BSE is proud to partner with the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) on the multi-stage transformation of its Watson Campus in Canberra—set to become a landmark hub for film, games, and interactive media education in Australia. As part of its bold campus renewal, AIE has directly engaged BSE to deliver mechanical, electrical, and fire protection engineering services for Stage 1 of the redevelopment.

AIE, a not-for-profit educator based in Canberra, is a world leader in specialist games and visual effects education. The academy offers a dynamic range of courses spanning game development, animation, film, and VFX.

Stage 1 of the redevelopment includes the establishment of an interim stand-alone campus made up of three buildings: a Student Production Hall, Production Hall Facilities with Workshop, and an Education and Industry Building. Future stages are planned to include Student Accommodation, along with additional Production Halls, and further Education and Industry spaces.

As part of this $200M+ three-stage renewal, BSE’s designs take into consideration the future stages of the project. The electrical scope for Stage 1 includes reviewing solar energy integration, designing power infrastructure for EV charging facilities, and developing telecommunications layouts including distribution frames and outlets.

Brendon Newham, BSE’s Director for ACT says that “We’re proud to be part of a project that puts Canberra on the map for film and game production. We’re grateful to AIE for trusting us to help deliver the engineering behind a campus that will open up real opportunities for local students and the creative industry.”

The ultimate goal is for the campus to become Canberra’s principal destination for games and film education, research, and production. By attracting larger interstate and international productions, AIE will provide students and graduates with greater job opportunities within the industry. The completed campus is projected to host up to 600 students by 2038 and will function as an integrated living, learning, and working destination.

John De Margheriti, Chairman and CEO of AIE, widely regarded as the father of Australian video games, says that “Effectively, AIE Studios will provide all the gear, all the equipment, the caveat remember is that it births from an educational institution, what we’re trying to get out of it is to make sure our graduates have placements. So, we want to see our job rates go through the roof.” John’s goal is to create something special in Canberra so that more Hollywood-scale movies can get made in the ACT.

BSE is excited to be part of this groundbreaking project, which will help shape the Australian film industry.

Project Lead: Brendon Newham