Vignette 101: Hub Central

The creation of Hub Central transformed a barren space, Hughes Plaza, into a vibrant and humming open space where students can meet 24/7. 

The University had a vision to create the best on-campus experience in the Australian national tertiary sector. Hub Central, which opened in 2012, is at the heart of that vision and, quite appropriately, at the heart of the campus.

Student feedback was an essential part of its creation. In 2009, the project team embarked on a co-creative journey, which included more than 9,000 individual student hours of consultation and over 3,000 hours of staff involvement and discussion.

Students indicated that a sense of belonging to the University community contributes significantly to the on-campus experience. Hub Central clearly provides that connection.

Covering 10,500 m2, the three-level $42 million building is a meeting place that brings together informal learning and social spaces with student information services and retail outlets. It merges seamlessly with the Barr Smith Library and provides connections through to lecture theatres and across campus.

Significantly, Hub Central is an ever evolving space that will remain in touch with students’ wants and needs.

The University of Adelaide: 150 Years of Making History.  Providing a place. p.139