The University of Tasmania’s redevelopment of a new mega-campus in Launceston has been provided with a $130 million funding boost by the Turnbull government.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has delivered on the federal government’s promise to help fund Launceston’s largest ever infrastructure investment, signing on the dotted line on Tuesday.
The Prime Minister committed $130 million in federal money to help get the $260 million project off the ground.
City of Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the new campus at Inveresk and Willis Street will provide associate degree and degree course offerings, tailored to suit the needs of both domestic and international students.
[Related reading: UTAS Unveils Largest Infrastructure Investment in Launceston's History]
"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 Tasmanian Government said in 2017 that it would accompany the sizeable federal contribution with its own $65 million investment.
The university’s redevelopment will include a new precinct featuring modern, fit-for-purpose teaching and learning spaces, high-tech research facilities and a community-driven design of space fit to accommodate 16,000 students, researchers and staff.
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 university redevelopment is part of the Launceston City Deal, which has also outlined commitments like implement the Greater Launceston Metropolitan Passenger Transport Plan and establishing a new Australian Army cadet facility in the northern suburbs.
