Thyne-Reid Link Building

The Thyne Reid Link Building is Complete

The Thyne Reid Link Building was officially completed and handed over to the College in early February, just in time for the arrival of students for Semester 1. Despite the delays that the project faced with initial Council approvals, and then later with uncontrollable weather that arrived in March and April, the project was finished on time and also on budget! This is a wonderful achievement for the College, the Council and specifically the Major Works Committee, who have managed this project from beginning to end.

The brand new wing, which links the existing Thyne and Reid buildings, boasts 85 brand new bedrooms, many of which are ensuites, as well as 4 apartment style units that allow groups of 4-5 students to live and cook together. The Link building’s fully-equipped gym and studio space has been very popular with students, whilst a generous new common room space, kitchenette area, three tutorial spaces and four new music rooms (three of which contain pianos) are perfectly suited for study, rehearsals, and social activities. The new laundries and bathrooms next to the gym are both practical additions that enhance the functionality of the entire wing, and for that matter, the entire St Andrew’s campus. To say the College and current students were delighted with the final result when they arrived back to College in February, would be an understatement. As Senior Student, Jack Grant put it:

The TRL Project has been well worth the wait! Whether it is utilising the new study spaces, music rooms and gym, providing a social hub to connect with mates, or even just avoiding the wet weather when walking from Reid to the Dining Hall, the Link has already unlocked a new world of opportunities for the Students’ Club and the College going forward.

Indeed, there are many benefits to the new facilities contained in the building, as Ben Adams, the Students’ Club Treasurer explained:

The inclusion of self-contained apartments in the new Thyne Reid Link has been one of the most noticeable changes this year. Allowing four or five senior students to live in an apartment style accommodation has been a refreshing change to the residential experience at College. Although there was something special about the old gym across the oval, having a new, modern gym nestled in the basement of the Link has vastly improved the accessibility and practicality of exercising at Drew’s.

Maisie McFadyen, Alumni Secretary, had only good things to say about the new wing as well:

What I have loved most is the new gym found on the bottom floor. Equipped with state of the art equipment, it made fitting exercise into the day very easy and social! I know I also speak for the student body when I say that the new study spaces were very impressive, and made studying easy at the start of the semester. It created plenty of space for either silent study, more communal study sessions, or even musical rehearsals. The Thyne Reid Link has a homely and inclusive atmosphere and I know all students were enjoying the facilities whilst campus was open!

For many students, having such incredible facilities in such close proximity to their homes has had a huge impact on their overall College experience, as fourth-year student Harry Wright commented:

The new wing has enhanced my College experience more than ever before. Using the new study spaces, music rooms and gym which are integrated into the same area as my own room has benefited my own experience but made me feel a greater connection to other students in all other year groups.

Whilst the onset of COVID-19 has meant the College has been closed to visitors for the majority of Semester 1, we are very excited to show the building to the rest of our community when restrictions are lifted in the second half of the year. We invite all St Andrew’s students, alumni, parents, friends and supporters to join us at the Official Opening Ceremony, which will be celebrated when circumstances permit. Details of this special event will be circulated with our community as soon as is possible. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy the preview on the following pages.

Hannah Atwell

Director of Advancement

If you would like to contribute to the new building, there are a number of areas that require funding support and offer naming opportunities including bedrooms, music rooms, tutorial rooms and a public artwork. Please contact the Director of Advancement, Hannah Atwell via: E:advancement@standrewscollege.edu.au T: + 1 61 9565 7303

Thyne Reid Link Building – Complete & Open for Students

Above: The new fully-equipped gym and studio space. Below left: Looking into the gym from the stairs leading from the common room kitchen area. Below right: The spiral steel staircase linking the floors of the new buidling (there is also a lift).

Above: A new ensuite bedroom with a double bed, study space, built in wardrobe and ensuite bathroom. Below left: One of four new music rooms, this one featuring a grand piano. Below right: A new tutorial room, equipped with breakout spaces, whiteboards and screens.