Woden will soon have a state-of-the art Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) campus with a brand new integrated public transport interchange. Minister Steel said the CIT Campus – Woden project would deliver essential community infrastructure and assist in Woden’s regeneration, while also creating jobs.
“CIT’s new major campus will transform Woden into a better place for people to live, work and study,” Minister for Tertiary Education, Chris Steel commented “We have a unique opportunity to design and build a high quality integrated mixed-use campus where Canberrans can study, catch public transport and access a range of community services, all in the one central location. After years of the Federal Liberal Government ripping public service jobs out of Woden, our Government is committed to bringing this regenerative project to life, to build skills and create jobs.”
The Minister explained that as part of the project’s design development, the ACT Government is seeking community feedback on what elements of design contribute to creating a great campus, building and space. Early concepts have been released, designed to test the community’s views about what may be possible on the site and the pros and cons of different options, especially around building height and open space.
“The Government is engaging early in the process to determine what design elements the local community, and future users of this site, value most,” Minister Steel commented “Whether you are passionate about creating quality learning spaces, supporting sustainable design or ensuring Woden’s local facilities are well integrated, I encourage you to have your say in the development of this important project.”
Labor Member for Murrumbidgee, Bec Cody MLA said that as CIT’s new major campus, Woden CIT would be bigger than any previous CIT presence in Woden.
“This new CIT has the potential to completely reshape the North-East of Woden Town Centre from a concrete and asphalt jungle into a modern teaching campus connected with local business, new public spaces and the nearby Westfield,” Ms Cody commented “The new Woden CIT will give young people on the Southside the opportunity to study in their own community, and I encourage current and future students to get involved and have their say on their campus.”
Minister Steel said that the CIT Campus – Woden: Design and Values Survey is available via YourSay until Wednesday 17 June and will include topics such as building heights and layout, green space ratios, connectivity to local facilities, public transport integration and sustainable design features. Feedback from the survey will assist planners and architects prioritise various aspects of the project, helping shape future concept designs for the new campus. Feasibility studies and cost analysis on these concepts will in-turn inform the project’s business case which is due to be finalised mid-year.