Campus rebirth begins
CONSTRUCTION has begun on a social and entertainment hub in the heart of James Cook University’s Douglas campus, creating about 15 local jobs.
Due to be completed by mid-year, the Central Plaza is part of JCU’S urban development project, Discovery Rise, which will transform the campus into a university town within the city of Townsville.
JCU acting vice-chancellor Professor Chris Cocklin said the Central Plaza was the “focal point” in the growth of the university’s health and knowledge precinct.
“Although Discovery Rise is a long-term project, spanning 10 to 20 years, Central Plaza provides an essential connection between its different elements,” he said. “It’s the catalyst that enables the next stage of development, which will support jobs and bring new and sustained economic activity to the university.”
Acting Premier and State Development Minister Cameron Dick was in Townsville yesterday to turn sod on the new project, to which the State Government has contributed a $5 million interest-free loan.
“This funding is about facilitating and accelerating projects which may otherwise be delayed or struggle to get off the ground, because we know that when those projects get moving, the community and local economy will reap the rewards,” he said.
“The $5 million co-investment by our government has also paired perfectly with a $7.6 million investment by the university in the recently completed Verandah Walk, linking Eddia Koiki Mabo Library, the Science Place and the Central Plaza.”
Mr Dick said the plaza was part of a much “bigger picture” that would ultimately benefit the broader Townsville community and the local economy.
“Through Discovery Rise, JCU is creating an urban community with a series of residential villages and non-academic facilities built around the Douglas campus and Towns- ville Hospital,” Mr Dick said.
He said the plaza was the first phase of a two-stage Ideas Market development.
“Stage two of the project will connect the Central Plaza and the new Technology Innovation Complex and includes further extensions to Verandah Walk,” Mr Dick said.
Townsville MP Scott Stewart said the investment in key community spaces would help the city’s economic development forge ahead.
“The flow-on benefits and returns to the wider Townsville community … makes this project a real win for our city,” he said.