Media Releases
JCU expands into Townsville’s CBD
JCU expands into Townsville’s CBD
James Cook University is expanding its presence in Townsville, celebrating the opening of its innovative, multi-use campus in the heart of the city.
The nearly 1000 square metre Townsville City Campus is a three storey, teaching, engagement and student services centre located in the City Arcade development.
Speaking at today’s launch, JCU’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Sandra Harding said the campus’ opening is a milestone in the growth of the University.
“JCU is proud to be expanding into the heart of the city. We’ve wanted to be in Townsville’s CBD for a long time and we are so excited that we have found such a wonderful location.”
“This campus provides fantastic facilities for learning, teaching and engagement with the broader community, and it will help revitalise Townsville’s CBD,” Professor Harding said.
Townsville’s Mayor, Councillor Jenny Hill officially opened the campus. She said it’s another exciting step forward in the revitalisation of the CBD.
“I congratulate JCU for expanding its services into the inner city, and it will be a great benefit to Council’s aim of having 30,000 people living and working in the CBD by 2030.”
“A vibrant and progressive city provides essential services within its city centre, and having the presence of educational institutions is important for the direction of our CBD,” Cr Hill said.
Professor Harding said the campus would boost JCU’s engagement with community groups and allow it to work more closely with civic leaders.
The campus has been designed so that it delivers a diverse range of facilities and services for JCU and other community organisations.
It includes a Collaborative Learning Area, which features the latest innovative technology to promote flexible learning.
The Dean of the College of Law, Business and Governance, Professor David Low said a range of subjects would be taught at the campus, with disciplines including business and law.
“The campus features the first ‘moot court’ in North Queensland with e-court facilities. This will allow us to provide practical training to our law students in the latest methods for evidence management,” said Professor Low.
“The campus will also host short courses for companies seeking professional development for their staff,” Professor Low said.
The campus includes a boardroom with teleconferencing and catering facilities, allowing the University to engage more directly with business and the local community.
The ground floor features a ‘shop front’ point of contact for enquiries from potential students, their families and friends. Course brochures and other promotional material will also be available. A ‘video wall’ at the shopfront will showcase the University’s world-leading research.
The campus boasts extremely high speed internet. Students will be able to ‘drop in’ to use computers and study in the CBD. Seminars and alumni functions will also be hosted at the campus.
Many of the facilities can be hired out to community groups and other external organisations.
For more information please contact:
Richard Davis, JCU Head of Media and Communications
(07) 4781 4822 / 0413 451 475