A city-centric campus expected to cost $600 million is the future for the University of Tasmania in Hobart.
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The decision on what to do with its Sandy Bay campus was decided at the meeting of the University Council in Burnie on Friday.
UTAS vice chancellor Rufus Black said the new model would be developed over the next 10 to 15 years and will see the majority of UTAS' services moved to various locations in Hobart's CBD.
The news is a logical next phase to expand on its already existing plans to move Launceston's Newnham campus to Inveresk and its Cradle Coast campus to West Park.
An anticipated development application for Inveresk is expected after UTAS missed its December deadline.
"We have today decided on a long-term strategic direction which will build on and consolidate a general shift of the gravity of our campus to the city.
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"This will be a long, thorough and deliberative process. We will consult carefully along the way to produce a campus which is a source of great pride for both our University community and the people of greater Hobart," UTAS chancellor Michael Field said.
The next steps for UTAS will be "carefully considered as the university sets about designing a campus that meets the needs of staff and the 21st century student and improves access to education."
Key features of the decision include:
- The development of an inner-city campus that runs from the original home of the University at the Domain, along Melville Street.
- The campus will be anchored with a central library and public square - the heart of the University - on the former Webster building and carpark. Overall, the campus project is expected to cost about $600 million.
- UTAS will act as steward for the existing Sandy Bay campus land into the future, knowing that it has an important part to play in the life and future of our city.
- The entity will be responsible for managing the existing campus land in line with institutional values and mindful of the amenity of Sandy Bay and Taroona.
Staff and students were consulted about the two options and they have been discussed with government and civic leaders.
Professor Black thanked those who had engaged with the process.
"Many people have deep connections to Sandy Bay, its history as a place of learning, and its connection to green spaces, the river and mountain," Professor Black said.
"Others see great promise in an inner-city campus in how it will provide better access, be more inclusive and more sustainable for the future.
"We need to capture the themes that everyone has identified as important and ensure they guide us as we develop the new campus over the next decade or more."
UTAS will now undertake a process of consultation to inform detailed master planning and building design.
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