University of Tasmania unveils designs, plans for staged build of expanded Inveresk campus

Big-picture plans to reinvigorate state’s northern capital as a centre of tertiary learning have been released by the University of Tasmania.

An artist’s impressin of the new library and student experience building at UTAS’ Inveresk campus. Picture: SUPPLIED

THE University of Tasmania has unveiled updated plans for its new Launceston campus at Inveresk, including designs for the first of the new buildings.

The $350 million campus will be developed in three stages, with construction on the Library and Student Experience building expected to start in the first half of next year, with the building ready for students by the end of 2021.

The first stage will also include a new footbridge across the North Esk River.

UTAS vice-chancellor Rufus Black said the designs for the library and student experience building were well advanced with a development application due to be submitted by the end of the month.

How the new library and student experience building at UTAS’ Inveresk campus will look. Picture: SUPPLIED

“This is a thoughtfully designed building that will nest within the existing buildings and rooflines of Inveresk,” Prof Black said.

“It speaks to and respects the industrial heritage around it through its form and materials, but it is a thoroughly modern and exciting building that will serve the needs of today’s students and those of tomorrow.

“As we promised, this is also a contemporary timber building. It uses engineered timbers for its three-storey structure and throughout the internal fit out. It will be a living demonstration of how we can use timber to construct large buildings in Tasmania.”

The university said all buildings at the new campus were being designed in line with projected flood levels for 2090.

Stage two of construction involves a new learning and teaching building, expected to be completed by early 2023.

The health, science and research building — to house the Launceston Institute for Applied Science and Design — will be built in the third stage and is expected to be completed by early 2024.

Updated precinct plan for the UTAS Inveresk campus. Picture: SUPPLIED

Existing university buildings will also be renovated.

Student accommodation on the campus — including clusters of townhouse-style homes — and in the CBD will be funded in partnership with the private sector with an estimated investment of $54 million.

“We are building a distinctive and vibrant campus that will connect the City and Inveresk and enhance Inveresk as an important social, cultural, educational and sporting precinct for the whole community,” Prof Black said.

[e-mail]