Jeremy Rockliff

Premier of Tasmania



14 July 2022

Guy Barnett, Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing

City partnership delivers new campus grounds to make living, working and studying in Tasmania better

City partnership delivers new campus grounds to make living, working and studying in Tasmania better


The University of Tasmania’s move to its new main campus in Launceston is a step closer today with the opening of the brand new Esk Activity Space and the Food and Community Garden at Inveresk, celebrated with a community Plant and Play day hosted by students.

Part of the Urban Realm initiative under the $304 million redevelopment of the campus, these innovative and vibrant new outdoor spaces will transform how UTAS students and the broader community come together to enjoy their beautiful part of the world.

Architecturally designed by Realm Studios, the over 15,000sq/m of interconnected outdoor space creates exciting new opportunities for connecting, collaborating and building a sense of belonging through shared learning, recreation and events.

This signature project exemplifies the core principles of urban renewal that underpin the Australian Government’s City Deals – to create liveable, sustainable, transformative infrastructure in consultation with community, to meet their needs and foster wellbeing and growth.

The redevelopment of the University of Tasmania’s Inveresk campus is funded under the $570 million Launceston City Deal, a ground-breaking partnership between all three levels of government and institutions like the university.

The redevelopment is jointly funded, with the Australian Government contributing $130 million, the Tasmanian Government $60 million, the City of Launceston $5.4 million, and the University of Tasmania $108 million.

More information on the Launceston City Deal is available at: www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/cities/city-deals/launceston.

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“The opening of the Esk Activity Space and Food and Community Garden is an exciting part of the redevelopment of the University of Tasmania’s Inveresk campus – one of the great benefits for the broader community to share.

“It’s great to see the students at the university and the broader community coming together to enjoy these new facilities.

“I look forward to seeing more projects delivered through the University of Tasmania redevelopment and continuing work on projects like this that will benefit the Launceston community and surrounding region.”

Quotes attributable to Tasmanian State Development Minister Guy Barnett:

“I congratulate the University on the opening of the Urban Realm, another milestone in the Northern Transformation Project.

“This is another example of how the Launceston City Deal is helping to make Launceston one of the most liveable and innovative regional cities in Australia.

“One of the overarching aims of moving the University campus to Inveresk was to connect with the community and have higher education at the forefront of people's minds, which is exactly what the Urban Realm does so visibly through sporting, recreational and social activities.”

Quotes attributable to City of Launceston acting Mayor Danny Gibson:

“Recreational spaces are really important for our community and we are excited to see this incredible area open to the public.

“It’s really pleasing to see a space that has been thoughtfully designed to allow our whole community to interact.

“When students choose to study in this beautiful city, regardless of where they come from, it quickly becomes their new home and they are always warmly welcomed into our community.”



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