In making the announcement recently, Higher Education and Training and Skills Minister Gayle Tierney said the site will undergo a massive transformation to become a first-class community, industry and education precinct, adding:
“This exciting project will see Melbourne Polytechnic deliver a revitalised flagship TAFE campus in Collingwood, giving Victorians greater study options in central Melbourne to develop their skills to get into decent, stable jobs.”
According to Richmond Member Richard Wynne, the new facilities were designed to accommodate the ongoing need for more skilled workers.
The redevelopment will see a new building, together with car parking, constructed, as well as the refurbishment and modernisation of existing buildings. The works will enable Melbourne Polytechnic to completely revitalise and refresh TAFE courses and the way they are presented to ensure they fully meet the requirements of local industry.
Courses on offer will range from creative arts to information technology, as well as a number of TAFE's free courses, such as Cyber Security and Community Services.
Major projects such as this can also assist other local businesses, such as printing services.
It is expected that work will begin in 2021, with a completion date in late 2023, just in time for the start of the first 2024 semester.