CHARLES Sturt University students in Port Macquarie will soon have access to two medical imaging laboratories as the university expands its facilities on the Mid North Coast.
The expansion will see an existing building in Munster Street turned into a CSU campus after a development application for the work was approved this week.
Port Macquarie campus director Dr Muyesser Durur says the new campus allowed for a boost in student numbers and would expand the course profile already offered through CSU’s Grant Street campus.
“By 2015 CSU in Port Macquarie will welcome students into Education and Communications and Creative Industries. We will also offer extra Social Science courses,” Dr Durur said.
“On top of this, the Munster Street campus will have two medical imaging laboratories with advanced X-ray equipment and image viewing stations.”
The approved works will convert an industrial building, which currently houses a church auditorium, into a contemporary learning space.
The fit-out includes three teaching spaces, suitable for 30 students each, two smaller classrooms, for up to 12 students, additional space for practice rooms plus office and storage space.
The campus will also have a small student common area complete with kitchenette, bathrooms and a number of designated parking spaces.
Like Grant Street, Munster Street is temporary until the main campus on Major Innes Road is opened. The first stage of the permanent campus is due for completion at the end of 2015.
CSU will lease the Munster Street premises for five years. Port Macquarie City Church will sub-tenant the front section of the building and will have access to parts of the building during non-teaching times.
The Munster Street renovations will commence soon with work due to be completed for students in late February next year.
