The $30 million redevelopment of the Agricola College student accommodation in Kalgoorlie was marked with a sod-turning ceremony today.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Deborah Terry attended the ceremony with the Training and Workforce Development Minister, Kim Hames and the Member for Kalgoorlie Wendy Duncan.
The State Government’s Royalties for Regions program is contributing $20 million towards the project with Curtin providing the remaining funding.
Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said the project supports the long-term plans for the Education Precinct in the Goldfields region.
“The redevelopment ensures that Agricola College will be a vibrant and interactive place that brings students together to enjoy the collegiate experience on offer in Kalgoorlie,” Professor Terry said.
“The Western Australian School of Mines has endowed Western Australia with a global reputation for excellence in minerals and energy education and research, and through the School we are committed to delivering internationally recognised education and research in Kalgoorlie.
“To achieve this mission we must have world-class facilities for teaching, research and accommodation that will attract the highest calibre of staff and students.”
Professor Terry added that the Agricola College redevelopment represents a significant investment for Curtin and the State Government.
“We acknowledge the support the State Government has provided to ensure we attain our shared vision of producing the mining industry leaders of the future.
“The redevelopment project adds to the other projects undertaken by Curtin on the Kalgoorlie Campus, which includes the new multi-purpose library and Student Learning Centre, a mining equipment simulator and state-of-the art mine design laboratory.”
The Agricola College redevelopment is due for completion by 2017 and will provide high-quality accommodation for 228 students, and involves the construction of new facilities, comprising of 180 individual bedrooms, as well as the refurbishment of existing 48-bed single storey accommodation.
The redevelopment is a partnership between Curtin University, the Department of Training and Workforce Development and Regional Development, the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Goldfields Institute of Technology.
