Students park it easy: Deakin opens new carpark for waterfront campus

DEAKIN University has this week officially opened a new multideck carpark for students, staff and visitors to its Waterfront campus.

It follows the sale of the university’s original waterfront carpark to the state government in 2021 to make way for the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, which is currently under development.

Located between Brougham and Smythe Street, the university’s new carpark offers more than 550 parking spaces across four levels and includes EV charging facilities.

Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin said the timing of the carpark’s opening, ahead of the start of the university’s first trimester for the year, “couldn’t be better”. “The Waterfront campus is buzzing with activity, and we know students are embracing opportunities to be on campus,” he said.

“The multideck carpark adds significant value to the experience of our students and staff, and ensures they have access to safe and secure parking within walking distance of their Waterfront campus and right beside our student accommodation building, Brougham House.”

A catenary-lit laneway, intended to house market stalls and events for both the public and the university, links Smythe and Brougham Streets.

Deakin University’s wellness centre, which opened last month, is also situated at the building’s ground level and includes a gym and yoga studio.

Kevin Murphy, Deakin University’s executive director of infrastructure, property and precincts, said the carpark’s thoughtful design integrated well with the streetscape and included acoustic and visual barriers.

Designed to create visual interest, the carpark was built with an emphasis on sustainable construction materials.

“Lighting within the carpark is sensor-operated and the facility will be monitored by Deakin security and CCTV online,” Mr Murphy said.

The carpark will operate seven days a week from 7am to 10pm, with extended opening hours for special events.

For visitors and the public, access to the carpark will be available after 4.30pm on weekdays and on weekends.