ANU’s heritage-listed University House will reopen next week, more than six years after it was badly damaged in Canberra’s January 2020 hailstorm.

The restored building will officially reopen on Friday, August 14, ahead of a campus community day on August 15 marking the Australian National University’s 80th anniversary. The 2020 storm shattered the building’s roof, with subsequent rain causing extensive damage to its interior.

Opened by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 1954, University House has long served as a ceremonial and social centre for ANU staff, postgraduate students, visiting academics and the wider Canberra community. It includes the Great Hall, reception and dining facilities, a beer garden, 97 hotel rooms and accommodation for 60 postgraduate students.

University House master Professor Peter Kanowski said the restoration had sought to preserve the building’s Mid-Century Modern heritage while upgrading its facilities. The work included improved disability access and converting the building to fully electric operation.

Designed by Professor Brian Lewis, University House won the 1953 Sulman Medal for Architectural Merit and contains Fred Ward furniture and artworks by Arthur Boyd, John Brack, John Olsen and Clarice Beck. Its Great Hall features Leonard French’s mural, Regeneration.

Heritage architects Lovell Chen designed and oversaw the restoration, with construction undertaken by Hindmarsh Construction Australia.

News all day, every day at CityNewsQBN.com.au.