New trades training centre planned for CDU

Future tradies could soon be learning their craft at a state-of-the-art complex at CDU. Read what’s planned.

Charles Darwin University has lodged plans to build a new state-of-the-art trade training centre at its Brinkin campus.

If approved the 2400 sqm centre will include a large two-storey workshop building consisting of a ground-level assembly area and workshop space, heavy equipment precinct, an industrial sand pit, an upper-level with additional classrooms, staff offices and two-storey carpark.

The development is zoned community purpose and the far corner of the proposed construction site is in a storm surge zone.

Charles Darwin University reopened its TAFE college this year to grow the NT’s skills base ahead of a number of major projects tipped to begin in coming years.

The development application said the centre would provide much needed space and facilities and improve the site.

It says the design is energy efficient and focused on enhancing amenity and the environmental.

CDU proposed trade training centre.

CDU property and facilities director Tom Lacey said the application reflected the university’s strong focus on upskilling the NT.

“The new facility will accommodate the increase in growth of Charles Darwin University TAFE, particularly in our trades courses, while invigorating and modernising teaching facilities,” he said.

“Some of the existing facilities are approximately 40 years old and in need of renewal.

“The training facility will be part of the university’s expanded CDU TAFE program. Initially we will be using this space to train in carpentry and roof plumbing, but there is capacity to teach a number of different trade courses here.”

Last week CDU’s new city campus reached a construction milestone, with students expected to begin attending classes in second semester next year.

Charles Darwin University vice-chancellor professor Scott Bowman Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Speaking at a topping out ceremony held to mark the event last Thursday, CDU vice chancellor Professor Scott Bowman said despite its new CBD presence, Casuarina Campus was still central to the university.

He said CDU was reconsidering the future of its Waterfront facility.

CDU proposed trade training centre

“Casuarina is really important to us,” he said “We’re a university and a TAFE, so a lot of the work we do out there is big construction work, carpentry, boiler-making, heavy automotive work which doesn’t fit well into the city.

“A lot of our research laboratories are out at Casuarina, all our water monitoring gear, so to move that is very expensive so Casuarina is here to stay, although we’ve got to look at the Waterfront and we’re looking for the options around that.

“We are of and for the Territory, so we’ve got keep a presence in Alice Springs, Katherine and Palmerston, we’ve restarted our operation in Nhulunbuy

When the new CDU campus opens, it will include the Northern Territory Library, the CDU art gallery and potentially a science knowledge interpretation unit in the campus.

“This is the new model for universities,” Professor Bowman said.

“It’s actually not being in an ivory tower looking down at the community. You’re part of the community and people coming in here and events are coming in.”