Establishment of the Gippsland Hi Tech Precinct in Morwell has moved a step closer with Vincent Crisp Architects winning a bid to masterplan the $17 million project, which will drive innovation and bring new jobs and industry to the Latrobe Valley. During construction the project will create 80 jobs and hundreds of ongoing jobs after its completion in 2020.
Designed to be a centre for research, business incubation, new product development, start-up support, education and training, the Hi Tech Precinct will include a new Innovation Centre, to be constructed and opened by 2020, along with the new Gippsland Tech School, Federation Training and Federation University. Fujitsu will be a major tenant.
Construction on the $6.5 million Gippsland Tech School begins next month.
Latrobe Valley Authority Chief Executive Officer Karen Cain said the key to the future success of the Latrobe Valley lay in diversifying the local economy, attracting new industries and creating new jobs.
“We believe there is a strong future here for industries such as technology and innovation, tourism and health,” Ms Cain said.
“The new Hi-Tech Precinct in Morwell will set us up as the leader in regional innovation focusing on our Gippsland growth sectors, such as new energy, health, food and fibre and professional services. The Precinct will be a centre of research for local industry and will open up exciting work and education opportunities for local students.”