World looks to University of Tasmania’s inner-city shift

THE eyes of Australia and the world are on the University of Tasmania this week as part of discussions around higher education infrastructure and its transition to inner-city spaces.

University of Tasmania vice-chancellor Peter Rathjen on the 15th floor of the uni’s new student/lecturer accommodation in Melville St, Hobart. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

THE eyes of Australia and the world are on the University of Tasmania this week as part of discussions around higher education infrastructure and its transition to inner-city spaces.

The inaugural University of Tasmania Symposium is being held across the state this week, with discussions taking place at its Melville St accommodation building, Government House, Mona and at the North and North-West campuses.

Panel discussions surround the role of universities in communities, outlining the economic and social benefits of higher education and its related infrastructure for economies in transition.

It will also showcase some best practice examples presented by speakers from around Australia and overseas. Six vice-chancellors from Australian universities as well as representatives from the nation’s major university groups and the higher education sector will attend the symposium.

Also coming will be University of North Carolina system president Tom Ross.

University of Tasmania vice-chancellor Professor Peter Rathjen said he would discuss the $400 million STEM project set for the corner of Argyle and Melville streets in Hobart’s CBD, as well as its Melville St accommodation building and “The Hedberg” performing arts project on Campbell St.

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

Delegations also will travel to the Launceston and Burnie campuses to discuss the university’s regional projects, including the Inveresk and West Park campus proposals.

Prof Rathjen said the university had never held a symposium on this scale before.

“I think it’s fair to say the eyes of the world are upon us,” he said.

Prof Rathjen said the symposium would illustrate to other institutions what UTAS was doing and how those models could be applied globally.

“Some of it will be directly extrapolated into other communities, other bits won’t make so much sense if you’re in New York,” he said.

Prof Rathjen said there was interest in how universities used higher education to improve socio-economic conditions.

“What we’re doing in Tasmanian higher education, and also in terms of revitalising cities, is unique in Australia and you can see it because it’s attracting a lot of federal and state funding,” he said.

Prof Peter Rathjen outside the new student/lecturer accommodation in Melville St. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

Prof Rathjen said cranes were about to be erected on the site of “The Hedberg” project next to the Theatre Royal on Campbell St, with work to commence soon. Completion is expected early nex year.

The $96 million project will comprise improvements to the Theatre Royal, and a new University Conservatorium of Music, performance venues, public spaces and an international research institute.