A beacon of learning and hope for the Cradle Coast

The recently opened building on Burnie’s waterfront is the first of the University’s new, regionally distinctive campuses to be brought to life and is the realisation of a six-year journey to transform learning outcomes.

In September, a new chapter began for higher education in the North-West with the opening of the Cradle Coast campus at West Park.

Shaped by, and built for, the region and people it will serve, the campus will help more students study closer to home while enabling new courses to be offered locally.

The $52 million vision to bring the campus closer to the heart of the community was realised through contributions from the Tasmanian and Australian governments, Burnie City Council and the University, as part of the Northern Transformation Program.

But the development is more than just a building: it’s a commitment to an entire region and a beacon for transformational education.

“In a time when universities around the country are pulling out of regions, we’re doing the opposite because we know the benefit education can have for communities, whether that be through research, teaching or outreach programs,” Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black said. “Strengthening our presence on the Coast is part of a commitment to being regionally networked – ensuring more people can gain the skills and knowledge they need without having to leave their communities or incur the costs of living away.

“This is a building that is all about hope, that looks to the future and all that is possible in it, and which enables people to take root, grow and flourish.” The new campus is distinctive to the North-West region, responding to community, the environment and history.

It takes its place at a site steeped in learning and recreational and cultural activity, and honours West Park’s heritage as an educational precinct, with the Domestic Arts building living on as a central feature.

“This is a campus you wouldn’t find anywhere else in the world,” Professor Black said.

“The architecture reflects the headland forms that rise up along the coast, while the green roof speaks to the abundant agricultural fields. Each window frames views of the surrounding land and sea, while the use of concrete echoes the area’s industrial history.

“Students can now learn in a truly magnificent setting, with contemporary facilities allowing us to grow our programs and evolve their delivery to be more interactive and industry-relevant.

“The campus is also a place for community to enjoy and experience, putting learning on display so visitors can consider how education might enhance their lives.”

The campus has been named the Field Building after Michael Field AC for his service to the region, State and, most recently, the University.

Tasmanian firm Fairbrother led the construction phase, with 440 people living and working in the region engaged with the build, while local contractors and suppliers were prioritised. “The building is filled with local timber and other materials that are deeply Tasmanian, and its craftsmanship is a testament to the very ‘makers’ nature of Burnie,” Professor Black said.

The new campus has already enabled the Bachelor of Nursing and the Bachelor of Psychological Science to be offered this year, with an accelerated Bachelor of Business and Master of Business Administration the next courses to be introduced.

Shantelle Rodman

Field Building Meeting pod