What pops up, must pop down

Posted on 25 September, 2018

First we bid adieu to Westside Acton Park, then to The Hamlet, and now, the ANU Pop-Up Reunion Village is set to close its metaphorical doors in January 2019.

In July 2017, the Village popped up as a temporary solution between the closing of Union Court and the establishment of the ANU’s new permanent development, Kambri, in early 2019.

“The initial brief was to activate the space in a way that was fantastic for students but also brought the rest of Canberra into the University,” explains Lavanna Neal, Place Manager for the Pop-Up Village.

“We wanted to encourage Canberra to visit the Pop-Up for the numerous events & amazing food available, so that when Kambri (the new precinct on the site of the old Union Court) does open, that vibrant life and culture that has been created here can just slide down the hill.”

In the 14 months since opening, the Pop-Up has well and truly surpassed that brief, instituting itself as the much-loved dynamic social heart of the campus. Not to mention, a destination known for its live music and a line-up of events that caters to a range of interests and audiences from well beyond the University.

Image by 5 Foot Photography

The variety of events and the crowds that they bring through the doors is staggering. Of course, there’s the fun parties that see students descend on the Village—but there’s also Politics in the Pub, HerCanberra ACTIVE Day, the Village Markets, Geoff Page’s monthly Jazz in Concert, University music society UniVibes hosting weekly DJ sets, comedy nights, art exhibitions, trivia nights- even a childs’ first birthday party (it was Bananas in Pyjamas-themed, in case you were wondering). Plus, with Yours and Owls managing music bookings, the Pop-Up plays host to touring music acts ranging from Boo Seeka to the upcoming 20 year anniversary show for The SuperJesus.

“The Jazz concerts are a completely different group of people” says Lavanna. “The average age is probably mid-60’s. They all come and have dinner and a glass of wine, and listen to some jazz.

“It’s a different demographic, certainly than what we have during the day, and a real contrast to the late night student events that’s for sure! ” says Lavanna.

And then there’s the food.

There are a whopping 15 food vendors to choose from, sprawled across the sunny deck and into the Village Hall. At a time when street food has become more popular than ever before, students and city workers have been lured into the village by the aromas of everything from Momo’s juicy Tibetan dumplings to Tikka Stand’s fragrant chicken, Brod’s fries and flame-grilled burgers to Mr Papa’s Peruvian sandwiches.

Image by 5 Foot Photography

“I don’t think anyone anticipated just how popular it would be” says Lavanna.

“In the first two weeks, everyone was running out of food. No one realised that it wasn’t just the students who would embrace it, but the people who work on Childers Street, the public servants, and the people who live and work in the surrounds.”

Not only has the Pop-Up provided a welcome selection of delicious foods to the Canberra public, it’s also given food vendors a chance to operate their business on a more regular basis.

“For a lot of the vendors it’s the first time they’ve really had a big trade. Mikebabz, for example, went from a couple of big days at markets and festivals, to taking leave of his public service job and being here seven days a week.”

In a space with so many food vendors, you’d be forgiven for thinking that there’d be a level of competitiveness among traders. Refreshingly, the Pop-Up has experienced just the opposite.

“You often see the owners of some of the businesses having beers together on a Friday afternoon” says Lavanna.

“There’s a real sense of community and friendship, and I think everyone will miss that.”

It’s not over just yet though—whether you’re yet to experience the Pop-Up or you’ve become a regular, you can get your fix over the coming months.

“While the Pop-Up is still running, from November through to the end of December, there really won’t be many students around, so it’s a good time for anyone who wants to come and get that last taste of the hundreds of things you can eat here,” says Lavanna.

Whether you choose to sit under one of the umbrellas on the deck, enjoying live music with friends, or get a lunch with colleagues and congregate at one of the many workspaces in the communal Club, there’s plenty of time to experience all that the Pop-Up has to offer.

“Come grab a bite before it’s all gone,” says Lavanna. “Then we’ll see what happens next.”

The essentials
What: ANU Pop-Up Reunion Village
Where: Australian National University
When: Open Monday – Saturday until the end of January 2019
Details: pop-up.anu.edu.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/popupanu