First look at Charles Darwin University’s Darwin CBD campus
The countdown is on for Charles Darwin University’s new campus to begin ‘breathing new life’ into the CBD as its shiny new facilities near completion. SEE THE PHOTOS.
Education
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The countdown is on for Charles Darwin University’s new campus to begin “breathing new life” into the CBD as its shiny new facilities near completion.
The Danala Education and Community Precinct will welcome its first students when CDU’s summer semester starts on November 18.
CDU Pro Vice Chancellor for the Faculty of Arts and Society Ruth Wallace is among the staff excited to set up shop at the new campus.
“I’m most excited about the student spaces – they’re just incredible,” Dr Wallace said.
The CBD campus is home to 20 classrooms, eight computer labs, and two cyber labs – as well as several meeting rooms, seminar rooms, one-button studios, voice-over booths, and online meeting rooms.
With almost half of CDU’s students opting for online learning according to the university’s last annual report, Dr Wallace said the focus on digital tools on campus will make the experience smoother.
For example, she said classrooms were fitted with screens around the room to boost educator’s visibility, and the ceilings were fitted with microphones and speakers.
“Our online students who are part of the class can actually participate, they can hear what’s going on really well,” Dr Wallace said.
Some of the building’s notable features include a moot court on level four – complete with the Darwin Supreme Court’s original tables – and the NT Library and Archives on level two.
Spacious and well-lit balconies adorn the building and overlook a 12m-tall boab tree planted in the late 1800s.
As of September 30, construction and furnishings for the new campus cost $224,588,165, with the federal government chipping in $97.3 million.
The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility loaned the university and $126.5 million for the project.
Of 1526 employees who helped throughout the campus’s development, 984 were employed by NT businesses and 173 were First Nations people.
CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman said he was proud of the NT community’s investment in the new campus over almost five years.
The project was led by DCOH and will be home to more than 15 courses when the summer semester starts.
“Danala is made for Territorians, by Territorians, and will ensure students are getting the education they deserve in a modern facility that suits Darwin,” Mr Bowman said.
“It is spacious, can handle the Territory’s unique weather and climate, and will support local events and entertainment in our community.
“I am grateful for the dedication of all contractors in bringing the campus to life.”
Education Minister Jo Hersey said the university’s new campus marked a milestone in Darwin’s history.
Mrs Hersey said it was “one of the most exciting projects this city has seen in a long time”.
“Students will enjoy a world-class educational experience, with pathways to meaningful careers, helping them settle in Darwin for the long term,” she said.
“This will not only increase the vibrancy of the city but drive increased retail activity for Darwin’s small businesses.”
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