The Victorian government has unveiled the $60 million redevelopment of Bendigo TAFE.
Premier Daniel Andrews officially opened the new campus which includes two new buildings, refurbished heritage buildings and the relocation of the Bendigo Technical Education Campus to the CBD.
The new precinct celebrates the site’s 165-year training legacy and paves the way for the next generation of workers to get the skills they need for jobs – both locally and across Victoria.
The new campus includes a new Learning Hub, a one-stop-shop for student training and job support, an Indigenous Education Centre and modern flexible teaching spaces where students can connect with industry and community.
The works have also opened the campus to the public, with better access to the TAFE restaurant and hair and beauty salon, giving students hands-on experience to hone their skills in their chosen fields.
The campus will open to students from 2022 in courses including health and community services, Indigenous support studies, business, hospitality and tourism, education, hair and beauty, creative industries and IT.
The redevelopment was designed by Architectus with Six Degrees Architects – led by a Bendigo TAFE graduate.
Construction was undertaken by Kane Nicholson Joint Venture and created 800 local jobs, including many local TAFE graduates as well as 13 apprentices from Bendigo TAFE who helped build their campus while studying.
The City Campus Revitalisation Project was funded as part of the government’s record $3.2 billion investment in rebuilding TAFE.