ACT Unveils Plans for $250m Campus

The ACT government has called for public feedback for designs of a new state-of-the-art Canberra Institute of Technology campus in the Woden Town Centre.

The $250 million campus, which is set to be built on a 5000sq m site alongside a new transport interchange in Woden, will eventually accommodate up to 6,500 students.

Much remains to be resolved about the building's future after it was initially announced by chief minister Andrew Barr late last year.

The project has now fallen under the guidance of transport minister Chris Steel following the increased pressures placed on the government by the coronavirus crisis.

“The government is engaging early in the process to determine what design elements the local community, and future users of this site, value most,” Steel said.

“We have a unique opportunity to design and build a high quality integrated mixed-use campus where Canberrans can study, catch public transport and access a range of community services, all in the one central location.”

The government has commenced preliminary planning work on the development, contracting a design firm earlier this year to draw up a master plan for the new campus.

The final design will depend on public's input, with two design options put forward.

One design features a single high-rise building while the other concept features a shorter and wider main building.

The public will be able to weigh in on building heights and layout, green space ratios, connectivity to local facilities, public transport integration and sustainable design features.

“Whether you are passionate about creating quality learning spaces, supporting sustainable design or ensuring Woden’s local facilities are well integrated, I encourage you to have your say in the development of this important project,” Steel said.

The governments hopes to finalise the business case for the project later this year.

Construction work was due to to start in early 2022, with students expected on campus in 2024.