Maribyrnong City Council and Victoria University (VU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together to develop Footscray as Australia’s first University Town.
The MOU is intended to continue to transform and renew Footscray through planning and activities that will enhance the city as a university town. The desired outcome is to generate rapid economic and social change and continue building Footscray’s reputation as an arty, edgy and exciting place.
This plan aims to bring about urban, economic and social renewal and be a catalyst to generate confidence, investment and employment in Footscray and in Melbourne’s west.
Maribyrnong City Council CEO Vince Haining said the MOU marked the beginning of a significant transformation of Footscray into a University Town.
“To be the first University Town located within a capital city is something that this Council is excited about and we welcome the opportunity to further renew Footscray.
“Footscray is renowned across Melbourne as an edgy, art-focused suburb that offers authentic dining and cultural experiences, and becoming a University Town will further enhance its reputation as an up-and-coming place to work, study and invest in.”
A key feature of the plan is to bring significant VU activities into central Footscray, starting with a bookshop, learning space and coffee shop and soon, an arts precinct.
Victoria University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Dawkins said, “Victoria University will be seamlessly integrated within the fabric of Footscray through academic, social, community and retail facilities, for example student accommodation; an arts precinct with visual and performing arts spaces; and a sports precinct with elite sports facilities and a sports industry incubator.”
One of the plan’s intentions is to extend VU’s Footscray Park campus across Ballarat Road to bring the major campus closer to Footscray central.
Approximately 20,000 VU students currently study in Footscray and there is the potential for many students to live in Footscray, including those from other educational institutions, as well as university staff and other associated professionals.
