Sneak peek of UTAS River's Edge building

Local construction firm Fairbrother has given a sneak peek of the University of Tasmania’s (UTAS) spectacular new River’s Edge building at Inveresk, which is on schedule for completion in the coming months.

Students and staff will officially move into the building in April 2023.

Spanning four storeys with views over the North Esk river, the $45.5 million River’s Edge building is one of three new buildings that form part of the $304 million redevelopment of the UTAS Inveresk campus.

The project is being funded jointly by the Australian and Tasmanian governments, the City of Launceston and UTAS.

Once the redevelopment is complete, the Inveresk campus will provide more student places, increased course options, and modern teaching and research facilities with student engagement expected to grow to 10,000 students by 2032.

The dates for construction or refurbishment of remaining works are:

• Stone Building refurbishment – stage one complete in February 2023, stage two complete end of 2024
• University Square (the final portion of the Urban Realm) to be completed by mid-2023
• A&D building refurbishment – completion of Levee Studios in February 2023 and The Workshop in May 2023
• Completion of The Shed at Willis Street and stage two of the bridge – mid-2024.

Further information on the UTAS Inveresk transformation project is available at www.launcestoncitydeal.com.au.

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

“The University of Tasmania’s transformation and relocation project comes at a critical time for the region's growth.

“Growing higher education levels, particularly in our regions, is a major priority for the Australian Government. This investment will help to drive stronger educational outcomes, economic prosperity and transformative change for Northern Tasmania.

“I look forward to seeing the completed River’s Edge building, along with other important projects being delivered through this successful partnership in Launceston.”

Quotes attributable to Tasmanian State Development, Construction and Housing Minister Guy Barnett:

“Today’s tour highlights how the Launceston City Deal partnership is delivering jobs and real outcomes for Tasmanians with the majority of trade and supplier packages awarded to Tasmanian businesses as part of the $304 million UTAS Inveresk transformation project.

“On its own, work on the River’s Edge building has generated about 500 jobs through local construction company Fairbrother, including 74 apprenticeships to help young people gain the skills they need to succeed in the state’s growing building industry.

“The progress of construction and use of sustainable building initiatives, including the use of timber and recycled materials, is testament to the great work of UTAS and Fairbrother.”

Quotes attributable to City of Launceston Mayor Danny Gibson:

“The architecturally designed River’s Edge building is the stunning centrepiece of the Inveresk transformation project and will create a tangible, visible link between the city and the Inveresk campus site.

"The ultimate relocation of the campus to Inveresk will provide an opportunity for Launceston to become a true university city, with easy pedestrian, bike and public transport access, and where the university is in a high visibility location with excellent integration with the broader community.

“We look forward to welcoming the staff and students to the new building when it opens in April 2023, which will add an exciting dynamic and vibrancy to Launceston’s CBD."