New images of the proposed Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Education and Community Precinct showcase the transformation for one of the most exciting developments in Darwin’s history.
The initial drawings for the precinct are a key plank of the $200 million Darwin City Deal,
The Morrison Government is providing $97.3 million to support the establishment of the Education and Community Precinct with further support from a conditional $150 million loan from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said today‘s drawings provided a tangible vision for boosting Darwin’s economy, creating jobs and supporting local small business.
“Through the Darwin City Deal we are building a world-class university campus in the city to attract and retain more students,” Mr Tudge said.
“We want Darwin to thrive, and this new precinct will see an influx of students and visitors, boosting demand for cafes, restaurants, bars and retail stores. Getting the construction underway in the short-term will also support the city’s economic recovery from COVID-19.”
A Deloitte Access Economics economic impact study found that the new campus could increase net economic output in the Darwin region by more than $250 million over the next 15 years and sustain, on average, an additional 54 jobs a year in the Darwin economy.
Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Michael Gunner said building a new precinct at CDU is critical to the university’s future success.
“We’ve grown the number of international students over the last few years, supported them through the coronavirus crisis in the last few months, and we are ready to welcome more.”
“Forecasts predict there will be 10,000 international students studying in the Territory by 2025 and this new precinct will help the university cater to a significant number of those students,” Mr Gunner said.
“The increase in workers and students will generate more business activity and bolster the local economy.
“Construction of the new Precinct will start this year and is expected to be complete in time for the 2024 academic year.
“Importantly for jobs in Darwin, all construction contracts will be subject to NT Government Buy Local provisions.”
CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks said the Education and Community Precinct will be an important hub for the entire community.
“Each year 8 per cent of NT residents aged over 15 years enrol in a course at CDU, and we have every expectation the Precinct will be a place where the NT community can come together to share ideas,” Professor Maddocks said.
“The Education and Community Precinct will include the NT Library and will be a facility for learning, research and to engage with industry, business and government,” Professor Maddocks said.
Plans will remain on public display until 30 June, between 9am and 3pm, at the Activate Darwin Space, 19 Smith Street Mall, Darwin.
The City Deal is a joint initiative of the Australian and Northern Territory governments and the City of Darwin.
The Darwin City Deal Implementation Plan is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/cities/city-deals/darwin.
