CDU investments in Central Australia campus in major revitalisation to the regions

The Alice Springs campus at Charles Darwin University (CDU) is set to be transformed as part of CDU’s investment to reinvigorate its regional presence.

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman and Associate Vice-Chancellor Central Australia Jay Walker today announced the $2.5 million investment which will see updates to existing buildings across campus to improve student facilities and experience to grow the offerings at Alice Springs into the future.

Two local Alice Springs contractors, Scope Building NT and TDH Airconditioning have been awarded a combined $850,000 to renovate the buildings and update air conditioning at Student Central and staff offices of the Regional Directorate.

There will be further opportunities for local contractors to tender throughout the year, supporting local jobs and industry in Central Australia.

As a part of the upgrades, CDU will streamline the University's administration areas including Student Central, Regional Support, Operations, and the Strategic Engagement Unit.

Renovations to the campus ground floor will begin this week as buildings are upgraded and repaired over the coming months which will see design changes and remodelling of some buildings to modernise facilities.

Along with this current planned construction, the campus is expecting to see more changes throughout the year as the University continues to invest in the regions.

This will include a facelift to the Practical Nursing and Midwifery Training Lab to ensure students have access to up-to-date training environments that meet workforce requirements. 

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman said the University was delighted to see the revitalisation of important buildings and facilities on-site to improve student learning and experience.

“The first stage of CDU regional campus revitalisation will support the region’s economic development and liveability – and provide the modern facilities that our students need,” Professor Bowman said.

“This project will create more jobs and see advancement at our campus in Alice Springs, ensuring Territorians in regional communities have a vibrant place to study and learn.”

CDU Associate Vice-Chancellor Central Australia Jay Walker said the upgrades and planned works are a welcomed necessity for one of CDU’s oldest campuses.

“Our infrastructure and buildings were here long before CDU and it is great to see the investment into the regions and our campus, to ensure we can keep providing quality education and learning in safe spaces,” Mr Walker said.

“We are committing to investment in the regions and are excited to see some of the changes that are already underway,” Mr Walker said.

“The planned works also give local businesses the opportunity to tender for projects helping to support the local economy and workforce.”

From Monday, February 21, Student Central will be temporarily located next to the Library in Building 4, Room One, but office hours will remain the same.

As a result of upgrades to buildings at CDU’s campus in Alice Springs, there will be no interruption to scheduled classes.

CDU is planning on upgrading other campuses in Katherine and Darwin in due course.