Facelift for ANU School of Music reception

The ANU School of Music building will undergo a $1 million refurbishment to its reception area in a move that will make Llewellyn Hall an even better destination for arts and performances in Canberra.

The funding approval, through the University’s Facilities and Services Division, will see the building’s old library space, adjacent to the current reception, transformed into a new multipurpose reception and functions space with a new box office and cloak room. The upgrades will also include improved foyer access.

The ground floor upgrade completes renovations to the building, which began in 2009 with the reopening of the refurbished Llewellyn Hall concert space. 

Head of the ANU School of Music, Professor Peter Tregear, said he had been keen to take advantage of the consolidation of the Art and Music libraries in early 2012, and this outcome is a significant win for the School and the wider community.

“The School of Music and Llewellyn Hall is a tremendous community facility, but it is almost forty years old.

“It has been a central ambition of mine to help improve its amenity to the general public,” he said.

Professor Tregear said the new design of Llewellyn Hall’s main entrance will be more agreeable for students, staff or members of the public who use the facilities.  

“Now, alongside our marvellous café Biginelli and the recent addition of the Wig & Pen, it will be an especially attractive place to visit, whether one is attending a concert, buying a ticket, or studying.

“We envisage the School of Music becoming the centrepiece of cultural activity stretching across the ANU campus as well as from Garema Place to New Acton,” he said.

Llewellyn Hall hosted 194 events in 2014 that attracted a total of 97,544 patrons.

It’s hoped the improvements will be ready before the School’s 50th anniversary celebration weekend in September 2015.