Funding deal 'good news' for University relocation
Published on 16 January 2018
A new University of Tasmania Inner City Campus is now one step closer to fruition following the signing of the funding deed by the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull today.
City of Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said that the transfer of $130 million from the federal government was a crucial step in realising what will be a once-in-a-generation project for the city.
"The benefits of bringing thousands of students into the CBD will help reinvigorate the city, with many flow-on effects for the Northern economy from a $260 million project of this nature," Mayor van Zetten said.
"The project will have a massive, $1.1 billion economic direct and indirect output through the construction phase, and seeks to fundamentally address the poor educational attainment levels Northern Tasmania is currently burdened by.
"The new campus at Inveresk and Willis Street will provide comprehensive Associate Degree and Degree course offerings, tailored to suit the needs of Northern Tasmanian students, and indeed students from across the globe.
"As a Council, we certainly look forward to work starting on this project following today's funding release by the Prime Minister."
Mayor van Zetten said as the project moves forward, the Council will continue to work collaboratively with all stakeholders.
"As a Council, we have achieved a great deal already towards realising this project, from master planning and community consultation, through to work on traffic and parking strategies, land transfers as well as the relocation of the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania," Mayor van Zetten said.
"The Council and its officers will continue to work with due diligence with the University of Tasmania and its design team as we move into the next phase of the project."
The Inner City Campus project is an essential aspect of the Launceston City Deal and positions Launceston to become one of Australia’s most liveable and innovative regional cities within the next five years.