CIT CAMPUS - WODENPROJECT SUMMARY

August 2020

CONTENTSA message from the ACT Minister for Tertiary Education ............................................................3

Project overview ..................................................................................................................................................... 4

CIT Woden - excellence in educational outcomes ........................................................................... 6

Woden Youth Foyer – supporting at-risk youth to achieve their potential ...................... 8

Complementary community and commercial facilities .............................................................. 9

Woden Interchange – part of our enhanced public transport network .......................... 10

Site selection ...........................................................................................................................................................12

Supporting Woden’s urban renewal ........................................................................................................13

Design evolution .................................................................................................................................................. 14

Project spotlight - Sustainability in design and construction .................................................16

Project timeline .....................................................................................................................................................17

Community and stakeholder engagement ........................................................................................18

A MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION AND TRANSPORT

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 at CIT Woden each year, preparing them for future jobs in fields such as IT, cyber security, hospitality and design.

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 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 interchange, CIT campus and town square, creating a safer connection through the area and allowing for publicly accessible green spaces.

The ACT Government is also including a youth foyer as part of the project to better 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.

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 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 construction alone.

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 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.

Chris Steel

Minister for Tertiary Education Minister for 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.

3CIT Campus – Woden Project Summary2

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Delivering a contemporary and sustainable CIT campus in the heart of Woden will have an ongoing and positive impact on the delivery of vocational education and training in the ACT. Smart classrooms, state-of-the-art simulated learning environments, commercial kitchens and hands-on training spaces will help students achieve their full potential in areas such as IT, cyber security, hospitality and business.

The new public transport interchange will incorporate an improved and expanded bus interchange along with the Woden light rail terminus, future proofing the area for the provision of light rail to Canberra’s south. In addition to facilitating better public transport connectivity in the area, the new interchange will deliver improved lighting, wayfinding signage and protection from the elements, improving safety and providing a more comfortable experience for passengers.

Community and commercial facilities will complement 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.

Construction of this important infrastructure project will be staged to allow for a seamless offering and reduce community impacts. Construction of the public transport interchange will commence in 2021, allowing the current bus facilities to be demolished and the site cleared for construction of CIT Woden to start in 2022. It is anticipated that students will be welcomed into the new facility at the start of the 2025 training year.

This project is one part of the ACT Government’s $14 billion Infrastructure Plan, ensuring Canberra remains one of the world’s most liveable cities as its population grows. By building a new educational offering and replacing the existing bus interchange with modern transport facilities, the ACT Government will help revitalise the eastern side of Woden CBD, supporting Woden to become a great place to live, work and study.

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.

MODERN INFORMATION& COMMUNICATION

TECHNOLOGY TOSUPPORT A SMARTCAMPUS MODEL

CONTEMPORARYCIT FACILITY

PASSENGER-FRIENDLY

TRANSPORTINTERCHANGE

MULTI-ROOMED

YOUTHFOYER

AND PUBLIC SPACEPEDESTRIAN BOULEVARDINTEGRATED EAST-WEST

UPGRADES TO

INTERSECTIONSLOCAL ROAD

WODENFUTURE-PROOFED

STOPLIGHT RAIL

CONSTRUCTIONOF A NEWCIT YURAUNA

Major improvements are coming to the Woden Town Centre, with 22,500m2 of educational and community facilities to be built in a central, well-connected part of Woden complemented by a new public transport interchange.

5CIT Campus – Woden Project Summary4

CIT WODEN - EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES

CIT has an impressive 90-year history - providing excellence in technical and further education to students from the ACT and surrounding areas. CIT Woden will provide a competitive, world-class educational facility, delivering excellence in education and learning outcomes.

CIT’s training and assessment methods continue to evolve to best equip work-ready graduates. The new facility will incorporate smart, sustainable campus design and current technology to offer courses that meet the vocational education and training requirements of a shifting ACT workforce. Features will include:

• specialist learning environments;

• state-of-the-art cyber training and digital learning spaces;

• a training restaurant with commercial kitchen;

• collaboration and group-work learning spaces;

• function rooms, activated common areas and green space; and

• maker spaces, incubator hubs and spaces for collaboration with industry and local business.

CIT Woden will be a technology skills delivery precinct, with a strong focus on IT, cyber security, business and hospitality skills and training opportunities required to meet the growing demands of industry and the ACT community. It is expected that 6,500 students will use CIT Woden each year, activating the area, and stimulating the local economy.

DIGITALLY-ENABLED LEARNING SPACESCIT are planning to develop ‘Cloud Campus’ information and communications technology (ICT) for use across all of their campuses to best meet the needs of their student population and industry partners as technology advances.

The new Woden campus will also incorporate ‘Smart Campus’ technology, linking a digitally-enabled CIT building with custom digital learning management systems, to improve operational efficiency, enhance student and teacher outcomes as well as drive sustainable design efficiencies.

Examples of this could include virtual/augmented reality learning, gamification, blended learning models and digitisation of courses.

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.

CONNECTIONS TO INDUSTRYThe new campus will feature applied research, industry incubators and maker spaces where students can come together, learn, share, explore and collaborate with local industry.

Locating CIT within close proximity to the growing Woden and Phillip business districts has the potential to increase the opportunities for students to undertake job training during their study.

The provision of incubators and maker spaces will encourage industry stakeholders to collaborate with students in their learning journey. This in turn will deliver enhanced employment pathways, with more job-ready skilled employees and better educational and student outcomes.

NEW CIT YURAUNAYurauna is CIT’s dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Educational Centre of Excellence, providing tailored Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander courses, study support and cultural advice.

As part of the CIT Campus - Woden project, a new culturally sensitive single-story building will also be developed at the Bruce campus, to accommodate CIT Yurauna.

Consultation with local communities and key stakeholders on the appropriate setting and design for CIT Yurauna will be undertaken as the project progresses.

COMPLEMENTING OTHER EDUCATIONAL INVESTMENTSThe CIT Campus - Woden project offers a unique opportunity to design and build a new purpose-built mixed-use educational campus in a central, rapidly renewing part of Canberra. It will complement other educational infrastructure investments in Canberra.

The Woden campus will enhance Canberra’s vocational education and training network, operating alongside existing CIT campuses in Fyshwick, Bruce, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong and a continued presence in the city.

The CIT Woden investment is being made in the context of other significant educational infrastructure investments being made or facilitated by the ACT Government. A University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra City campus will be constructed in Reid, with its campus development expected to roll-out over a number of years.

The ACT Government is also making significant investments in new and improved local schools along with tertiary upgrades which will complement the CIT Woden offerings.

6,500 students each yearActivated common areas and

practical green spaces

Digitally-enabled learning spaces

Course offerings to suit jobs of the future

Collaboration opportunities with industry and local business

76 CIT Campus – Woden Project Summary

WODEN YOUTH FOYER – SUPPORTING ALL YOUTH TO ACHIEVE THEIR POTENTIALThe 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.

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 other services will be incorporated into the new precinct.

As we progress the design development for the project, final options will be presented for the local and wider community to provide feedback.

9CIT Campus – Woden Project Summary8

WODEN INTERCHANGE – GROWING OUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK

The new public transport interchange will replace the existing bus facilities, which were constructed in the mid-1970s and are unable to respond to increased demand. The modern new facilities will facilitate increased bus connectivity to the area once operational, as well as be able to respond to future network expansions.

The interchange will also be future-proofed to include a light rail terminus, to allow for the increased patronage associated with the future Light Rail Stage 2B. It will be utilised as a bus stop until light rail to Woden becomes operational.

This development further underpins Woden’s ongoing development as a business, transport and education centre. It will provide a front door to the Woden town centre that will improve movement and connectivity of people in and around

Enhanced lighting, shelter and signage to improve journey experience for passengers

Public transport interchange on Callam Street

18 bus stops, an increase from the current 11

bus stops

Upgraded signalised intersections

Future-proofed for the extension of light rail to Woden, with light

rail terminus stop

35 bus layover spaces and driver facilities

the area, while also improving the streetscape of the eastern side of the town centre, making it a safer and more pleasant experience for visitors.

The new interchange will provide active travel infrastructure including links to existing primary cycling routes and storage facilities for bicycles and other active travel equipment. This will allow passengers to seamlessly transition between bus services, light rail and active travel, providing an easy connection between home, work and play.

Community feedback has reinforced the need for improved safety and connectivity in the area, which will be considered in the design development. Clear line of sight paths, improved wayfinding signage, lighting and appropriate shelters are part of this discussion.

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 interchange will allow significantly-improved bus services and enhance the public transport connectivity to the area.

BUS LAYOVER FACILITIESTo enable the construction of the new interchange a number of changes will be made in and around the eastern edge of the Woden town centre. Two new bus layover areas will be constructed to replace layover facilities in the current interchange. The first layover area will be built adjacent to Phillip Oval and accessed via Launceston Street, providing space for 24 buses. The second layover facility will be constructed on Easty Street and will have space for an additional 11 buses.

Some facilities for drivers, such as bathrooms and lunch facilities will be built as part of the Phillip Oval works, which will then be upgraded as part of the larger Phillip Bus Depot project.

INTERSECTION UPGRADESAs part of the construction of the new public transport interchange, Callam Street (between Matilda and Bradley Streets) will be closed for public vehicles, allowing for better public transport connectivity and ease of movement for pedestrians through the area.

Road layout improvements will be made to Wilbow Street, Easty Street and the intersection of Easty and Launceston Streets to improve vehicle flow through the area. New traffic lights will also be installed at the Easty/Launceston Street intersection.

WESTFIELDWODEN

GRANDCENTRALTOWERS

WODENPOLICE

STATION

BO

WE

S ST

BOWES ST

BRADLEY ST

NEPTUNE ST

WILBOW ST

GUARDIAN PL

EA

STY ST

CA

LLAM

STC

ALLA

M ST

1110 CIT Campus – Woden Project Summary

SITE SELECTIONThe 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.

CIT Campus - Woden will be built on the site of the existing Woden bus interchange. Replacing the existing ageing bus interchange site infrastructure with a modern, new facility will help revitalise the eastern side of Woden CBD without contributing to urban sprawl.

The other key benefit of the site is that it allows for better integration with the new public transport interchange to be built on Callam Street, accessed via a direct pedestrian link from the interchange through CIT to the town square.

The location for the new bus interchange and future light rail terminus on Callam Street was based on a range of considerations including cost, alignment with the Woden Master Plan, proximity to the new CIT campus, optimisation of land use and the ability to minimise disruptions to vehicles and parking, the CIT construction and the community.

Ongoing consultation with CIT will ensure the new facility is fit-for-purpose and meets the specialist needs of a modern vocational training facility.

Central location with ample space

Convenient transport links, encouraging active travel

Direct pedestrian link to local facilities via an east-

west boulevard

Proximity to the Woden Town Centre, local businesses and

community facilities

Opportunity to replace ageing infrastructure

Revitalisation of the eastern side of Woden CBD

SUPPORTING WODEN’S URBAN RENEWALIn preparation for a growing city, we are supporting sustainable urban renewal that enhances the qualities we value in our capital.

The ACT Government is committed to the growth and renewal of Woden, investing in a number of key projects in the area whilst supporting considered private developments. These projects include CIT Campus -Woden, the Canberra Hospital Expansion, Light Rail to Woden, Woden Library Upgrade as well as numerous other enhancements to community infrastructure.

The region already provides convenient access to Canberra Hospital and medical services, major retail and employment,

schools and educational institutions as well as serving as a major southern interchange for commuters. The current investment will support existing as well as encouraging further development in the area.

CIT Campus - Woden is a significant project supporting Woden’s renewal and job creation, both during construction and once the facility is operational, whilst stimulating long-term economic growth in the area.

ENHANCED PUBLIC SPACE STIMULATINGINVESTMENTIN THE AREA

ENVIRONMENTALLY

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

520 JOBS SUPPORTED DURING CONSTRUCTION

ONGOING JOB CREATION

AND ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR WODEN

BETTER CONNECTIVITY WITHTHE CREATION OF AN EAST-WESTPEDESTRIAN BOULEVARDLINKING THE INTERCHANGE, CIT CAMPUS AND TOWN SQUARE

ACTIVATION OF THEWODEN TOWN CENTRECONSIDERING THE WODENTOWN MASTER PLAN

GRAND CENTRALTOWERSWODEN TOWN

SQUARE

WESTFIELD

CALLAM STREET

BRADLEY STREET

BOWES STREETHELLENIC CLUB

PUBLIC TRANSPORTINTERCHANGE

WODEN LIGHT RAILTERMINUS

Early design concept only

13CIT Campus – Woden Project Summary12

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 to become a place where people want to live, work and learn.

A number of options for the new campus were considered by the public in a recent community consultation exercise.Those options were based on variations of two concepts; a Gateway concept maximising identity and making the best use of the Callam Street interface, and a Callam Corner concept which maximised public open space on the site.

As part of the project’s design development, the ACT Government then sought community feedback on topics such as building heights and layout, green space ratios, connectivity to local facilities, public transport integration and sustainable design features.

The views of more than 400 community members were captured over a month-long consultation and are now helping to shape future concept designs for CIT Campus – Woden, with the community indicating a preference for well-integrated buildings of up to 12 stories, featuring activated common areas and green spaces.

OPTION A - 46.53%

• A design which utilises the full site footprint to accommodate modest height buildings and green space was overwhelmingly the preferred design option, having been selected by 46.5 per cent of respondents;

• Regarding building height, 33 per cent of respondents prefer 6-12 storeys;

• Key considerations identified by respondents include green space opportunity (68%), seamless integration with the area (34%) and the visual outcomes of the campus (25%); and

• Regarding the external façade of the building, respondents indicated a preference for a futuristic (20%) and modern (19%) aesthetic, although a design which acknowledged the local flora, fauna and history of the area was also important (15%).

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 consultation in the next stage of the design process.

These ongoing refinements will be subject to further public consultation during 2020-21.

CALLAM ST

BRADLEY ST

CALLAM ST

BRADLEY ST

OPTION C - 7.99%

CALLAM ST

BRADLEY ST

OPTION B - 21.88%

OPTION A - 46.5%

CALLAM ST

BRADLEY ST

OPTION D - 23.61%

21 3 4 5 6

GreenConnected SafeSustainable Eff icientComfortable

Early design concepts only. Design and Values Survey – May 2020

A ‘connected’ design was chosen as the most important value, with the top six selections being:

1514 CIT Campus – Woden Project Summary

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT - SUSTAINABILITY IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

PROJECT TIMELINE

Canberra is achieving excellence when it comes to delivering sustainable infrastructure projects, and the CIT Campus-Woden project will continue this approach.

EARLY WORKS PLANNING APPROVALS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTIn anticipation of the transport interchange construction commencing, planning approvals will be sought involving community consultation. The project will be assessed through a Development Application (DA). During this same time, an Estate Development Plan (EDP) will also be produced and assessed, which focuses on changes to the area boundaries and provision or changes to utility services which will support this and future development.

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION During the DA and EDP submission, we will be seeking community feedback through a formal consultation period. This will allow the community and all stakeholders to have a say on the project and design features, and highlight areas of risk and opportunity which will assist the team develop impact reduction or mitigation plans.

CONSTRUCTION COMMENCES ON 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.

Early construction works will commence in 2021 and include geotechnical studies, utility relocations, and road works such as upgraded signalised intersections to support the redevelopment of the area.

TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE BECOMES OPERATIONALThe public transport interchange is expected to be operational in 2022 with increased services offered to respond to the area’s growth. The light rail terminus will include substrata and electrical infrastructure and building works to future proof the site.

CONSTRUCTION COMMENCES ON THE CIT FACILITYMain works planning, approvals and environmental assessments will precede the construction of the CIT building and campus works which is expected to start in 2022. Community and key stakeholder feedback will also inform the building design, and how the space is expected to be used once operational in 2025.

Community feedback provides input to the early design development of the campus, building and spaces

Community feedback on the construction program, new bus interchange design and project planning

Engagement activities to seek input into final detailed designs, construction methodology and project planning

Programs to assist the community in getting operationally ready

Business case approved

Statutory consultation on EDP/DA

Construction commences on the new bus interchange followed by demolition of the existing facility

Construction commences on the new CIT facility

New bus interchange expected to be completed 2022Delivery partner

selected and contract signed

Comments sought on the Estate Development Plan Programs to assist the

community in getting construction ready

Ongoing community consultation and programs of support

Safety campaigns and operational information disseminated

Ongoing consultation as campus design is refined

Project business case finalised

Early works planning approvals and environmental assessment

Main works planning approvals and environmental assessment

New CIT facility opens

20212020 2022 20252023/24

REDUCE GENERAL WASTE BY 10 PER CENT

CONSIDER MATERIALS CARBON IMPACTS

MAINTAIN GENERAL WASTE

LANDFILL DIVERSION AT 90 PER CENT

ACHIEVE MINIMUM 90 PER CENT RECYCLING OF CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE

ACHIEVE ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENCY

INCREASE STAFF AND STUDENTS COMMUTING BY ACTIVE TRAVEL MODES TO 20 PER CENT

ACHIEVE ZERO NET EMISSIONS

ENSURE NO NET LOSS IN TREE CANOPY FROM A 2018 BASELINE

17CIT Campus – Woden Project Summary16

COMMUNITY AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENTThe 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 GROUPSNow 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.

19CIT Campus – Woden Project Summary18

1

act.gov.au/majorprojectscanberra

yoursay.act.gov.au/CIT-Campus-Woden

citcampuswoden@act.gov.au