs and expectations of our vocational and higher education students, directly informed by their views and suggestions in workshops, surveys, polls and on-campus pop ups throughout 2023.

Almost 9000 students, representing almost half our on-campus cohort, have had their say in our next gen_campus transformation, including the new Latelab and student hub.

Light, sound and layout were top of mind for students throughout the co-creation process, with insightful suggestions around how to leverage these elements to make the spaces feel welcoming for students.

In particular, there were plenty of ideas about how to segment quiet and collaborative spaces to ensure there were opportunities for a variety of uses in the building.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Education, Experience and Employability, Professor Laura-Anne Bull said the approach is being replicated in a variety of other programs and initiatives across Swinburne to elevate the student experience.

“The prominence of the new development is a physical representation of the central role the student voice will play in the future of university decision making at Swinburne,” she said.

“With our students’ help, we are creating a more connected next gen_experience that will enrich the education journey from enrolment to graduation.”

Unleash your creativity and win

In celebration of Swinburne’s next gen_campus transformation, we’re seeking artwork depicting collaboration, innovation and technology to decorate the construction fencing of the new Latelab and student hub throughout 2024.

Students will have the opportunity to win fantastic prizes across four categories:

  • Category 1: next gen_design award for most innovative artwork
    Prize: Apple MacBook 13.6" (One available)
  • Category 2: next gen_experience award for best showcase of life at Swinburne
    Prize: Apple AirPods (3rd generation) (Two available)
  • Category 3: next gen_collaboration award for best team entries
    Prize: $1000 in VISA gift cards shared between team members (Two available)
  • Category 4: next gen_artist award for all other artwork chosen to be displayed but not selected in the above categories
    Prize: next gen_campus gift pack including $100 VISA gift card, tote bag, memobottle, powerbank and other goodies!

Entries close at 5pm AEST on 12 April 2024. Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more information and to enter.

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