What is contained inside the University of Tasmania’s $260 million relocation must be explored, the Launceston Chamber of Commerce believes.
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While the focus has been on the construction of the university, chamber chief executive Neil Grose said the city must stay focused on opportunities after the build is complete.
This week Mr Grose called for the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics – scattered across the state – to be based in Launceston.
He said the city’s leaders and the university should be thinking about how to capitalise on a clean slate inside the university’s buildings.
“There may well be some of that long-term work being done,” he said.
“But I don’t think anyone is really aware of it.
“We need to discuss what goes into those buildings.
“We probably need to think about where TAFE can fit out there at some stage.”
Mr Grose envisaged TAFE could provide a “feeder environment” with entry-level qualifications that could facilitate future study for degrees at university.
“Business school is one key way we can attract high-quality students,” he said.
“Long term what we need to see for the university is a range of core subjects and disciplines that play to our natural strengths,” he said.
Mr Grose said subjects relating to advanced forestry, fermentation for dairy and brewing, advanced agriculture and advanced food science would increase economic opportunity in Northern Tasmania.
“There are a lot of other industries in the north that would be beneficial to the community,” he said.
Mr Grose said the community should be thinking “about what our outputs are” during this fluid state ahead of the project’s construction.
He said the University of Tasmania’s science centre on Willis Street was a good start, but it was the type of science inside that should boost the region.
“There’s also a lot of discussion about how the north could accommodate defence into that tertiary space,” he added.
“Defence is everything from meals to missiles – and there’s an awful lot in the middle.”
The chamber chief also spoke of the need for a stronger arts presence in Launceston to increase culture in the area and make it “one of the great regional cities of the world”.
Development applications for the University of Tasmania’s relocation are expected to be progressed next year.