New outdoor features are emerging at Burnie’s West Park as part of the University of Tasmania’s campus move to the waterfront location.
A large part of the headland landscape is being returned to the environment while new and improved infrastructure will support ongoing community access and enjoyment on the site.
The works include expanding the local little penguin colony’s habitat, building a second community path above a decommissioned railway line and creating a recreational park helping connect the precinct to the heart of the city.
New railway path:
Fully opening early 2023
This shared bike and pedestrian path is coming to life above the railway corridor with the original infrastructure preserved below. Linking up with the existing public coastal path on both sides of the precinct, it will also feature bench seating and viewing platforms. Landscaping around the railway corridor is ongoing and due for completion at the end of January. Complementing the path is a bike hub which is available for community use. Located near the main western entrance of the campus, it includes outdoor bike racks, a bike repair station and a drink bottle water refill dispenser.
Coastal path, landscaping, and expanded penguin habitat:
April – August 2023
Improvements will be made to the existing coastal path with a section to be elevated so tunnels can be placed below. This will enable the growing little penguin colony to access their new dune-inspired habitat on the eastern side of the campus building which will comprise more than 4000 native plant species. The University is working with Burnie City Council to transform the existing car park on the eastern side of the Makers building into a landscaped, recreational park to help create an attractive connection between the precinct and the city centre.
Sustainable car park for site users:
February – April 2023
Construction of the turning circle has been underway with work to fully resume on the main car park in February. It will be surfaced with Reconophalt – a sustainable type of asphalt comprising waste items that would ordinarily be sent to landfill like plastic bags, toner cartridges, crushed glass, tyre rubber and bitumen at its end of life. Work on the car park was paused while the University’s two preferred low-carbon surfacing products were trialled, with both found to be unsuitable during testing.
Band and community facility:
March 2023
This new $1.7 million facility is being built for Burnie City Council on the western side of the precinct. Dismantling of the existing band rooms at West Park will commence once construction of the new facility has been fully completed in March.
The Makers Technology and Innovation Hub
Reopening 2023
Modern making will be the focus of new learning, research, industry, and community opportunities coming to Makers’ Workshop as early as 2023. The University is transforming the site into a technology and innovation hub that will serve the entire North-West region. Renamed The Makers, it will bring together the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), Tech Solutions Hub, a new Business Incubator and a public demonstration space inside. Read more.
