A major funding boost from the Victorian Government will spark urban renewal and innovative research activity in Melbourne’s north.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today announced the Government’s $44.6 million investment in the CBD North Precinct Activation Project led by RMIT University.
The area will be transformed into a large open space for the public with a ‘green spine’ linking the CBD, Carlton, Parkville and the Queen Victoria Market – building on existing work at the precinct undertaken by the Labor Government and RMIT.
The Activation Project includes a raft of individual research and capital works with a unique focus on community-based renewal, including:
A Multifaith and Wellbeing Centre to better serve the needs of RMIT’s diverse community An Asia Trade and Innovation Hub designed to support local businesses operating in the Asia-Pacific A Social Innovation Hub to foster collaborative and industry-focused research on current social and economic challenges, including gender equality, cultural diversity, and crime prevention The PlaceLab Research Centres that will link with the community to create a more sustainable, liveable and people-focused Victoria A Space Industry Hub to connect Victorian businesses with global space technology opportunities
Most capital projects are expected to be completed by mid-2022 and will collectively support about 130 new construction and teaching jobs.
This project is one of many proposals from universities to the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund, which was developed in response to the significant impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the sector.
The $350 million Fund is supporting universities with capital works, research infrastructure projects and applied research focused on boosting Victoria’s productivity and economy as the state recovers from the pandemic.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“This project will change the fabric of inner-city Melbourne by creating a vibrant precinct for the RMIT University community and Melburnians.”
“We have made an unprecedented investment in the university sector to support it through the pandemic, provide great opportunities for Victorians and to strengthen the state’s economy – and this project does just that.”
Quote attributable to RMIT Vice Chancellor and President Professor Martin Bean CBE
“This is another example of RMIT’s great partnership with the Victorian Government in developing new ways of creating skills, offering educational pathways, partnering with industry, and solving shared community problems.”
Reviewed 21 June 2021