University of Tasmania: First look at completed $45.5m River’s Edge building at Inveresk
WATCH: The University of Tasmania’s $304m Northern Transformation project is continuing apace, with the official unveiling of the $45.5m River’s Edge building. Here’s your video tour.
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The University of Tasmania’s relocation of its Launceston campus from Newnham to Inveresk has reached another milestone with the official unveiling of the $45.5m River’s Edge building, hailed by Vice-Chancellor Rufus Black as a work of “architectural genius”.
Four-storey River’s Edge, the second major building completed at the Inveresk precinct as part of the Launceston City Deal’s $304m Northern Transformation project, is the new home of Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Education and Business.
According to the university, River’s Edge includes student counselling, accessibility and learning support, the Riawunna Centre for Aboriginal Education, a hub for students studying higher degrees by research, a recording studio, parenting room, and a plethora of classrooms and computer labs.
Professor Black described the Wardle Architects-designed building as a “beautifully crafted work of architectural genius.
“It’s a building that is extremely respectful of the rich context it lives on [and] celebrates Launceston, just as we do as a university,” he said.
Asked after his speech why Launceston’s campus relocation had been so warmly received while Hobart’s had been bogged down by protests, Professor Black took a philosophical view.
“When these plans actually began in Launceston, there was a wide range of skepticism and it was a real journey as the project unfolded and people explored what this could mean for the city,” he said.
“People have gone on that journey and they’ve seen what’s possible and as educational opportunities have expanded people are becoming extraordinarily excited about what this could offer.
“We have really not begun the journey in Hobart so we look forward to, as we reopen the Forestry building, people seeing the extraordinary opportunities that will create for people in the South, just as this one is creating for people in the North, to access the very best possible education and to see city renewal occurring just as is happening here.”
Premier Jeremy Rockliff, one of dozens of dignitaries in attendance, lauded the building’s green credentials and opportunities it provided for the state’s economic development.
“Alone, this construction project has supported about 500 jobs through local company Fairbrother and provided opportunity for 74 apprentices to gain the skills they need to succeed in the building industry,” he said.
“The River’s Edge building is a prime example of how Tasmanian timber and recycled materials is being used in sustainable building initiatives, as the industry in Tasmania continues to make this transition.
“The incorporation of world-leading hardwood cross-laminated timber, developed and manufactured by Tasmanian company Cusp Building Solutions, is a testament to Tasmania’s growing reputation as a global leader in design and manufacturing technology.”
The major outstanding works to complete the Northern Transformation project are:
– Refurbishment of the E.G. Stone Building to act as headquarters for over 300 professional staff.
– The Shed on Willis St, with a focus on health, nursing and science.
– A footbridge over Boland St and the North Esk River connecting The Shed to Inveresk.
– Redevelopment of the Architecture and Design building into the Workshop and Levee Studio, a creative hub with purpose-built studios for architecture and design, creative arts and media and information communication technology.
Community consultation on the future of the Newnham campus was completed in May, with a draft master plan to be shared prior to submission of a planning scheme amendment in September to the City of Launceston.
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Originally published as University of Tasmania: First look at completed $45.5m River’s Edge building at Inveresk
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