The University of Newcastle, Australia

An exhibition showcasing design proposals by University of Newcastle architecture students for a City Campus development will be unveiled next week.

The design proposals and master plans, developed by fourth-year students, aim to generate discussion about Newcastle's future urban landscape and will inform thinking on what a City Campus precinct might look like.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nicholas Saunders, said the University had been working with Newcastle City Council on ways it could contribute to the city's development.

"The University has been looking at ways to enhance its city presence, including a range of options to locate a significant number of students in inner-city buildings," Professor Saunders said.

"The students' proposals provide some creative perspectives on what could be achieved."

Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cr John Tate said, "A City Campus presents one of the most significant urban regeneration opportunities for Newcastle and has the potential to enhance the already strong links between the city, community and the University."

The students' proposals are centred on the area around Civic Park, including King, Laman and Auckland Streets.

Professor Steffen Lehmann, from the University's School of Architecture and Built Environment, said regenerating the city centre was one of the most important planning issues currently facing Newcastle.

"We believe good place-making can genuinely improve campus life, and the ambience of a campus can influence the overall educational experience," Professor Lehmann said.

"With this in mind, over the past five months 40 students have developed a range of planning alternatives for consideration, based on strategies to help accelerate urban renewal, revitalise the city centre, and increase the University's presence."

The exhibition will be launched by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nicholas Saunders, and Newcastle Lord Mayor, John Tate, on Wednesday 15 August at 6pm, at the Newcastle Region Library, Lovett Gallery in Laman Street, Newcastle.

The exhibition will be open to the public from Monday 13 August to Sunday 19 August at the Lovett Gallery.