VU Part of New Look for Footscray
Wed, May 17 2006

Media Release:
Victoria University is a significant player in the Footscray area, with its two main campuses, Footscray Park and Footscray Nicholson Street.

VU’s Dr Pieter Nagel, Director, Institute for Logistics and Supply Chain Management (ILSCM) says: “The University sits directly north and south of the Footscray city centre and it is our intention to work with relevant stakeholders towards any redevelopment ideas for Footscray that will enable a ‘University City’ environment between these two campuses.”

Dr Nagel will explore the issue at the University’s Engagement Day this afternoon, which has the theme of: ‘The Changing Face of Footscray’.

He says: “University Cities share a commitment to access, by providing high quality programs, expert resources and appropriate support programs to the citizens, businesses, and community service agencies in their metropolitan areas.”

“Through collaborations and partnerships with businesses and community agencies, the students and staff at University Cities contribute to the economic, social, and technological development of their urban regions.”

“University Cities offer programs that align closely with the workforce and economic development needs of their regions. Many of these institutions engage in multi-disciplinary research applied to the complex social and economic welfare issues of the region.”

“University Cities, through their people and physical resources contribute directly to the intellectual and cultural wealth of the city. Their libraries, concert halls, exhibitions, and lecture halls invite area residents to share these resources.”

“And University Cities and their students benefit too. Through service learning, clinics, internships, co-operative programs, and even standard class assignments, the urban setting provides an enriched environment for learning in a ‘real-world’ setting.”

“We also believe we have a special role to play in the development of Footscray as a Transit City, and will be cooperating with relevant stakeholders towards infrastructure amendments and further development that will support this concept.”

Dr Nagel says several issues need to be addressed to achieve this, including better public transport; a balance between the needs of cars, pedestrians and cyclists; improved parking facilities; and better access to major road networks.

“The challenge that faces us is to integrate the characteristics of both a University City and a Transit City into one dynamic living environment. We need to develop a social and economic regime that will ‘populate’ this living environment with ‘clients’ for both the University and the City Council”, Dr Nagel says.

Media Contact: Andy Gash, Snr. Media Officer,
Marketing & Communications Department, Victoria University
Ph: 03-9919 4950; mobile 0411 255900