Scotch College

Long-term benefits from Arthur Rob makeover

Short-term inconvenience has led to long-term gains in a major refurbishment of Arthur Robinson House.

Words: DAVID ASHTON Photography: Kathryn Cairney

A 17-month major refurbishment project at Arthur Robinson House was completed late last year, meaning that all three Scotch boarding houses have now had recent thorough makeovers.

The works at Arthur Robinson House have delivered important benefits to the 54 boarders and house staff. The building, dating from 1936, has now been completely modernised, with renovations including compete refits of the bathrooms and toilets, new bedroom furniture, installation of a new heating system and new carpet and plumbing fitted throughout.

Year 7 to 10 boarders are now accommodated in four-bed dormitories. The Year 11 students are housed in two-bed rooms and Year 12s have individual rooms.

Head of Arthur Robinson House Chris Braithwaite says social interaction is vital. ‘We are very strong believers in the benefits which flow from interactions between boys, and the new layout offers many exciting possibilities.’

Refurbishment benefits are many and varied, and include much improved and bigger recreational and leisure areas for all Arthur Rob boarders. Major features include a new:

• Year 12 common room
• music room
• tutorial room
• home theatre in the basement, complete with projector TV and cable television
• box room for storage of boarders’ luggage
• interior bike storage area
• ladies’ toilet
• fire prevention system.

Fibre optic cables have been installed extensively throughout Arthur Rob, for present and future IT use. All boarders have the internet available at their desks.

Staff amenities have also been refurbished, with larger, more modern flats constructed on the western side of the building

Chris Braithwaite praised the supportive attitude of the boarders during the refurbishment. ‘I was very happy with the boys’ cooperative attitude during a period of some inconvenience for them. Morale was good, and study patterns were maintained at required levels. Everyone realised it was a time of temporary inconvenience for ultimate gain.’

Year 12 student Alex Williamson, Captain of Arthur Rob and Vice-Captain of the School, is the youngest of three brothers who have all been through Arthur Rob. His eldest brother, Andrew, began there in 1994. Alex says: ‘The facilities were pretty ordinary in those days. There is now a far more comfortable and enjoyable working environment for the boys to achieve to their full potential.’

Parents have responded just as positively. Jill Heinz, mother of the Captain of the Hill, Chris (‘Critter’) Heinz, says: ‘It is now a much more comfortable place for the boys, with improvements in their living, recreational and bathroom facilities. The single rooms for the Year 12 boys are great, and I am so pleased that Critter has had the chance to have his final year in the new house.’ GS