The public is being called on to have their say on the ACT Government’s plans for the new Woden CIT campus.

The major infrastructure project, which is estimated to cost up to $250 million, is due to begin construction in early 2022, with the new facilities anticipated to be operational from 2024.

One of the key considerations in the design of the CIT Woden Campus is whether to stack or mass the building form across the campus site.

Stacking refers to building taller in order to provide the required amenity, space and facilities.

Massing involves spreading out the facility, reducing its height as well as available green space, in order to provide the required amenity, space and facilities.

The proposed bus interchange will integrate with a future light rail terminus, encouraging active travel in the area and underpinning Woden’s ongoing development as a business, transport and education centre.

Community input is currently being sought on aspects of the project’s design elements, such as: building height and layout; green space ratios; connectivity to local facilities; public transport, integration and sustainability features; and other features.

Geotechnical works for the Woden CIT Campus commenced in late February when Major Projects Canberra and its contractor undertook surveying work around the Woden Bus Station and Callam Street.

A non-invasive ground penetrating radar was used to image below the ground to confirm utility locations and assess ground conditions.

ACT Minister for Tertiary Education, Chris Steel, encouraged Canberrans to chip in with their two cents on the project whether they are “passionate about creating quality learning spaces, supporting sustainable design or ensuring Woden’s local facilities are well integrated”.

“We have a unique opportunity to design and build a high quality integrated mixed-use campus where Canberrans can study, catch public transport and access a range of community services, all in the one central location,” he said.

Labor Member for Murrumbidgee, Bec Cody MLA, said that the new Woden CIT design has the potential to “completely reshape the North-East of Woden Town Centre from a concrete and asphalt jungle into a modern teaching campus”.

“The new Woden CIT will give young people on the Southside the opportunity to study in their own community, and I encourage current and future students to get involved and have their say on their campus.”

In March, it was announced that CIT’s existing major campus in Reid will be redeveloped into a new University of New South Wales (UNSW) research, education and innovation campus with places for up to 6,000 students and the creation of up to 2,000 jobs.

The ACT Government will invest $25 million with UNSW over the campus development timeframe.

As part of the agreement, the ACT Government will also provide approximately eight hectares of land and meet the cost of remediation required to enable the new campus development.

The CIT Campus – Woden: Design and Values Survey is available via YourSay until Wednesday 17 June.