Construction at the Geelong Future Economy Precinct at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus continues to advance, with the third and final stage of the $11.5 million infrastructure expansion nearing completion.
Stage 3 of the major road upgrades involves extension of Epworth Place into the existing road network near Carbon Revolution. Roadworks are expected to be completed by September 2021.
The roadworks will provide alternative entrance points to the precinct, which houses Deakin University, the Epworth Hospital, and advanced manufacturing companies such as Carbon Revolution, Quickstep and tenants of ManuFutures, an advanced manufacturing accelerator.
The Geelong Future Economy Precinct Road Upgrades Project is funded through the $382.48 million Geelong City Deal – a 10-year partnership between the Australian and Victorian governments and the City of Greater Geelong.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the project supports the growing precinct, which is driving Geelong’s future knowledge economy.
“The Geelong City Deal is supporting the expansion of the Geelong Future Economy Precinct, which is home to world-leading research, carbon-fibre expertise and advanced manufacturing,” Minister Fletcher said.
“This investment will drive the growth of emerging advanced manufacturing industries, building on the university’s strengths in advanced materials, biotech, renewable energy and robotics.”
Senator for Victoria, Sarah Henderson, said the Geelong City Deal was delivering on its promise to transform Geelong, supporting jobs, wellbeing and economic growth.
“Increasing numbers of people are being attracted to Geelong thanks to growing employment opportunities, affordable housing and lifestyle opportunities,” Senator Henderson said.
“The City Deal supports Geelong’s continued economic and social diversification and through projects like these road upgrades will make Geelong an even better place to live, work, study and invest.”
Deakin Vice-Chancellor and Chair of the Barwon Regional Partnership, Professor Iain Martin, said that the growth of the Geelong region was no less than a national success story, and the project would provide the critical future infrastructure required.
“The precinct on Deakin’s Waurn Ponds Campus is driving Geelong’s future knowledge economy by becoming a global destination for the best and brightest industry minds to collaborate – and perhaps make important breakthroughs that will change the world as we know it,” Professor Martin said.
Stage 1 of the Geelong Future Economy Precinct Project, which was completed in May 2020, saw two sets of traffic signals installed at Deakin on Pigdons Road to increase traffic safety and site access.
During Stage 2 of the expansion which finished in July 2020, Nicol Drive North and South were extended by a total of 900 metres to increase internal access to the Geelong Future Economy Precinct.
More information on the Geelong City Deal is available at: www.infrastructure.gov.au/cities/city-deals/geelong.
July 2 2021