Ballarat will be the home of a new state-of-the-art business centre, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund.

Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney today visited the site of the new Federation University Business Centre of Excellence on Lydiard Street, which is expected to open in late 2022.

She said the project was made possible through a $9.5 million government grant and would boost regional education, skills and innovation as well as kickstart the University Town Precinct in the Ballarat CBD.

Federation University will modernise its existing Business School by enhancing the SMB campus through the refurbishment of the former School of Mines heritage building and the former Carlton United Breweries site.

IBM Watson Internet of Things (IoT) will provide in-kind support through technology and expertise to help establish the facility, which will provide access to cutting-edge technology, research and learning.

The facility will feature a range of learning and teaching spaces, facilities for researchers and spaces for community and industry engagement.

The project is one of many pitches from universities to the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund, which was developed in response to the significant impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the sector.

The unprecedented $350 million fund is supporting universities with capital works, research infrastructure projects and applied research focused on boosting Victoria’s productivity and economy as the state recovers from the pandemic.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney

“We are proud to be investing in this exciting project that will boost local jobs, grow the economy and strengthen Ballarat’s profile as a leading innovative city.” 

“The creation of the Federation University Business Centre of Excellence is a great example of universities working with government and industry to ensure regional areas have highly skilled workers to fill high value jobs.”

Quotes attributable to Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Duncan Bentley

“Over the past 150 years, Federation University and our regional communities have shown incredible ability to adapt to change and seize opportunities during times of upheaval –and the Federation University Business Centre of Excellence will build on this foundation.” 

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“The new Business Centre of Excellence will further enhance the vibrancy of Ballarat, boost the local economy and create more jobs and will be most welcomed by students and local business.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“This is a really important investment that will help deliver a leading-edge Business Centre of Excellence in the heart of Ballarat that will kickstart the University Town Precinct.”