School for success

Education village development deal to build Southport economy

swap with the TAFE Ave, Southport.

Confidential talks have been under way for the past six months.

None of Mal Burke’s 320 car parking spaces are expected to be lost long-term because part of the redevelopment will include a carpark on site.

Gold Coast Institute of TAFE boss Aaron Devine said details of the development had to be kept under wraps while talks were still happening.

But he

said

in Ridgeway

it would

allow

the TAFE to expand, offer new courses and include retail spaces.

He said there would also be the potential for student accommodation on site.

‘‘We’re excited about the opportunities but it’s not a fait accompli yet,’’ he said.

‘‘We’re working with the council to secure additional space to establish an education village.

‘‘It will create more of an urban buzz in the community. We want to see increased economic activity in Southport.’’

He said it would also take advantage of nearby light rail stations.

‘‘There’s real advantages in the light rail and linking it to our colleagues at Griffith University and the hospital,’’ Mr Devine said.

GCIT had proposed a land swap so the city would take the Ridgeway Ave campus in place of Mal Burke carpark.

‘‘The council has expressed interest in turning (Ridgeway Ave) campus into a park . . . the council can secure it for community use,’’ he said.

A council report shows that as part of any deal GCIT will be required to include a public carpark with at least 320 spaces so there is no loss of parking in Southport.

Southport councillor Dawn Crichlow said she strongly supported the development.

‘‘It cements Southport as an education precinct and we’re already a legal precinct and medical precinct,’’ she said. ‘‘I want it to happen straight away. ‘‘The economic value to Southport is enormous.’’