Flinders University will consider the implications of the amended Darlington design announced by Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan.

The University was told of the design changes shortly before the government’s announcement.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling says the announcement forecasts, but doesn’t guarantee, the extension of the Tonsley rail line and improved urban design.

“Flinders University would welcome the rail extension as a critical connection between the southern education and medical precincts, and the city. We await the certainty of funding for the extension being confirmed,” Professor Stirling says.

“Flinders has been advocating an integrated design with a smaller footprint and lesser environmental impact, that enhances local communities, education and health localities, business, and innovation industries. A key element of achieving such a vision is the capping of the roadway to enable vibrant urban precincts to be developed up and over the road.

“The Minister acknowledged the importance of urban design within the precinct and said that the revised design may have future capping potential.

“This is a complex project and Flinders will seek further information in order to properly consider the implications,” he says.

“Flinders is looking forward to working collaboratively and constructively with the government as the planning for this major development progresses,” Professor Stirling says.