Minister Barr: New CIT Campus-Woden and Public Transport Interchange gets the green light
- Written by ACT Government
Released 24/08/2020
At least 520 new jobs are set to be created during the construction of CIT Campus -Woden with confirmation the ACT Government will invest between $250m-$300m on the projects and associated public works.
Major improvements are on the way for the Woden town centre, with formalapproval of the CIT Campus - Woden Business Case marking a significant milestone and step-forward for the project.
The ACT Government is set to deliver a flagship CIT facility, passenger-friendly public transport interchange and multi-bed Youth Foyer which will see Woden transformed over the next four years into a modern, vibrant and well-connected town centre.
Construction of this project will create more jobs for Canberrans at a time where the city needs them most. After construction, more jobs will become available for teachers and other staff within the campus.
The project will be part of the ACT’s Jobs and Recovery Plan, rebuilding our local economy from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and protecting local jobs.
The ACT is the knowledge capital of the nation, and by investing in a purpose-built teaching and learning facility for CIT we can continue to support all Canberrans to reach their full potential.
We are focused on building jobs now to create the careers of tomorrow, with smart classrooms, simulated learning environments, commercial kitchens and hands-on training spaces to help prepare students in fields such as IT, cyber security, hospitality and design.
CIT Woden will not only support 6500 students annually in becoming highly capable and sought-after graduates that are work-ready in their given field, it will also help stimulate the larger economy by supporting local business, industry and employment.
The ageing Woden Interchange will be replace with a new interchange on Callam St, delivering on the Woden Masterplan objectives and providing a safe, welcoming and connected environment with more bus stops and bus layovers supporting future increases in services. A new Light Rail station platform will be built as part of the project.
An on-campus multi-bed Youth Foyer will also be delivered as part of the project, providing integrated learning, accommodation and support for young people who are committed to education and training but are at risk of homelessness.
Construction of the public transport interchange will start mid-2021, with construction of CIT Woden to commence in 2022. It is anticipated that students will be able to start studying at the new campus at the beginning of 2025.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tertiary Education Chris Steel:
“This new purpose-built CIT Campus will play an important role in supporting the Territory’s economic recovery from the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.”
“This is a $250m-$300 million investment in jobs and Woden’s regeneration. This project is about building jobs in Woden today, to support thousands of students into the jobs of the future.
“Around 520 jobs are expected to be created during construction alone, in addition to the teaching and learning jobs that will be offered once the facility becomes operational in 2025.
“Better public transport is a key part of the project, with the construction of a new, safer interchange on Callam Street for buses and we’ll build Woden Station now ready for light rail to arrive.
“This project will create a new front door to Woden, with a well-lit pedestrian boulevard connecting the interchange, CIT campus, the square and Westfield for a more vibrant and welcoming Town Centre.
“Our next step is to go through the planning approvals process to enable construction on the public transport interchange to start next year.”
To find out more about the project, please visit https://www.yoursay.act.gov.au/cit-campus-woden
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases
