SOON, some time in August, the public will get the opportunity to see what the University of Tasmania has planned for Inveresk.
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It is not known when the university began planning such a move.
You can assume that the idea has been in the pipeline for some time; a long time before the federal government's decision and subsequent attempts to deregulate.
In 2011 the idea to build federally funded university accommodation at Inveresk was floated and the following year the land was sold by the Launceston City Council.
In September 2014 this paper revealed that the university planned to move the campus to Inveresk.
In December that same year it came to light that a $400 million federal deal was being discussed, which included $190 million for development at Inveresk, $121 million for restructuring and $25 million for online expansion.
An official revelation from the state government came in May this year with a funding commitment for early construction of university infrastructure.
The next day a Memorandum of Understanding was released stating that confidential discussions would take place between government, TasTAFE, the Launceston City Council and the University of Tasmania about moving the university.
Specifically they would include discussions about:
● Moving to a new site, with a preference for Inveresk, and expanding existing programs maybe including nursing, business and education programs.
● Expanding into associate degree courses, delivered at new site including Aged Care, Allied Health, Agriculture and LEAN Business.
● Developing a master plan for the new campus site, to include repurposing of any existing buildings and the development of new educational facilities.
● Provision of firm concept plans of the University's proposals at Inveresk on or before August 31 2015.
● Identifying purposeful uses for the Newnham Campus.
● A collaborative approach with TasTAFE for post school education delivery in the North.
● Moving TasTAFE from Wellington Street.
● Approaching federal government for funding.
Key stakeholders in Launceston and Inveresk have been briefed on the possible areas new infrastructure will be built.
The public still waits to hear of the plans and also wonders what education opportunities will remain in the North.
It is understood that the university's business faculty currently located at Newnham is looking for new premises in the CBD, it has been said the school of visual and performing arts located at Inveresk will remain in some form, while it is also understood that the Big Picture City Campus will need to move from Inveresk once plans are finalised.
A very informal poll attached to an online Examiner story asked where the university should develop a city campus; next to Aurora Stadium, at the Inveresk car park, at Cimitiere Street car park, Willis Street, or "other"?
Of the 277 votes, 178 people ticked other and presumingly they were voting for the non-included option of Newnham.
Comments on an Examiner Facebook link also showed a majority of people against the move.
This is not to say that the move has no support; many agree it is a good thing.
New infrastructure is definitely a boon for Launceston and increasing the movement of people into and out of the CBD area would benefit the often very quiet city.
The public can understand that dead money in the millions spent on fixing and upgrading ageing infrastructure at Newnham would not be ideal.
It can also see that the Northern campus should not turn down federal and state funding thrown its way.
What the public might have an issue with is the way in which the university is attempting to garner support.
