Uni has $80m plan for Games legacy
GRIFFITH University plans an ambitious $80 million investment in the Health and Knowledge Precinct as calls mount for a formal body to drive post-Commonwealth Games legacy.
The precinct at the Parklands Project athletes village site, developed near two city hospitals and the university, is already being touted as one of the city’s major Games legacy outcomes.
It is already home to public and private hospitals, Griffith University and 1200 Parklands apartments and townhouses which will become the athletes village.
A Griffith University plan to construct a new institute dedicated to commercialisation and industry collaboration will be one of the precinct’s first new buildings to go up post-Games.
Griffith has earmarked one of 16 lots on a 10ha site set aside at the precinct – home for business incubation and start-ups, the Bulletin can reveal.
Precinct director Di Dixon revealed the Griffith project yesterday and hopes it will be part of steps towards diversification of the city economy, heavily reliant on tourism and construction.
Griffith’s project will be called the Advanced Design and Prototype Technology (ADaPT) Institute and include the latest 3D printing equipment and medical implant technology.
Ms Dixon said before a sod had been turned on the ADaPT Institute – scheduled for construction by late 2018 – it was already attracting attention from 3D printing firms, plus software and technology companies.
Ms Dixon also yesterday joined Games Legacy Advisory Committee chair Rob Borbidge to call for a longterm legacy structure after April’s sporting extravaganza to ensure momentum for the city is maintained.
The existing committee has been driving Games legacy projects in the lead-up but a formal structure postGames is still being discussed with stakeholders and State Government.
Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones backed calls for a long-term legacy group.
“We can’t expect to get great legacy outcomes unless we put in place the right structures,” she said. “A committee like the one proposed would do just that.
“It’s important we have independent thinkers from varying backgrounds part of the discussion to ensure an enduring legacy.”
Mr Borbidge said the existing legacy committee’s brief was wideranging and across everything from helping drive the Health and Knowledge Precinct profile to upskilling the service industry.
Mr Borbidge said he agreed with Ms Jones’ about including a wide range of voices.
“It is important there be a group post-Games – who is on it, how it works and its remit is up for discussion but I think it’s important we make sure the legacy continues to be delivered,” he said.
Griffith Enterprise deputy director Dr Jens Tanpe said the ADaPT Institute would open by 2020 and aim to be world-leading and help local industry achieve their vision.