The University of Tasmania (UTAS) today celebrated the opening of its latest facilities, penning a new chapter in the life of one of Australia's oldest universities - supported by funding from all three levels of government.
The Shed, the last of three new buildings at UTAS's redeveloped Inveresk campus at Launceston, is set to receive students from semester one next year.
Centrally located opposite City Park, The Shed is the largest of UTAS's three new facilities, and includes a variety of specialised allied health clinics, science labs and nursing simulation facilities.
The facility will host community health education programs, professional development workshops, sports science testing and wellbeing initiatives, as well as a range of community activities and events.
The $97 million project was delivered as part of the $304 million relocation and redevelopment of UTAS's main Launceston campus from Newnham to Inveresk - which is expected to increase student numbers to 10,000 by 2032.
This transformation was jointly funded, with $130 million from the Australian Government, $108.6 million from UTAS, $60 million from the Tasmanian Government and $5.4 million from the City of Launceston - as part of the $609.4 million Launceston City Deal.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Education, Jason Clare MP:
"Congratulations to the Vice-Chancellor, staff and students on the opening of The Shed right here in the heart of Launceston.
"This new building will help train more nurses and health workers and support more people in Northern Tasmania to get a crack at going to uni."
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:
"As someone that had to leave home to attend university, I know how important it is to have education opportunities locally, especially in our regions - because postcodes shouldn't be a barrier for your future.
"Having toured this campus last year, I know its central location and high-quality facilities will boost attendance numbers - with 2,400 students already moving to the Inveresk precinct, and around 4,000 students expected from early next year."
Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Education, Jo Palmer:
"The Shed is an important piece of infrastructure, but it's what will occur within its walls and upon this new campus that is most important.
"This project provides exciting opportunities for our young people embarking on their journey of lifelong learning and also for the wider community.
"Being able to stay in Tasmania and study new courses such as speech pathology, physiotherapy and occupational therapy is so important for our young people."
Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz MP:
"The completion of The Shed is a significant milestone in the Northern Transformation Project. This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to what can be achieved when all levels of government, the University of Tasmania, and the local community work in unison for a common goal.
"This transformation project is not just about new buildings, it's about creating an environment that fosters innovation, learning, and growth, with benefits extending well beyond the university's walls and into the community.
"It is exciting to see the tangible outcomes of this investment driving significant economic activity across the region-creating jobs, supporting local industries, and delivering long-term benefits to the Tasmanian economy."
Quotes attributable to Federal Labor Senator for Tasmania, Helen Polley:
"We continue to deliver the projects that people in Launceston and across Northern Tasmania deserve - with this transformative campus to ensure people can study in-demand qualifications at home.
"With the expected influx of new students into Launceston in the coming years, our investment in the University's presence at Inveresk will support new jobs and stimulate our local economy long into the future."
Quotes attributable to City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood:
"The completion of UTAS's campus is an amazing milestone for the city and region.
"Launceston's CBD has been transformed by the relocation of UTAS's campus to Inveresk into a vibrant and dynamic precinct.
"We have seen how the relocation has given confidence to nearby investments in the city, including our own redevelopment of the iconic Albert Hall.
"Inveresk has now become a really colourful and contemporary part of Launceston, with its links to QVMAG, UTAS Stadium and our CBD."
