Developer David Marriner wants new training college saying training ‘failing miserably’

Prominent developer David Marriner, who is expanding his concrete factory built for the Bridgewater Bridge, has plans for a new training college. Read about his plans.

Architect James Loder from Wardle and developer David Marriner at the launch of Derwent Seventy 10. Picture: Linda Higginson

Developer David Marriner wants to build a world-class trade training college embracing renewable trades because he says training in Tasmania is “failing miserably”.

Mr Marriner turned the sod on the extension of his concrete precasting factory at Bridgewater on Friday which he is trebling in size and includes $28m in equipment to help build thousands of new houses.

“It’s by far the largest infrastructure set up to do if you like social housing infrastructure in Australia, and it actually will pioneer some of the environmental issues in the world,” he said.

“Our track record is pretty clear - what we did in two years is mind boggling - and that’s related to all the infrastructure provided to enable the bridge to be built.

“The most important thing is to see it has a future once the bridge finishes.

“We think Tasmania could be the lead in industrialising the art of building houses.”

Developer David Marriner talks to stakeholders at the launch of Derwent Seventy 10. Picture: Linda Higginson

Mr Marriner says his Derwent Seventy 10 vision has identified some 70 community benefits over a 10-year period for Tasmania including a new 650 student national training college for both traditional trades as well as renewable trades.

“I really believe we could be at the forefront of making a difference on training,” he said.

“It would bring us up in Tasmania to the same level that the mainland enjoys today.

“They’re enjoying some multiple infrastructures of training in a level that is hard for people to imagine, when we all know that our process currently, particularly in Tasmania, is failing miserably.

“You can look at the results. The failure rates in the training and secondary education levels are appalling. There’s no other way to explain it.

“I would like to think governments embrace and take forward some of the initiatives I raised with them some eight years ago and we invite those educators to get on board.”

Mr Marriner wants to establish the college next to the concrete factory but has been unable to secure land there so is considering it at Elwick or New Norfolk.

Brighton mayor Leigh Gray welcomed the expansion of the concrete factory and said he hoped the college could be built at Bridgewater.

“I’m excited at David’s vision to expand and to try to help us of the housing crisis with top quality, lower cost and highly energy efficient houses,” he said.

Architect James Loder of Wardle also outlined plans for Kensington Park at New Norfolk recently bought by Mr Marriner.

He said the masterplan included 250-300 houses and parks for community use.

Derwent Valley mayor Michelle Dracoulis said affordable housing was needed to keep people in Tasmania.

She said there was a lack of tradespeople and the cost of materials was holding back home building.

Originally published as Developer David Marriner wants new training college saying training ‘failing miserably’