CIT CAMPUS WODEN PROJECT SUMMARY
August 2020 A MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION AND TRANSPORT
Delivery of the flagship Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) educational facility, new public transport interchange and youth foyer in the heart of Woden has taken a major step forward with the ACT Government formally approving the project’s business case.
The ACT Government is building a contemporary and innovative educational campus in the south of Canberra. Our investment in a purpose-built facility will ensure the ACT remains the knowledge capital of Australia.
This project will help us achieve our objective of supporting all Canberrans to reach their full potential. Students who attend the CIT campus in Woden will enjoy a dynamic educational experience, from digitally-enabled learning spaces, to collaboration opportunities with local industry, and more. It is expected that 6500 students will study CONTENTS at CIT Woden each year, preparing them for future jobs in fields such as IT, cyber security, hospitality and design.
A message from the ACT Minister for Tertiary Education...... 3 As part of the project, a new public transport interchange will be built alongside the new CIT facility. New bus stops, passenger-friendly shelters and a future-proofed light rail Project overview...... 4 stop will be built to improve public transport connectivity for the area, with works on this component of the project expected to start next year. A pedestrian boulevard will link the CIT Woden - excellence in educational outcomes...... 6 interchange, CIT campus and town square, creating a safer connection through the area and allowing for publicly accessible green spaces. Woden Youth Foyer – supporting at-risk youth to achieve their potential...... 8 The ACT Government is also including a youth foyer as part of the project to better Complementary community and commercial facilities...... 9 support young people who are at risk of, or are experiencing, homelessness, by providing accommodation and opportunities to pursue education and training in the same location.
Woden Interchange – part of our enhanced public transport network...... 10 The new campus and public transport interchange will support the renewal of the Woden town centre, with enhanced public spaces stimulating activation and investment in the Site selection...... 12 area. The project will also support the Territory’s economic recovery. In addition to the ongoing teaching and learning jobs that will be offered, 520 jobs will be supported during Supporting Woden’s urban renewal...... 13 construction alone. Design evolution...... 14 With a total investment of around $250-300 million, this project is just one part of the ACT Government’s ongoing commitment to the revitalisation of Woden - making it a great place Project spotlight - Sustainability in design and construction...... 16 to live, work and study. I look forward to seeing the project come to fruition over the coming years, and being ready to welcome students into the new facility come 2025. Project timeline...... 17
Community and stakeholder engagement...... 18 Chris Steel Minister for Tertiary Education Minister for Transport
2 CIT Campus – Woden Project Summary 3 PROJECT OVERVIEW
The ACT Government is investing in a purpose-built CIT campus, youth foyer and new public transport interchange for Woden, stimulating the local economy and supporting the revitalisation of Canberra’s southern hub.
MULTIROOMED PASSENGERFRIENDLY CONTEMPORARY TRANSPORT YOUTH CIT FACILITY INTERCHANGE FOYER
MODERN INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT A SMART UPGRADES TO LOCAL ROAD Major improvements are coming to the Woden Town Centre, with 22,500m2 of educational and community facilities to CAMPUS MODEL INTERSECTIONS be built in a central, well-connected part of Woden complemented by a new public transport interchange.
Delivering a contemporary and sustainable CIT campus in Construction of this important infrastructure project will the heart of Woden will have an ongoing and positive impact be staged to allow for a seamless offering and reduce on the delivery of vocational education and training in the community impacts. Construction of the public transport ACT. Smart classrooms, state-of-the-art simulated learning interchange will commence in 2021, allowing the current INTEGRATED EAST WEST environments, commercial kitchens and hands-on training bus facilities to be demolished and the site cleared for PEDESTRIAN BOULEVARD spaces will help students achieve their full potential in areas construction of CIT Woden to start in 2022. It is anticipated such as IT, cyber security, hospitality and business. that students will be welcomed into the new facility at the start of the 2025 training year. AND PUBLIC SPACE The new public transport interchange will incorporate an improved and expanded bus interchange along with This project is one part of the ACT Government’s $14 billion the Woden light rail terminus, future proofing the area for Infrastructure Plan, ensuring Canberra remains one of the provision of light rail to Canberra’s south. In addition the world’s most liveable cities as its population grows. to facilitating better public transport connectivity in the By building a new educational offering and replacing the FUTURE PROOFED area, the new interchange will deliver improved lighting, existing bus interchange with modern transport facilities, CONSTRUCTION wayfinding signage and protection from the elements, the ACT Government will help revitalise the eastern side of WODEN improving safety and providing a more comfortable Woden CBD, supporting Woden to become a great place to OF A NEW LIGHT RAIL experience for passengers. live, work and study. Community and commercial facilities will complement CIT YURAUNA STOP activated common areas across the campus. The youth foyer will be delivered to support young people who are at risk of, or are experiencing homelessness, by providing accommodation, support services and opportunities to pursue education and training in the one location. 4 CIT Campus – Woden Project Summary 5 CIT WODEN - EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES
CIT Woden will facilitate excellence in education and learning, supporting the ACT’s economic growth and diversity, and preparing Canberrans with the skills and training required for tomorrow’s careers.
Activated common areas and 6,500 students each year practical green spaces
CONNECTIONS TO INDUSTRY
The new campus will feature applied research, industry Digitally-enabled Course offerings to suit jobs Collaboration opportunities with incubators and maker spaces where students can come learning spaces of the future industry and local business together, learn, share, explore and collaborate with local industry.
Locating CIT within close proximity to the growing Woden CIT has an impressive 90-year history - providing excellence CIT Woden will be a technology skills delivery precinct, with COMPLEMENTING OTHER in technical and further education to students from the a strong focus on IT, cyber security, business and hospitality and Phillip business districts has the potential to increase ACT and surrounding areas. CIT Woden will provide a skills and training opportunities required to meet the the opportunities for students to undertake job training EDUCATIONAL INVESTMENTS competitive, world-class educational facility, delivering growing demands of industry and the ACT community. It is during their study. The CIT Campus - Woden project offers a unique excellence in education and learning outcomes. expected that 6,500 students will use CIT Woden each year, The provision of incubators and maker spaces will encourage opportunity to design and build a new purpose-built activating the area, and stimulating the local economy. CIT’s training and assessment methods continue to evolve industry stakeholders to collaborate with students in mixed-use educational campus in a central, rapidly their learning journey. This in turn will deliver enhanced renewing part of Canberra. It will complement other to best equip work-ready graduates. The new facility will DIGITALLY-ENABLED incorporate smart, sustainable campus design and current employment pathways, with more job-ready skilled educational infrastructure investments in Canberra. LEARNING SPACES technology to offer courses that meet the vocational employees and better educational and student outcomes. The Woden campus will enhance Canberra’s vocational education and training requirements of a shifting ACT CIT are planning to develop ‘Cloud Campus’ information NEW CIT YURAUNA education and training network, operating alongside workforce. Features will include: and communications technology (ICT) for use across all existing CIT campuses in Fyshwick, Bruce, Gungahlin, • specialist learning environments; of their campuses to best meet the needs of their student Yurauna is CIT’s dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Tuggeranong and a continued presence in the city. population and industry partners as technology advances. Islander Educational Centre of Excellence, providing tailored The CIT Woden investment is being made in the context • state-of-the-art cyber training and digital Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander courses, study support learning spaces; The new Woden campus will also incorporate ‘Smart of other significant educational infrastructure investments and cultural advice. Campus’ technology, linking a digitally-enabled CIT building being made or facilitated by the ACT Government. A • a training restaurant with commercial kitchen; with custom digital learning management systems, to As part of the CIT Campus - Woden project, a new culturally University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra City • collaboration and group-work learning spaces; improve operational efficiency, enhance student and teacher sensitive single-story building will also be developed at the campus will be constructed in Reid, with its campus outcomes as well as drive sustainable design efficiencies. Bruce campus, to accommodate CIT Yurauna. development expected to roll-out over a number of years. • function rooms, activated common areas and green space; and Examples of this could include virtual/augmented reality Consultation with local communities and key stakeholders The ACT Government is also making significant investments • maker spaces, incubator hubs and spaces for learning, gamification, blended learning models and on the appropriate setting and design for CIT Yurauna will be in new and improved local schools along with tertiary collaboration with industry and local business. digitisation of courses. undertaken as the project progresses. upgrades which will complement the CIT Woden offerings.
6 CIT Campus – Woden Project Summary 7 COMPLEMENTARY COMMUNITY AND COMMERCIAL FACILITIES
CIT Campus - Woden will bring other potential opportunities for community and commercial facilities that will benefit students, staff, commuters and the wider community.
Commercial facilities such as food and beverage, retail and WODEN YOUTH FOYER – other services will be incorporated into the new precinct. SUPPORTING ALL YOUTH TO As we progress the design development for the project, final options will be presented for the local and wider community ACHIEVE THEIR POTENTIAL to provide feedback.
The project will deliver an integrated youth foyer to assist in transitioning young people to independence.
A youth foyer is a support facility for young people (16-24) who are committed to education and training but are at risk of homelessness.
It aims to remove the barriers which often prevent young people, unable to rely on family support during key developmental years, from engaging in education, employment and mainstream opportunities.
The Woden Youth Foyer will provide young people with stable accommodation in a supported living environment, providing mentoring, peer support and life coaching.
The key goals of the youth foyer are to provide the structure to assist in transitioning young people to independence, by: • Increasing the number of young people completing education qualifications
• Increasing the number of young people productively employed
• Reducing homelessness and the number of young people reliant on welfare and support service dependence
• Supporting our at-risk youth to become the best young adults they can be
The Woden Youth Foyer will include a number of independent living bedroom units, communal living spaces and private external (green) spaces. The location, integrated with the new CIT campus and in close proximity to Canberra College, will support improved access to education at both Secondary and VET level for at risk young people, helping them to realise their potential.
8 CIT Campus – Woden Project Summary 9 WODEN INTERCHANGE – GROWING OUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK
To keep Canberra moving, a new upgraded Woden public transport interchange, incorporating a future light rail terminus, will be built on Callam Street. This new BUS LAYOVER FACILITIES interchange will allow significantly-improved bus services and enhance the public To enable the construction of the new interchange a number transport connectivity to the area. INTERSECTION UPGRADES of changes will be made in and around the eastern edge of the Woden town centre. Two new bus layover areas will As part of the construction of the new public transport be constructed to replace layover facilities in the current interchange, Callam Street (between Matilda and Bradley interchange. The first layover area will be built adjacent to Streets) will be closed for public vehicles, allowing for better Phillip Oval and accessed via Launceston Street, providing public transport connectivity and ease of movement for space for 24 buses. The second layover facility will be pedestrians through the area. constructed on Easty Street and will have space for an Public transport Enhanced lighting, shelter and 18 bus stops, an increase BOWES ST additional 11 buses. interchange on signage to improve journey from the current 11 Road layout improvements will be made to Wilbow Street, Callam Street experience for passengers bus stops Easty Street and the intersection of Easty and Launceston Some facilities for drivers, such as bathrooms and lunch Streets to improve vehicle flow through the area. New traffic facilities will be built as part of the Phillip Oval works, which lights will also be installed at the Easty/Launceston will then be upgraded as part of the larger Phillip Bus Street intersection. Depot project. BOWES ST
Future-proofed for the extension GRAND 35 bus layover spaces Upgraded signalised of light rail to Woden, with light CENTRAL and driver facilities intersections rail terminus stop TOWERS EASTY ST
The new public transport interchange will replace the existing the area, while also improving the streetscape of the eastern CALLAM ST bus facilities, which were constructed in the mid-1970s and side of the town centre, making it a safer and more pleasant are unable to respond to increased demand. The modern experience for visitors. new facilities will facilitate increased bus connectivity to the The new interchange will provide active travel infrastructure area once operational, as well as be able to respond to future BRADLEY ST including links to existing primary cycling routes and storage WESTFIELD network expansions. facilities for bicycles and other active travel equipment. WODEN WODEN The interchange will also be future-proofed to include a light This will allow passengers to seamlessly transition between POLICE STATION rail terminus, to allow for the increased patronage associated bus services, light rail and active travel, providing an easy with the future Light Rail Stage 2B. It will be utilised as a bus connection between home, work and play. stop until light rail to Woden becomes operational. Community feedback has reinforced the need for improved WILBOW ST This development further underpins Woden’s ongoing safety and connectivity in the area, which will be considered in development as a business, transport and education centre. the design development. Clear line of sight paths, improved It will provide a front door to the Woden town centre that will wayfinding signage, lighting and appropriate shelters are part NEPTUNE ST improve movement and connectivity of people in and around of this discussion. GUARDIAN PL
10 CIT Campus – Woden Project Summary 11 SITE SELECTION The project’s feasibility studies included an assessment of a number of possible sites within the Woden region. The site chosen ensures the new facilities will be built in a central, well-connected part of Woden and will support the area’s revitalisation. SUPPORTING WODEN’S URBAN RENEWAL
In preparation for a growing city, we are supporting sustainable urban renewal that enhances the qualities we value in our capital.
Central location with Opportunity to replace Revitalisation of the eastern ample space ageing infrastructure side of Woden CBD
ENHANCED PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTALLY ACTIVATION OF THE Direct pedestrian link to Proximity to the Woden Town SPACE STIMULATING WODEN TOWN CENTRE Convenient transport links, local facilities via an east- Centre, local businesses and INVESTMENT SUSTAINABLE CONSIDERING THE WODEN encouraging active travel west boulevard community facilities IN THE AREA DEVELOPMENT TOWN MASTER PLAN
CIT Campus - Woden will be built on the site of the existing The location for the new bus interchange and future light Woden bus interchange. Replacing the existing ageing bus rail terminus on Callam Street was based on a range of interchange site infrastructure with a modern, new facility considerations including cost, alignment with the Woden will help revitalise the eastern side of Woden CBD without Master Plan, proximity to the new CIT campus, optimisation contributing to urban sprawl. of land use and the ability to minimise disruptions to vehicles and parking, the CIT construction and The other key benefit of the site is that it allows for better the community. integration with the new public transport interchange to be built on Callam Street, accessed via a direct pedestrian link Ongoing consultation with CIT will ensure the new facility is from the interchange through CIT to the town square. fit-for-purpose and meets the specialist needs of a modern vocational training facility. BETTER CONNECTIVITY WITH ONGOING JOB CREATION 520 JOBS THE CREATION OF AN EAST-WEST GRAND CENTRAL BOWES STREET AND ECONOMIC SUPPORTED DURING PEDESTRIAN BOULEVARD HELLENIC CLUB WODEN TOWN TOWERS GROWTH FOR WODEN CONSTRUCTION LINKING THE INTERCHANGE, SQUARE CIT CAMPUS AND TOWN SQUARE
The ACT Government is committed to the growth and schools and educational institutions as well as serving as WESTFIELD renewal of Woden, investing in a number of key projects in a major southern interchange for commuters. The current the area whilst supporting considered private developments. investment will support existing as well as encouraging These projects include CIT Campus -Woden, the Canberra further development in the area. Hospital Expansion, Light Rail to Woden, Woden Library CIT Campus - Woden is a significant project supporting Upgrade as well as numerous other enhancements to Woden’s renewal and job creation, both during construction community infrastructure. and once the facility is operational, whilst stimulating long- BRADLEY STREET PUBLIC TRANSPORT The region already provides convenient access to Canberra term economic growth in the area. INTERCHANGE Hospital and medical services, major retail and employment,
WODEN LIGHT RAIL CALLAM STREET TERMINUS
Early design concept only
12 CIT Campus – Woden Project Summary 13 DESIGN EVOLUTION
By engaging early we have been able to identify what design elements matter most to the community, which in turn will help us fully realise the benefits of this project in supporting Woden Early design concepts only. Design and Values Survey – May 2020 to become a place where people want to live, work and learn. OPTION A - 46.5%
A number of options for the new campus were considered • A design which utilises the full site footprint to by the public in a recent community consultation exercise. accommodate modest height buildings and green space Those options were based on variations of two concepts; was overwhelmingly the preferred design option, having a Gateway concept maximising identity and making the been selected by 46.5 per cent of respondents; best use of the Callam Street interface, and a Callam Corner • Regarding building height, 33 per cent of respondents concept which maximised public open space on the site. prefer 6-12 storeys; As part of the project’s design development, the ACT • Key considerations identified by respondents include Government then sought community feedback on topics green space opportunity (68%), seamless integration such as building heights and layout, green space ratios, with the area (34%) and the visual outcomes of the connectivity to local facilities, public transport integration and sustainable design features. campus (25%); and The views of more than 400 community members were • Regarding the external façade of the building, captured over a month-long consultation and are now respondents indicated a preference for a futuristic helping to shape future concept designs for CIT Campus – (20%) and modern (19%) aesthetic, although a design Woden, with the community indicating a preference for well- which acknowledged the local flora, fauna and history integrated buildings of up to 12 stories, featuring activated of the area was also important (15%). common areas and green spaces. A design firm will now work with the ACT Government on the ongoing development and refinement of the initial campus designs, incorporating feedback gathered during the public BR ADLEY S consultation in the next stage of the design process. These ongoing refinements will be subject to further public consultation during 2020-21. T
OPTION A - 46.53%
T
BR ADLEY S AM S BR BR ADLEY S ADLEY S T ALL T CT OPTION B - 21.88% OPTION C - 7.99% OPTION D - 23.61%
T T T AM S AM S AM S ALL ALL C C ALL A ‘connected’ design was chosen as the most important value, withC the top six selections being:
1 2 3 4 5 6
Connected Green Comfortable Sustainable Safe Efficient
14 CIT Campus – Woden Project Summary 15 PROJECT TIMELINE
Early works Project planning business case approvals and New bus interchange expected finalised environmental Delivery partner to be completed 2022 PROJECT SPOTLIGHT - SUSTAINABILITY Community assessment selected and feedback Safety campaigns and operational Community contract signed provides input to information disseminated feedback on the IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION the early design Ongoing construction development consultation as program, new Construction commences on the new Canberra is achieving excellence when it comes to delivering sustainable infrastructure projects, of the campus, campus design bus interchange CIT facility and the CIT Campus-Woden project will continue this approach. building is refined design and project and spaces Ongoing community consultation planning and programs of support
2020 2021 2022 2023/24 2025 ACHIEVE ENSURE NO NET LOSS IN ZERO NET TREE CANOPY Business case Construction commences Main works planning New CIT FROM A 2018 approved on the new bus interchange approvals and environmental facility EMISSIONS followed by demolition of the assessment opens Comments sought BASELINE existing facility on the Estate Engagement activities to seek Programs Development Plan input into final detailed designs, Programs to assist the to assist the construction methodology and community in getting community Statutory consultation project planning construction ready in getting ACHIEVE MINIMUM on EDP/DA operationally CONSIDER ready MATERIALS 90 PER CENT RECYCLING OF CARBON CONSTRUCTION AND EARLY WORKS PLANNING Early construction works will commence in 2021 and include IMPACTS DEMOLITION WASTE APPROVALS AND ENVIRONMENTAL geotechnical studies, utility relocations, and road works ASSESSMENT such as upgraded signalised intersections to support the redevelopment of the area. In anticipation of the transport interchange construction commencing, planning approvals will be sought involving TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE community consultation. The project will be assessed BECOMES OPERATIONAL REDUCE ACHIEVE through a Development Application (DA). During this The public transport interchange is expected to be same time, an Estate Development Plan (EDP) will also be GENERAL ENERGY operational in 2022 with increased services offered to produced and assessed, which focuses on changes to the WASTE BY AND WATER respond to the area’s growth. The light rail terminus will area boundaries and provision or changes to utility services include substrata and electrical infrastructure and building 10 PER CENT EFFICIENCY which will support this and future development. works to future proof the site. COMMUNITY CONSULTATION CONSTRUCTION COMMENCES ON INCREASE STAFF During the DA and EDP submission, we will be seeking THE CIT FACILITY community feedback through a formal consultation period. MAINTAIN AND STUDENTS Main works planning, approvals and environmental This will allow the community and all stakeholders to have GENERAL WASTE assessments will precede the construction of the CIT COMMUTING BY a say on the project and design features, and highlight areas LANDFILL building and campus works which is expected to start in ACTIVE TRAVEL of risk and opportunity which will assist the team develop DIVERSION AT 2022. Community and key stakeholder feedback will also impact reduction or mitigation plans. 90 PER CENT MODES TO inform the building design, and how the space is expected to 20 PER CENT CONSTRUCTION COMMENCES ON be used once operational in 2025. THE NEW BUS INTERCHANGE
The new bus interchange construction is expected to start in 2021, followed closely by the demolition of the existing bus facility to make way for the campus construction. The final design for the interchange and layover areas will be developed over the second half of 2020 and into 2021, with community consultation to continue during this period.
16 CIT Campus – Woden Project Summary 17 COMMUNITY AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The CIT Campus – Woden project is a significant investment in Woden’s renewal and educational outcomes for Canberra. Community engagement as part of the project is essential to ensure the new facility meets the needs of the community.
We are committed to keeping the conversation open and encouraging the community to continue sharing their views, and will be seeking input at various stages of the project’s development.
ESTABLISHMENT OF REFERENCE GROUPS
Now that the project has been granted formal approval, we plan to establish a Community Reference Group (CRG) which will be instrumental in giving a public voice to the community and relaying feedback directly to the project team. Expressions of interest will be sought from interested community members or representatives of groups to participate in the CRG.
A number of key stakeholders from CIT and Transport Canberra will be engaged to provide feedback on a regular basis to ensure the new campus and public transport interchange are fit-for-purpose, efficient and consider evidence-based design principles.
Ongoing stakeholder engagement and public space engagement will also continue to allow us to incorporate community feedback into the development of the precinct.
18 CIT Campus – Woden Project Summary 19
yoursay.act.gov.au/CIT-Campus-Woden act.gov.au/majorprojectscanberra
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