Sydney’s first new university in 30 years

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Universities understand the importance of challenging the norm if they are to attract the best and brightest talent and continue to compete globally

It would be first of its kind in Australia, and Sydney’s first new university in 30 years.

It shows that universities understand the importance of challenging the norm if they are to attract the best and brightest talent and continue to compete globally.

A world-class university has the potential to spark critical growth and infrastructure development for the aerotropolis near the new western Sydney airport.

It is therefore a key part of the Greater Sydney Commission’s ­vision to rebalance population growth with Sydney as a metropolis of three cities.

If successful, the new university will secure the long-term economic viability of the aerotropolis region. By attracting skilled graduates and high-revenue national and multinational businesses, western Sydney can fulfil its ­potential as a jobs powerhouse of the future.

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If successful, the new university will secure the long-term economic viability of the aerotropolis region.

This will have a great impact on NSW as highly skilled workers will no longer need to move or travel to the Sydney CBD, which can relieve the housing and jobs pressure on the city. It also will enable the development of western Sydney, including the growth of public transport, new housing, schools, parklands, shopping centres and more.

NSW isn’t the only state to ­realise the potential for universities to shape our future towns and cities.

In Victoria, seven areas have been identified in the government’s strategy, Plan Melbourne 2017-2050, as sites for future ­employment and strategic infrastructure investment to support the economy. Each has a university at its heart.

In Victoria, seven areas have been identified in the government’s strategy, Plan Melbourne 2017-2050, as sites for future ­employment and strategic infrastructure investment to support the economy. Each has a university at its heart.

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In today’s digital age, students no longer have to be always physically present to study, so universities need to be creative.

Balancing the right ingredients for a new university is by no means a simple task. First, getting the physical design of the university right is crucial if it is going to be able to attract workers, students and visitors from within Australia and overseas.

In today’s digital age, students no longer have to be always physically present to study, so universities need to be creative when it comes to attracting students to the campus.

The traditional business park campus format for universities in which the facility stands alone on acres of parkland separate to the rest of the community is no longer viable. Fully integrated city campuses that house health, business and technology alongside education institutions with student accommodation and onsite retail are now the preferred model.

As well as fostering partnerships with businesses and providing students with curated facilities, a thriving culture and ­future job opportunities, this town centre style model opens up campuses to the community.

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The showcasing of innovative research projects in prominent ­locations can energise spaces and will appeal to the best and brightest minds.

This is a growing trend overseas. For example, the University of the Arts London is central to the 27ha mixed-use development site next to London’s King’s Cross station.

Offices, retail, residential, leisure and community spaces, and 10ha of public space, provide the city with a cultural and economic boost.

Public transport is also a vital element for a successful univer­sity. A timely delivery of the planned North South rail link that coincides with the opening of the new airport and university is sure to set up the new tertiary precinct for success.

Another key to delivering an enlivened campus is bringing students together outside the classroom in collaborative spaces where they can mingle.

The showcasing of innovative research projects in prominent ­locations can energise spaces and will appeal to the best and brightest minds. High-quality student accommodation is also vital as it contributes to a safe, inclusive campus atmosphere as well as supporting on-campus retail and commerce beyond the nine-to-five.

None of this can be achieved without the ability to balance a complex mix of stakeholders and commercial partners. Expanding and developing campuses in new ways that challenge the traditional notion of campus life may require changes to planning controls and the navigation of political agendas. This means working closely with policymakers and commercial partners to deliver a detailed masterplan.

Only time will tell whether universities, together with government and private sector partners, will succeed in navigating the complex environment required to deliver new world-class facilities, but the first step in doing so is to agree that it can be achieved only by working together.

For more information, please contact Natalie Hoitz or take a look at our publication ‘Shaping Universities of the Future’ here.

This article was originally published by The Australian.