NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY CITY CENTRE EXPANSION APPROVED

A $95 million education and business precinct proposed for the centre of Newcastle has been given planning approval by the New South Wales Government.

Minister for Planning, Pru Goward, announced the approval of the University of Newcastle’s proposal to expand into the city centre.

Ms Goward said the government had contributed $25 million towards the landmark project.

“The new campus will be one of the first projects to be completed in the central business district since the government released the Newcastle Urban Renewal Strategy in 2012.

“This is a true urban renewal project, with a significant portion making use of a disused site while protecting and regenerating the heritage-listed University House.”

Ms Goward said the approval meant the University’s ‘NeW Space’ proposal could proceed, including:

• building a 10 storey education building in the Newcastle city centre, including lecture theatres, a library, teaching and learning spaces, and office and retail areas;

• refurbishing University House;

• establishing pedestrian walking routes around the development and between the new building and University House;

• expanding the existing Laman Street car park; and

• various landscaping and work on utilities and surrounding streets.

“The new campus will bring increased numbers of new students and staff to the CBD every day, which is exactly the kind of injection of people and activity that will help stimulate the local economy and accelerate the city’s rejuvenation,” Ms Goward said.

Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, Andrew Parfitt, said the planning approval would pave the way for work to start on the project.

“This is a transformational project for our university and city, and it will deliver sector-leading innovation in education and benefits for business, industry and the community across Newcastle,” Professor Parfitt said.

“As we move into the next stage of this significant project, we look forward to working closely with our stakeholders to deliver an outstanding asset for the future of Newcastle.”