A 10-year plan to transform Footscray into a ‘university town’ is full steam ahead a year after the project was announced.
Victoria University and Maribyrnong council’s joint Footscray University Town project aims to position the suburb as an innovative gateway to Melbourne’s rapidly growing west. It also plans to link VU’s two Footscray campuses and 20,000 students with an active string of cafes, businesses, parks and plazas.
A public discussion tonight will explore rejuvenation already under way, including the launch of the $2 million ‘MetroWest’ centre on Nicholson Street Mall and 12-storey, 500-bed student accommodation opposite the Footscray Park campus, which is due to open in 2016.
“We’re already using the creative energy of the university and the area’s existing and planned creative arts and sports infrastructure to kick-start projects aimed at attracting more businesses, jobs and services, engaging residents and traders. Above all, we’re changing the perception of Footscray,” VU’s vice-president of government relations, Dr Rob Brown, said.
A Footscray University Town public discussion, featuring Creative City concept founder Charles Landry and other speakers, will be held at Victoria University, Footscray Nicholson campus, from 5-7 tonight.
Register at www.vu.edu.au/fut-events
