The central aim of this project is to redevelop the MacFarland Building as a facility for learning and information access to support the College's vision for learning at Ormond. Integrating academic, library and IT functions in this new Academic Centre will make a major contribution towards achieving our vision.

Whilst the exterior of the MacFarland Building will not alter, the planned changes for the interior of the building, the structure and functionality of the new Academic Centre will be significant. The MacFarland Building will be completely redeveloped into a first-rate Academic Centre that:

• supports our core value of learning
• provides an academic heart and hub to the College
• encompasses a Library, IT, information access, tutorial and seminar rooms, staffing to support the academic program, and less formal spaces for group work, discussion and social interaction
• provides innovative, integrated technology to enable students to work anywhere, any time

Members of the Ormond community are welcome to contact or visit the College to be updated on this exciting project (T: 61 3 9344 1249). An update for 2009 on the Academic Centre may be downloaded. The commencement date of work on the Academic Centre is dependent on the level of support from the Ormond community - it is hoped to start late in 2009.

Ormond's challenge now is to work with its community to raise the funds through a capital campaign to create this vibrant and active learning centre that enhances the learning environment for all our residents.