WHY THE UNI MOVE?

THE proposed move of UTAS from its Sandy Bay site to the Hobart CBD has attracted much media attention, including many letters to the Mercury. I believe it is fair to say most writers do not understand why this is being done. Reader Ian Howard (Letters, September 1) contends that 75 per cent of students and 81 per cent of staff are opposed to the move, and most were “mystified by the decision”, but felt they could not publicly question it without repercussions. The university has not refuted those statements.

This is an important matter for Hobart and the state. It is incumbent on UTAS to explain why it is being done and what it sees as the benefits. And, regarding the recent statement by a representative of the real estate industry (Mercury, September 29) that “the Sandy Bay campus would make a wonderful location for housing developments”, what is the long-term plan for the site, and what, if anything, will remain of the uni and its sport facilities at their current locations?

Peter Williams

Sandy Bay