River’s Edge building opens at UTAS Inveresk campus

About 1,500 students and staff from Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, and Education have now transitioned to the new River’s Edge building located at the University of Tasmania’s (UTAS) Inveresk campus in Launceston.

 

The River’s Edge building is the second of three new buildings to be built as part of the $304 million UTAS Inveresk Relocation and Transformation Project.

 

Spanning four storeys, with spectacular views over the North Esk river, the River’s Edge building provides space for research and study and is home to the new Riawunna Centre for Aboriginal Education.

 

The dates for construction or refurbishment of remaining works are:

• A&D building refurbishment – completion of The Workshop in October 2023
• Completion of The Shed at Willis Street and stage two of the bridge – mid-2024
• Completion of the Stone Building refurbishment stage two – end of 2024
• Stage two of the pedestrian bridge to provide connectivity between the Willis Street and Inveresk sites, as well as pathways into City Park and the CBD, in 2024.

The project is a key commitment of the $570 million Launceston City Deal, funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments, the City of Launceston and UTAS.

 

Further information on the UTAS Inveresk transformation project is available at

www.launcestoncitydeal.com.au.  

 

Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Premier and Minister for State Development, Trade and the Antarctic, Jeremy Rockliff:

 

“The $60 million investment made by the Tasmanian Government is providing immediate and long-term economic and social returns," the Premier said. 

 

“Alone, this construction project has supported about 500 jobs through local company Fairbrother and provided opportunity for 74 apprentices to gain the skills they need to succeed in the building industry.

 

“The River's Edge building is a prime example of how Tasmanian timber and recycled materials is being used in sustainable building initiatives, as the industry in Tasmania continues to make this transition.

 

“The incorporation of world-leading hardwood cross-laminated timber, developed and manufactured by Tasmanian company Cusp Building Solutions, is a testament to Tasmania's growing reputation as a global leader in design and manufacturing technology.”

 

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

 

“The completion of the River’s Edge building is a significant milestone towards achieving stronger educational, economic and social outcomes for northern Tasmania.

 

“Investment in infrastructure is a critical part of increasing higher education levels, especially in regional areas.”



Quotes attributable to Federal Education Minister Jason Clare:

 

“The new River’s Edge building at the University of Tasmania’s (UTAS) Inveresk Campus in Launceston will open up opportunities for thousands of students and staff.

 

“This important initiative between UTAS and the Federal and Tasmanian governments will ensure more students study, train and live in Northern Tasmania.”

 

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, and Senator for Tasmania, Carol Brown:

 

“Providing students with access to spaces equipped with the resources and technology to maximise learning creates job opportunities.

 

“This type of investment will also foster the development of new industries that will benefit generations to come.”

 

Quotes attributable to City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood:

 

“The relocation of the campus to Inveresk presents an opportunity for Launceston to evolve into a university city that provides easy access for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transportation, with the university located in a highly visible area that integrates well with the broader community.

“The UTAS Transformation and Relocation project is one of the largest infrastructure investments in Launceston’s history and aims to grow student engagement with the campus to 10,000 students each year by 2032 with an overall target of 16,000 students and staff.”