PROGRAM 2017–2020

A partnership between University and Maribyrnong City Council Over the next ten years, Maribyrnong City Council and Victoria University are joining forces to revitalise Footscray as a University Town - a hub of learning, knowledge, innovation, creativity and opportunity.

Footscray University Town (FUT) seeks to harness and build on the strengths of Footscray and Victoria University – leading VISION sports facilities, growing creative and recreational industry sectors, knowledge Footscray is recognised as enterprises, vibrant cultural diversity and a proud industrial heritage – to create a strong Australia’s premier University social and economic future based around Town, at the forefront of the education, jobs, creativity and opportunity. knowledge economy. Through Through the initiative, the partners seek harnessing University and to integrate and align University, Council, community knowledge and business and community activities and interests, opening up new opportunities for resources, Footscray is a smart, employment, enterprise and investment creative and vibrant multicultural throughout ’s west. community with access to Footscray University Town will play a key role opportunity and prosperity. in cementing the west’s reputation as a safe, healthy, prosperous and sustainable region in which to live, work, study and recreate.

1 What is a University Town? Sustainable Development International experience has shown that Principles university towns are prosperous and socially The FUT Partners believe the following cohesive generating benefits for both the sustainable development principles should university and the community. University filter across all Footscray University Town towns contribute to a culture of youthful programs, activities and developments. vibrancy, research and learning, and shared experiences and facilities that spill over - Society and Culture with emphasis on into employment, business opportunities, access, diversity and inclusion industry innovation and community - Economic Development with emphasis development throughout a local region. on access to employment, enterprise and After significant research and exploration, entrepreneurship Victoria University (VU) and Maribyrnong - En vironmental Sustainability with City Council (MCC) signed a Memorandum of emphasis energy and water systems, Understanding in late 2013, which resulted connections to place, and walking, cycling in a shared Footscray University Town and public transport Business Framework to guide the partners in working together to deliver projects - Knowledg e and Innovation with emphasis that would contribute to the evolution of on research for impact, sharing knowledge, Footscray as a university town. creativity and entrepreneurship. The partnership between Victoria University Footscray University Town will take some and Maribyrnong City Council continues to time to evolve. The Partners anticipate a 10 strengthen. Connections are being built with year journey to establish the qualities and corporate and community entities and there attributes that will start to identify Footscray are opportunities to leverage outcomes as a university town. A long term plan, with through working with government, local flexibility to adapt to the challenges and businesses and industries and community opportunities that emerge over time, guides service providers. the evolution of the initiative and provides confidence for investment and funding decisions. Through six outcome-focused pillars, the FUT partners will strive to deliver benefits for University staff and students, and for the PILLARS communities of Footscray and Melbourne’s west.

SMART FOOTSCRAY CREATIVE FOOTSCRAY HEALTHY AND ACTIVE Knowledge sharing, learning and smart Footscray’s thriving arts, cultural and FOOTSCRAY digital technologies will help solve local creative industries flourish through Community health and wellbeing problems and expand opportunities collaboration and engagement between are enhanced, drawing on Victoria for innovation, enterprise and the University, Council, community and University’s reputation for excellence in community development in Footscray business; and through a rich annual sport, exercise and health science, strong and Melbourne’s west with expanded program of events and place making collaborations with industry partners, and pathways to employment. initiatives. community participation in sport, health promotion and active living programs.

SUSTAINABLE GREAT PLACES AND COLLABORATIVE AND FOOTSCRAY CONNECTIONS ENGAGED With commitment to reducing Footscray is an attractive, distinctive Local communities and stakeholders are greenhouse emissions, green cover and affordable retail and services hub, engaged and contribute to Footscray provides shade and mitigates heat, with a vibrant cafe culture and evening University Town. University students and urban development exhibits best economy, seamlessly integrated with and staff are a valued part of the practice in sustainable use of resources. Victoria University. Public places, community. Footscray is highly regarded Cycling, walking and public transport are key destinations and institutions are as a university town, with benefits for the preferred modes of travel. accessible, well-connected, safe and whole community. inclusive.

3 investments in STEM, early learning and secondary education facilities. FORWARD 2. Smart City Strategy Develop a smart city strategy for Footscray University Town, identifying ways in which PROGRAM smart technologies can provide solutions to local problems; building on strategic partnerships with government, industry providers and community entities and 2017 TO identifying opportunities for funding. 3. Sports and Health 2020 Partnerships for an Active and Healthy Community The Forward Program identifies Apply VU’s research and teaching capacities 15 catalyst initiatives designed in sport, exercise and health science to to leverage significant progress strengthen community health and wellbeing; towards Footscray University drawing on VU at Whitten Oval and key Town, and create benefits for the partnerships with sporting organisations such as the . communities of Footscray and Develop sports promotional activities that Victoria University. engage industry and community (eg. fun runs, ISEAL trial days, Zumba in the Street) INITIATIVES through partnerships with community health and recreation services. 1. Footscray Learning Facilitate the development of Footscray/ Precinct VU as a centre for excellence in sport and exercise science. Work with the Victorian Government and key early learning and education stakeholders to Foster projects that promote health and advance the development of the proposed wellbeing through the Active Maribyrnong Footscray Learning Precinct – an innovative program and engagement with sports and networked model of education across life recreational groups. stages in Footscray with potential new 4. Footscray Library, 8. Graduate to Community and Cultural Employment Program Hub Develop an overall plan for strengthening and expanding the range of structured Develop a precinct masterplan and delivery opportunities for student internships, strategy for a new library and community applied learning and graduate employment hub with a town park – a new community- with not-for-profit, corporate, business, meeting place and green open space in Council and government agencies in the City central Footscray. of Maribyrnong. 5. Footscray Evening Create a ‘place-wide’ awareness of community pathways into VU’s education Economy and training courses and subsequent Identify and support cultural and economic pathways to employment in the region. development projects that activate Footscray after 5pm, contributing to the sense of safety 9. Footscray Art Prize and wellbeing, and economic prosperity. Partner with local arts and community organisations to deliver the biennial 6. VU’s Presence and Footscray Art Prize, attracting local and Integration with Footscray national artists and promoting Footscray as a thriving arts hub. Develop a campus activation and design framework to improve the integration of VU’s Footscray Nicholson campus with Footscray 10. Knowledge and and promote increased activation of the Cultural Development campus as a green, creative, community learning commons. Agenda Local Solutions Research Agenda - identify Improve the gateways to VU’s Footscray two–three community issues that can be campuses so they are outward looking, safe the focus for innovative solution-focussed and welcoming; including improvements research projects, for example, where VU’s to pedestrian crossings, connections for specialist knowledge and skills can help cyclists, signage and presentation. solve local problems. Focus areas include Continue to develop VU’s outward, health, engineering, sustainability, business, community-based presence in Footscray community development. (currently located at VU at MetroWest), Knowledge Exchange - Continue to conduct providing a venue for knowledge exchange, and support opportunities for conversation creativity and enterprise, information, and sharing knowledge and ideas though meetings, events and community forums, seminars and public events including engagement. the Game Changers Conversation Series and Facilitate projects that strengthen VU’s University outreach events. presence in Footscray through improved University Inside Out festival – work with signage and increased activity and partners and likeminded organisations (such engagement. as School of Life, Public Pedagogies Institute; VU Colleges and Institutes) to develop a 7. Festival City Program festival program for public engagement with Facilitate festivals and events in Footscray the University, at the same time bringing in partnership and collaboration with community culture, skills and knowledge into major Melbourne festivals, community and focus. business organisations, and other levels of government. Seek opportunities to leverage from major festivals including the Jazz, Emerge in the West, Fringe and Melbourne Knowledge festivals. 5 11. Footscray Connector 14. Affordable Living Invest in the design and creation of a Options for Students Footscray University Town pathway/ Identify ways to diversify and expand connector linking key destinations including affordable living (particularly associated the two VU campuses, the train station, with the University population) through the major employers and services, the proposed MCC housing strategy and working with Footscray Learning Precinct and the City developers and housing associations. library and community hub. Considerations include signage, greening, bicycle and pedestrian connections. 15. Build Awareness, Collaboration and 12. Sustainable Footscray Engagement Develop a strategy to enhance the Develop an FUT promotional strategy sustainability of central Footscray that and associated collateral, informing includes: more people and businesses about FUT - initiatives to optimise opportunities for - its achievements and aspirations - and bicycle and pedestrian travel continue to take advantage of opportunities - urban design and greening initiatives that for collaboration and joint endeavour. improve environmental sustainability. Create opportunities for participation, collaboration, feedback and involvement in 13. New Generation FUT activities Employment Foster opportunities to enhance social capital Promote an innovative start-up business and community development in Footscray culture and clusters in Footscray through through initiatives such as V4U day. supporting the development of The Hanger start-up business generator, the Dream Factory and other makers networks, co-work and business incubator opportunities. Develop a prospectus and proactive strategies to identify and attract business and R&D investment into Footscray, aligned with the University and FUT objectives. 10 INDICATORS TO MEASURE PROGRESS

Ten indicators will measure progress towards Footscray University Town in 2020.

Growth in VU at MetroWest activity and 1 engagement

Increased number of students at Footscray 2 campuses

Growth in small business start-ups and University 3 aligned knowledge enterprises

Increases in pedestrian and cycle movements 4 in central Footscray

Growth in student accommodation beds and students 5 living in Footscray

Increases in University partnerships and collaborations 6 with community organisations, business and industry

Increased public awareness of value and benefits 7 of FUT (Recognition and reputation)

Increases in VU staff and student engagement 8 with Footscray

Growth in events and visitors to events and 9 participation in recreation

Growth in evening economy enterprises in 10 central Footscray and environs

7 PLACE PLAN

A master plan has been prepared, identifying The plan seeks to optimise opportunities place-based projects that, over time, will for activation of, and engagement with, the enhance the physical environment and University campuses and central Footscray. promote the seamless integration of the university campuses and central Footscray.

MARIBYRNONG COLLEGE TIERNAN STREET BALLARAT ROAD VU STUDENT WESTERN HOSPITAL ACCOMMODATION FLEMINGTON VU FOOTSCRAY PARK RACECOURSE

TRAM SUPERSTOP

DROOP STREET NICHOLSON STREET VU WHITTEN OVAL LITTLE SAIGON GEELONG ROAD FOOTSCRAY LIBRARY, COMMUNITY AND BARKLY STREET CULTURAL HUB HOPKINS STREET TO MELBOURNE CBD 7K FOOTSCRAY MARKET

DYNON ROAD VU AT METROWEST

FOOTSCRAY STATION AND TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE WILLIAMSTOWN ROAD STATE TRUSTEES/ MCNAB AVENUE FOOTSCRAY COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE

MARIBYRNONG VU NICHOLSON CITY COUNCIL FOOTSCRAY ROAD FOOTSCRAY UNIVERSITY TOWN PARTNERS

The is a thriving hub of west and the CBD, including almost 5000 arts, culture, cuisine, retail, education and international students. innovation and has a growing population. Victoria University provides personalised, Within the City, Footscray’s population is flexible and industry relevant learning and forecast to increase by 170 per cent to more research opportunities that enhance social than 45,000 by 2041. The City offers a and economic outcomes in its heartland of large employment base with new generation Melbourne’s west. enterprises moving to the area. It is close to central Melbourne, has excellent public VU at MetroWest brings Victoria University transport and sporting facilities, a strong into the heart of Footscray, providing focus on community and learning, and, with opportunities for engagement, knowledge natural assets such as the Maribyrnong River, sharing, learning, conversations, meetings is an attractive option to live, work, study and and cultural exchange. do business. It includes the VU community psychology Victoria University is one of Australia’s few clinic, Skills and Jobs Centre, Hatch Design dual-sector universities, offering pathways Studio, The Hanger, Fresh Student Radio, from vocational to higher education. Based exhibition and event space, hot desks, and in Footscray, it has more than 46,000 meeting spaces for hire. students at its campuses in Melbourne’s

9 FUT Governance Model

FUT VU Project MCC Executive Management Executive Committee

FUT VU Delivery FORWARD MCC Delivery Team PROGRAM Team

Joint VU Projects MCC Projects Initiatives CONTACT Maribyrnong City Council Corner of Hyde and Napier Streets, Footscray, 3011 Ph: 9688 0200 maribyrnong.vic.gov.au Victoria University Ballarat Road, Footscray and, VU at MetroWest 138 Nicholson Street, Footscray 3011 vu.edu.au CRICOS provider No. 00124k RTO Code: 3113 VU at MetroWest Ph: 03 9919 7043

footscrayunitown.com.au