Media Releases
JCU welcomes QLD Govt Ideas Market co-investment
James Cook University has welcomed the Queensland Government’s announcement that it will co-invest in JCU’s Ideas Market through Economic Development Queensland’s Catalyst Infrastructure Program.
The Ideas Market is a pivotal element of JCU’s Discovery Rise project – an exciting, innovative $1.7 billion development master plan for its Douglas campus. Discovery Rise will include knowledge-based commerce, student, hotel and residential accommodation, as well as a University Private Hospital and aged care.
The Ideas Market will be the central hub for commerce, health, living, and learning at Discovery Rise. Its purpose is to draw in the community of Townsville, bringing students, staff and the wider community together in a central meeting space.
Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Division of Services and Resources, Tricia Brand has warmly welcomed the Queensland Government’s support for the project.
“Discovery Rise is such an exciting development for Townsville and the wider region. The Ideas Market is a crucial part of the overall development, and will provide a catalyst for others to invest in the project.
“Discovery Rise and its Ideas Market will bring significant and sustained job creation to the benefit of Townsville and the region. It will be a focal point for the Douglas campus and a meeting place for the community,” Ms Brand said.
The Ideas Market aims to promote innovation: it will be a place to exchange ideas between all of the major disciplines of JCU, and also between the University and the community, and between institutions and commercial tenants.
It will feature cafes, restaurants, free Wi-Fi spaces, entertainment and events, markets, and will host lectures and presentations. There will also be small-scale retail outlets that could include a bike shop, travel agent, bakery, and bookshop.
One of the drawcards of the market will be a large, engaging interactive screen that will display a vast array of content including university-wide addresses, movies, and occasional lectures. It will also exhibit work by creative arts students.
Construction of the Ideas Market will proceed in tandem with other projects including the Verandah Walk project. It’s expected that construction of the Ideas Market will begin in late 2016 with building to be completed by the end of 2017.
Images of the Ideas Market are available at: Ideas Market Dropbox