University of Newcastle NeW Space planning application approved
The NSW Minister for Planning, the Honourable Pru Goward MP, announced in Newcastle that planning approval for the University of Newcastle‘s (UON) landmark urban facility, NeW Space, has been granted.
In the heart of the CBD, the $95-million NeW Space facility will deliver next-generation teaching and learning for UON students, and drive renewal in the city as part of a growing business and education precinct.
Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Parfitt, welcomed the announcement by the NSW Government and said it marked a significant milestone in the realisation of NeW Space and the city redevelopment.
“NeW Space is a transformational project for the university and our region. It will allow us to create technology-enhanced innovation in education, while supporting the city’s cultural and economic renewal and building a dynamic CBD,” he said.
NeW Space will provide a first-class headquarters for the University of Newcastle‘s Faculty of Business and Law. It will facilitate new academic programs and research that will develop the next generation of business leaders and lawyers and drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the heart of the city.
“Combining state-of-the-art technology and pioneering new programs that are strongly supported by links to key regional industries and the nearby legal precinct, NeW Space will produce a pipeline of business and law graduates equipped for careers of the future,” Professor Parfitt said.
With the development of the project now approved, NeW Space will also contribute significant economic benefits and employment opportunities to support the Hunter, including almost $200 million to the regional economy during construction and a further $134 million annually flowing from the emergence of the CBD as a vibrant student hub.
University of Newcastle Chief Operating Officer Nat McGregor said a smart, integrated transport solution involving new park-and-ride facilities, car-pooling schemes, bike parks and public transport solutions, would help students, staff and community members travel to and from NeW Space smoothly.
“We have been pleased with the support we have received for the UON transport solution during the development process, and we will continue to work collaboratively with the Newcastle City Council and NSW Government to deliver a world class educational precinct that will attract students from across Australia and beyond and engage with our local communities.”
Initial construction on the NeW Space development will begin later this year, with the city campus ready to be occupied by staff and students in 2017.
NeW Space is supported by Australian Government funding of $30 million through the Education Investment Fund Regional Priorities Round, NSW Government funding of $25 million and an investment of $40 million from UON.
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