by Michaela Meade
The new Health and Community Centre of Excellence at Kangan TAFE in Broadmeadows has found its architect.
Training and Skills Minister Gayle Tierney announced this week that leading architecture firm Architectus was appointed to design the $60 million centre.
The centre is part of the first stage of the campus’ revitalisation.
Ms Tierney said the centre would be a game changer for the northern suburbs.
“This health and community centre will be game-changing for communities in Melbourne’s north – giving locals the chance to pursue high-quality training and get a job in their local healthcare sector,” she said.
“This project is a key part of our record investment in training and skills, and it’s really exciting to see it another step closer to reality.”
The new facility will feature flexible learning spaces, laboratories, and outdoor recreation spaces, and will house students in aged care, mental health, disability, nursing, pathology, allied health, and health care education services.
Kangan Institute chief executive Sally Curtain said the TAFE’s course offering would be expanded by the centre.
“The Health and Community Centre of Excellence will expand Kangan Institute’s course offering in Melbourne’s growing northern corridor, with students and teachers learning and teaching in state-of-the-art facilities,” Ms Curtain said.
“It will ensure students in Melbourne’s north can study and receive training closer to home giving them more opportunities to match their lives to their study.”
Kangan TAFE recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Northern Health in Epping, to provide students with better access to hands-on learning opportunities, as well as health strategies and outcomes for communities in the northern suburbs.
The construction of the centre will create 300 local trade jobs.
Broadmeadows MP Frank McGuire said: “I’m looking forward to seeing the eye-catching architecture for this $60 million landmark TAFE that will connect local people to crucial jobs where they are needed most.”
Construction will begin in early 2023.
