Ian Potter House, the headquarters of the Fellows and staff of the Australian Academy of Science, has officially reopened 989 days after it was extensively damaged during Canberra’s 2020 hailstorm.
It was officially reopened by Academy President, Professor Chennupati Jagadish and Ngunnawal Elder and leader, Aunty Violet Sheridan, following a smoking ceremony.
The opening was attended by Fellows of the Academy and staff, as well as Alicia Payne MP, the Federal Member for Canberra.
Following the , the Academy undertook and restoration to improve the building’s accessibility, reduce its environmental footprint and preserve the heritage values of the building, its courtyards and gardens for future generations of Canberrans.
“Ian Potter House has been enhanced to showcase original features such as fireplaces and original ceilings where possible, whilst upgraded to provide a modern and flexible working space that is accessible, sustainable and energy efficient,” Professor Jagadish said in his opening address.
“We hope to have created a beautiful, inspiring, accessible and sustainable home for the Australian Academy of Science, its Fellows and staff.”
Academy of Science Chief Executive, Anna-Maria Arabia, welcomed back Fellows and staff and thanked them for their patience and resilience over this disruptive period.
“I am incredibly proud that we have been able to refurbish Ian Potter House, and to restore a building that holds a special place in Australia’s history and that will contribute to our future,” Ms Arabia said.
A rich history
Built as part of the Federal Capital Commission’s building program for the transfer of public servants to Canberra in 1927, the building now known as Ian Potter House represents an early phase in Canberra’s developing social and cultural history.
The Australian Academy of Science took possession of the site in 1985 and, following refurbishment in 1986-87, gave the building its current name in recognition of philanthropist and Academy Fellow, .
The modern restoration received a generous donation from the , contributing $500,000 to the works.
“Sir Ian and the Foundation have a long history of association with the Academy and with Ian Potter House,” Craig Connelly, CEO of the Ian Potter Foundation, said at the opening.
“The Foundation’s support of the refurbishments of Ian Potter House was a no-brainer.”
As a significant example of the Inter-War Georgian Revival style of architecture, Ian Potter House was entered in the ACT Heritage Register in 1998.
The building, including its courtyards, grounds and wisteria plants which grow over the entrance, are to be conserved and maintained in a manner consistent with its heritage significance.
