Geelong’s iconic T&G building has a new lease on life as student accommodation following an official opening on Monday.
The city’s famous father and son bell ringers, Dad and Dave, will return after extensive renovation works transformed the heritage site into units for 33 students.
Deakin University vice-chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander said she was delighted Geelong would again hear the sounds of the clock.
“Just as Dad and Dave were the brainchild of T&G managing director Peter Thompson, who wanted to symbolise a father handing over responsibility to the next generation, we feel honoured to hand this building over to students who will be the next generation of medical and nursing professionals,” Professor den Hollander said.
“Just standing outside this building and seeing its beautifully-restored facade invokes inspiration, and now inside its walls will live those who will help make a difference to our city in the decades to come.
“Deakin is proud to be able to invest in projects that are for the good of the communities we serve and I can’t think of a better example of that than the T&G building.”
Deakin University invested $7.1 million into the redevelopment, on top of the purchase price, after buying it in 2014.
The project was funded by the Federal Government’s $2.65 million through the National Rental Affordability Scheme and $850,000 from the State Government’s Geelong Advancement Fund.
The redevelopment is the result of the vision of Peter Woolard of Studio 101 Architects and architect John Elsworthy.
The addition of the T&G accommodation takes the capacity of Deakin University’s Geelong student housing to 831 units.
“By bringing more people to live in the heart of the CBD, this grand old T&G building will continue as a Geelong icon, playing its part in ensuring Geelong has an exciting, culturally vibrant and thriving community,” Professor den Hollander said.
She said the number of students studying at Deakin’s Waterfront campus had grown to 4500, up from 2500 in 2011.
