University of Tasmania STEM centre key to push for Hobart City Deal

THE University of Tasmania’s science, technology, engineering and maths research proposal could be the basis of the push for a City Deal for Hobart.

An artist’s impression of the proposed UTAS STEM precinct for the corner of Argyle and Melville streets.

THE University of Tasmania’s science, technology, engineering and maths research proposal could be the basis of the push for a City Deal for Hobart.

At Monday’s full council meeting, Aldermen Philip Cocker moved a motion for an urgent report from council staff to provide support for the $400 million project to be the basis of a City Deal for Hobart.

The STEM project is one of a number of developments that have been identified as potential top priorities for any City Deal, along with a 2500-3000 seat conference centre at Macquarie Point, removing water and sewerage facilities from Macquarie Point and a northern suburbs light rail.

But because of its potential to improve educational outcomes in the state, Ald Cocker said the STEM project should be the jewel in Hobart’s City Deal crown.

“I think in a way we need to unite behind one project and the message from the Federal Government seems to be along those lines,” Ald Cocker said.

“There’s a lot of other projects touted as part of a City Deal but I believe this one is the transformative one.

“And I believe if we get the STEM project then the other projects will come.”

Involving the shifting of UTAS’ science, technology, engineering and mathes research and teaching functions to a 23,000 sq m site on the corner of Argyle and Melville streets, the STEM project has received endorsement from Infrastructure Australia and praise from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Ald Cocker said the STEM project had unbelievable potential for Tasmania.

“It will create a whole culture around Hobart and Tasmania,” he said.

“I think we will change, I think it will inspire education at the forefront of everything we do. I think it’s impact will be fantastic for Tasmania.”