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University of Newcastle MasterplanBirabahn

Introduction
Objectives
Background
The Process
Principles - Callaghan
Principles - Central Coast
Key Concepts - Callaghan
Key Concepts - Central Coast
Next Steps
 

 


Introduction

The University of Newcastle has completed development of a Strategic Masterplan for the Callaghan and Central Coast Campuses. Council adopted the Plan on 14 March 2008. These documents create a framework for coordinated future development of the campuses.  Principles have been established that guide a concept for the renewal and future growth of the two campuses that support the University’s Vision and Strategic Priorities. This concept has been further articulated into a number of key elements: infrastructure and building projects.

2008 Masterplan Objectives

The Strategic Masterplan objectives   emerged both from the analysis of the University Strategic Plan as well as from consultations with key stakeholders. The objectives are:

  1. Promote a unique and memorable campus experience
  2. Encourage engagement and collaboration with the community
  3. Support innovative teaching and learning practices
  4. Attract and enable the world’s best research projects and staff
  5. Facilitate the establishment of a process for the sustainable management of the campus

Background

The University of Newcastle was established in 1951 as a satellite college of the University of New South Wales, and gained its autonomy in 1965. The current Callaghan Campus was formed by the amalgamation of the University of Newcastle and the adjoining Hunter Institute of Higher Education in 1989.
The first Masterplan for the Callaghan Campus was conducted by Laurie and Heath Pty Ltd Architects in 1976, and reviewed in 1990 by the EJE Group. The Central Coast Campus was designed as a multi-institution campus incorporating the Ourimbah College of TAFE and Central Coast Community College, as well as the University. It was largely built in one phase to a masterplan prepared by Tony Corkill Pty Ltd in 1990.


In 1990, the key issues for the Callaghan Campus were:

In 2008, the key issues for the Callaghan Campus are:

In 2007, DEGW Asia Pacific was commissioned to develop a new strategic Masterplan for both the Central Coast and Callaghan Campuses. It was time to define a new masterplan that takes into account both changes in the tertiary sector, and for  The University of Newcastle as an institution.

The Process

Consultation process  
Campus Performance Survey  


Masterplan Principles – Callaghan

Masterplan Principles (page 5) have been established that guide a concept for the renewal and future growth of the campus that supports the University’s Vision and Strategic Priorities

Campus Spine - Create legible and intuitive wayfinding, with direct entry into the heart of the campus
Connected Precincts - Link the precincts of the campus with a continuous corridor of activated buildings and public realm
Campus Heart – New focus for student life and learning, including spaces to support pedagogical innovation
Spatial Network – Establish a network and hierarchy of public spaces
Active residential – Create a new way of living that stimulates campus activity and engages with the bushland
Community Axis – Locate activities that facilitate community presence on a clear, direct axis into the campus and improves security
Interpretive walk – Create a meaningful experience of the bushland that aids appreciation and learning opportunities
Periphery parking – Rationalise vehicular routes and parking infrastructure to enable a pedestrian friendly campus.

Masterplan Principles – Central Coast

Activation of the Quadrangle – invigorate the quadrangle as a vibrant entrance to the campus and the focus for campus life including the construction of new second floors on each of the north, western and southern sides to provide additional floor space and match the bulk of the library
Strengthen Campus routes and gathering spaces – improve pedestrian paths and links to enable legible and safe wayfinding
New accessible mixed use precinct – new buildings or buildings for high density, residential, retail and community uses.


 

Key Concepts – Callaghan Campus 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Summary with map 
Existing Campus Condition – Callaghan 

Pedestrian & Vehicular Infrastructure  Key Building Projects
 Entry Axis  Learning Centre
 Campus Spine  Hunter Building Refurbishment
 Elevated Pedestrian Walkway  Teaching Facilities
Plazas, squares and gathering spaces  New Chancellery & Chancellery Square
 Interpretive bushland walk  Community Centre
 Ring road and future roads  Residential Colleges
 Bikeways and alternative modes of transport  Enterprise zone
 Multi-deck car parking  Event Space
   

 

2008  Key Concepts – Central Coast Campus

Executive Summary with map  
Existing Campus Condition – Central Coast

  1. Activation of the Quadrangle
  2. Strengthening of campus routes and gathering spaces
  3. New accessible missed-use precinct – residential, commercial and community

Next Steps

In establishing a vision for the physical environment, the Strategic Masterplan aims to allow the flexibility to adapt to new learning pedagogies, innovations in information technologies, as well as to changes in Higher Education policy and other influencing factors. The Masterplan recommends a number of projects that will contribute to the realization of the Masterplan objectives, and thus the fulfillment of the University’s Strategic Priorities.

Over the next twelve to twenty four months the University will undertake further studies and briefs in each of the priority key building and infrastructure projects. To ensure the integrated development of the campuses, these briefs and studies will embody the concept, principles and guidelines established in the Strategic Masterplan and will be taken into consideration when assessing applications for capital works and will include campus wide strategies for:

These studies may include:

Key Building projects:

Infrastructure

Culture and Activity

Download the Full Masterplan Document

Feedback

The University welcomes feedback on the Masterplan. If you would like further information or to discuss the Masterplan please contact

Donna Farragher
Executive Officer
Facilities Management
Ph: 02 4921 6691
Email: donna.farragher@newcastle.edu.au