Visitors to the seaside City of Burnie now have more opportunities to take in the coastal setting thanks to outdoor transformation projects being led by the University of Tasmania.
Work has been underway throughout 2023 to enhance areas surrounding the Cradle Coast campus building at West Park through improved, accessible amenities for community use and enjoyment.
A recreational park is now complete at the eastern end of the precinct, along with an upgraded coastal pathway and a secondary shared path built above a decommissioned railway line that passes through the site.
Planting has also begun in two large areas being returned to the environment as expanded penguin habitat. Previously used as car parking, they’re expected to open to the Parsonage Point colony on site in Spring 2024 once the landscape is established.
Nearby, the $4+ million interior refurbishment of The Makers building into a technology and innovation hub for the region has reached completion with programmed community events planned for its central demonstration space in 2024.
It's now hosting the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) and Tech Solutions Hub inside, with a Business Incubator to begin activities at the site next year.
Associate Professor Sonya Stanford, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Cradle Coast) said the various projects had been funded by the University as part of its continued commitment to serve the North-West community.
“West Park is such an important community and educational precinct for our region which is why the University of Tasmania is continuing to invest in improving the facilities here, and we invite folks to come and enjoy them,” Associate Professor Stanford said.
“The campus is a place for everyone, not just students and staff. By making our amenities and activities shared and visible, we hope to inspire visitors to consider how our university might equip them with the skills and knowledge that helps achieve their goals and aspirations, serves their communities or helps solve complex issues those communities might be facing.
“Thank you to everyone who has been part of this transformative journey from our community, precinct neighbours, students and staff involved in the co-design process, to our government partners for their campus funding contributions, and the architects and contractors who have made this shared vision a reality.
“We’re really looking forward to further activating the precinct through a range of events, opportunities and activities in the New Year that everyone can be a part of.”
