Federation University is launching a new plan to cater for an expected growth in student numbers that will see Berwick hosting the largest number of learners in the university’s network by 2025.
Four years since Federation established a presence in Berwick, the campus currently serves a community of more than 1.5 million people.
A new Campus Vision 2022-2025 has been launched by vice-chancellor and president professor Duncan Bentley to set out a clear way forward for the Berwick campus.
“Our Campus Vision is not just about bricks and mortar – it’s about how we teach, our connection to our communities and how we will drive growth in our campus regions for generations to come,” Mr Bentley said.
“Today we start an important conversation with our communities in Berwick, government, industry partners, staff and students on what Federation University means to them and how we can grow together.
“The community in Melbourne’s growing south-east wants access to higher education and jobs, which we are committed to delivering.”
The University’s vision aims to secure either the purchase of the Berwick Campus or long-term lease of the campus site with development rights from owners Monash University.
Once achieved, the university will develop a Berwick Campus master plan that will further build student and staff amenity, a library upgrade and an industry engagement facility.
Mr Bentley said it was essential to start planning now, so the university will be well-placed to meet demand in the Casey, Cardinia, Dandenong and Frankston local government areas.
“While we continue to negotiate in good faith with Monash University to purchase and expand the Berwick Campus, we are also working with employers, government and the community to ensure we are delivering learning where it needs to be,” he said.
Focusing on areas with a strong demand for skilled workers such as healthcare, ICT, innovation, and manufacturing, Federation expects to double its teaching capacity in Melbourne’s south-east in the coming years.
Federation has appointed consultants Village Well to undertake community engagement activities over the coming months which will go on to inform the developing campus masterplans.
The plan for the Berwick area was unveiled on Wednesday 19 January.
To find out more, visit federation.edu.au/strategy/delivery-year-1/campus-vision
