The ACT Government has approved the UNSW Canberra City campus master plan, a milestone for the new $1 billion campus to be built on Constitution Avenue.
The approval follows three years of work and consultation UNSW Canberra undertook with the community and the National Capital Authority (NCA) to ensure the precinct will be integrated and connected to the city and surrounding environment.
“UNSW Canberra City will strengthen UNSW’s robust commitment to education, research, and innovation in the ACT, building on the strategic partnership that has endured for more than 50 years in UNSW Canberra at ADFA,” Professor Attila Brungs, UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President, said.
“Our plan includes providing world-leading education and lifelong learning as focus areas, as well as deepening research foundations.
“UNSW Canberra City will support capability growth in critical technologies and national priority areas such as cyber security and artificial intelligence.
“The new, state-of-the-art campus will be a hub for UNSW to deepen our existing collaboration with industry in the ACT, which is already exemplified by 350 staff co-located onsite. Innovative research collaborations will flourish and have the room to expand, both in their vision and physical space.
“I would like to thank the ACT Government and other project partners who have been instrumental in bringing a future-focused vision of the site to life in the UNSW Canberra City Master Plan.”
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the master plan was consistent with the requirements of the Precinct Deed, provides good planning outcomes, and will deliver a modern, world-class higher education and research institution and innovation facilities.
Mr Barr said it would support the further growth and diversification of the ACT economy through increased student numbers, research investment and the creation of additional jobs, and will generate up to $3 billion in economic benefits for the ACT economy.
Mr Barr predicted UNSW’s new campus in Canberra City would attract 6,000 local, national and international students, and become a hub of innovation. A Defence and Security Innovation Precinct will be a key feature of the new campus.
“This investment in our city reflects the government’s economic development priorities laid out in CBR Switched On, and will support stronger relationships between higher education, research, industry and government,” Mr Barr said.
“The detailed design of the precinct will evolve over time, while remaining consistent with the approved master plan.”
The University will submit a development proposal for each development stage to the ACT Government for approval before applying for Works Approval to the NCA.
Development planning is already underway on the first two buildings. The community will be invited to provide input and feedback.
Work is anticipated to begin on the new campus in 2024. The project is scheduled for completion in 2036.
