Foundation Set as Flinders University Makes a Move to Tonsley

by Invest in Australia: http://www.investinaustralia.com/news/foundation-set-flinders-university-makes-move-tonsley-12c3

Construction is now underway on Flinders University's $120 million teaching and research centre at the former Mitsubishi site at Tonsley.

Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade Minister, Tom Kenyon said the new development would bring 2000 students and 150 staff to the advanced manufacturing hub at Tonsley.

"Today's sod turning endorses Flinders University's commitment to world-class teaching and research and confirms that Tonsley is open for business," Mr Kenyon said.

"Tonsley will help transform South Australia's manufacturing sector and build world-class industry capabilities as part of the State Government's manufacturing strategy, Manufacturing Works.

"A high-value and innovative manufacturing hub in Adelaide's south will pay dividends for the whole state and having some of the best and brightest Flinders University researchers and students at Tonsley will help attract other high-tech businesses to the redevelopment.

"The new centre will house the School of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics; Medical Device Research Institute; Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology and the New Venture Institute.

"Flinders University will provide opportunities for private investment in new technologies at Tonsley and there will also be opportunities for other retail businesses like cafes and restaurants," Mr Kenyon said.

Flinders University Vice Chancellor, Michael Barber said the new project highlighted the vision of Tonsley and the university.

"This will be a place where students can interact with business and business with researchers to help make the new products and processes of the 21st century," Professor Barber said.

"It will also be an important place for the community to gather and engage with the university."

Mr Kenyon encouraged other businesses interested in a move to Tonsley to talk to Colliers International.

"The company is working with us to promote the 61 hectare Tonsley site to state, national and global investors as a platform for innovation, productivity and profitable collaboration," Mr Kenyon said.

"Those interested in being at Tonsley will work with, and alongside, the world-class research and training facilities of Flinders University and TAFE SA's Sustainable Industries Education Centre, accelerating the design, testing and commercialisation of products, systems and services.

"Tier 5, the first commercial investor, is developing a $100 million data centre that will be one of the largest in Australia, housing the processing capacity for customers' primary and back-up needs and boosting South Australia's IT service credentials.

"And last year we reached an agreement that set the stage for Siemens' role in Tonsley's future with the company being an important partner in promoting the site internationally," Mr Kenyon said.

For more information visit www.tonsley.com