The new $45.5m River's Edge building is continuing to take shape at the Inveresk campus precinct.
The building will be home to Humanities, Social Sciences, Law and Education. It will offer student counselling, accessibility and learning support, and host the Riawunna Centre for Aboriginal Education - including a cultural garden that connects to Country and features native plant species.
It will also include a hub for students studying Higher Degrees by Research, a recording studio, parenting room and a variety of classrooms and computer labs.
Designed by John Wardle Architects, the four-storey River's Edge building has a striking glass façade overlooking lakekeller/the North Esk river and the mountains to the east. It has a light-filled atrium with extensive use of Tasmanian timber, which will be open to the community.
Leading construction firm Fairbrother has prioritised local labour and materials during the 29-month build, where 500 workers have been involved in the project, including 74 apprentices.
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Launceston) Professor Dom Geraghty said it was exciting to see the vision coming to life and looked forward to welcoming students, staff and the community in April next year when the building is due to open.
"Our new teaching and learning spaces have been designed specifically with the student experience in mind, for hands-on-learning with more places to relax or study outside class times. We want our students to feel like it's their second home".
Following the move to River's Edge in April, the next major transition of students and staff from Newnham to Inveresk will be in mid-2024, into The Shed on Willis Street with a focus on Sciences, Allied Health and Nursing.
The new Inveresk campus forms part of the Northern Transformation Program - a once-in-a-generation opportunity supported by Local, State and Federal Government as part of the Launceston City Deal. The campus development at Inveresk will be complete by 2024.
