Launceston City Council set to transfer land to University of Tasmania

The university plans to establish an inner city Northern campus across the two sites, which cover about 11,500 metres squared and 9,400 metres squared respectively. If the recommendation is approved as written in the council meeting agenda, the contract of sale will include four main conditions.

First, that the development process meets commitments made by the University in a letter signed by Vice-Chancellor Peter Rathjen in November, 2015. 

The letter includes specific details about roadworks, the proposed pedestrian bridge, water and sewage works, economic impact figures, car parking, development options for the Newnham campus, and the university’s commercial activities. 

A second condition of sale could see UTAS liable to pay the council an amount representing the value of the land if the site ceases to be used for educational purposes or if the relocation is not complete within five years from the date a development is approved. The council would also ensure that development and operations on the land were undertaken in a manner consistent with the shared objectives agreed between the University and the Tasmanian Government in September.

Finally, that prior to lodgement of applications for planning and building approvals, UTAS and the council partake in good faith discussion on major design elements such as sitting, visual appearance, materials and colours. ​The decision to sign off on the title transfer would be a milestone in the redevelopment project, and comes three days after UTAS and the City of Launceston announced a sponsorship deal to rename Aurora Stadium.

UTAS provost professor Mike Calford said the university could not survive solely on Tasmanian student numbers and would like to increase the number of interstate students choosing to study in Launceston.

“Getting our name well known and well understood early on with potential students interstate is a great marketing outcome for us,” he said. “We’re working hand in hand with Launceston City Council in many ways as we bring about a transformation of education in the North of the state and it’s wonderful to be able to put our name up early on this site.”