$260m UTAS project officially launched following sod turning ceremony

Construction of three new University of Tasmania campus buildings is officially underway.

CONSTRUCTION of three new University of Tasmania campus buildings is officially underway following sod turning ceremony in Launceston this morning.

Federal Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Minister Alan Tudge has launched the $260 million project at the University’s Inveresk campus, which will see the three campus buildings and a footbridge across the North Esk River completed by 2024.

Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten (left) with Federal Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Minister Alan Tudge at the launch of a $260 million University of Tasmania Inveresk campus project. Picture: BRUCE MOUNSTER

Private investors are also expected to contribute an additional $54 million for the construction of two student accommodation blocks.

“By 2024 Inveresk will be a vibrant precinct in Launceston providing a unique lifestyle and experience for students, staff and the community in a place of inspiration,” UTAS vice chancellor Rufus Black said.

MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS TO BOOST TASMANIA

The buildings will be constructed one-at-a-time to provide a constant workload for local construction workers over an extended period.

The building started today will house a library and student services. Construction of the footbridge will get underway in two weeks, for completion by the end of next year.

The plan, to shift most of the university’s northern operations from the Newnham campus to Inveresk just outside Launceston’s CBD, was conceived four years ago.

The Federal Government is providing about half of the funding.

UTAS UNVEILS DESIGNS, PLANS FOR STAGED BUILD OF INVERESK CAMPUS