Construcciones Yamaro: La Trobe unveils $5 billion University City masterplan

La Trobe unveils $5 billion University City masterplan
Artist’s impression: La Trobe’s University City. (Image: La Trobe)

La Trobe University has revealed plans for a $5 billion transformation of its Bundoora campus into a major innovation and education hub for Melbourne’s north.

The University City masterplan outlines a 30-year vision to deliver three distinct villages and a city centre designed for 15,000 residents and 40,000 students.

Developed in consultation with stakeholders and the community, including the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, the 255-hectare campus will evolve into a sustainable, mixed-use city with innovation, knowledge and sustainability at its core.

Chancellor John Brumby said the project would strengthen La Trobe’s connection with the wider community.

“University City could boost Gross Regional Product in Melbourne’s north-east by an estimated $440 million each year by the completion of the project, while additional interstate and international students could spend around $202 million per annum in the Victorian economy,” said Brumby.

“La Trobe University City will not only transform our campus; it will create a thriving community that drives innovation and economic prosperity.”

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Vice-chancellor professor Theo Farrell said the development would create “a connected ecosystem of industry, health, housing, culture, sport and green space… a new model of how knowledge, place and imagination come together”.

The precinct will centre on research and innovation, leveraging La Trobe’s strengths in health, artificial intelligence, sustainable agriculture and food, and digital transformation.

In 2022, Plenary Group was selected as the university’s preferred master development partner and has since commenced work on an $82 million University Health Clinic at the Melbourne campus.

Plenary Group head of infrastructure Damien Augustinus said the partnership would set a new benchmark for university precincts.

“University City will cement La Trobe as a global university of choice for students and staff, increase engagement with government, industry and the community, and showcase it as a sustainability exemplar,” said Augustinus.

“Our experience in forming long-term partnerships that deliver complex projects, combined with the depth of experience that we have in the education and life sciences space, make us ideally placed to deliver on La Trobe’s University City vision.”

University City will encompass four connected neighbourhoods. The North Village, adjacent to existing homes in the Polaris and Springthorpe communities, will have a residential focus. East Village, the closest to Macleod Train Station, will be a mixed-use neighbourhood built on student accommodation. South Village has a research, innovation and commercial focus, expanding on existing activity and providing new opportunities for industry, academia and commercial partnerships. City Centre is the existing campus core, growing westward with new commercial, retail and academic developments.

Masterplan highlights
  • Education and research: Facilities for 40,000 students – a 45 per cent increase on current numbers – alongside research and innovation spaces to drive collaboration between academia and industry;
  • Housing and community: Accommodation for up to 15,000 residents across liveable, walkable neighbourhoods designed to foster community connection;
  • Economic impact: Creation of 33,500 jobs, including 3,000 in construction;
  • Active lifestyle: A sports precinct for teaching, research, community use and elite competition;
  • Sustainability: More than 1 million square metres of regenerative open space, including the Nangak Tamboree eco-corridor; and
  • Transport and connectivity: Expanded pedestrian and cycling networks, new streets and laneways, and improved public transport links, including a proposed Suburban Rail Loop station.

The post La Trobe unveils $5 billion University City masterplan appeared first on Inside Construction.



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