Due to dissatisfaction – particularly from students of the old VCA – with the structural changes imposed by the university, in November 2009 former Telstra CEO Ziggy Switkowski was appointed to chair a review.

A number of his recommendations were adopted, resulting in the resignation of the inaugural dean,[5] abandonment of the previous push for full amalgamation, the creation of a divisional structure with a more centralised administration and two relatively distinct teaching entities at the Parkville and Southbank campuses,[6] and a change in the title of the head of the two divisions to Director.

Symbolically as well as in practice, the central place of instrumental tuition at the Faculty was removed to the new VCA and replaced with a more academic syllabus.

In September, Warren Bebbington was appointed to the vacant Ormond Chair and, at the urging of staff on both sides, worked to reverse the amalgamation, which was effected in 1994.

The move was also part of a larger initiative by the Victorian Government (who also contributed funding towards the project) to completely renovate the Southbank Arts Precinct.