Central Coast Campus reaches new heights as University of Newcastle celebrates topping out milestone

Friday, 7 March 2025

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The University of Newcastle's new Central Coast Campus in Gosford has achieved a major milestone with the completion of the building's structure. The 'topping out' marks a crucial step in the project, bringing it closer to its anticipated completion later this year.

Three men in high-vis vests and hard hats stand next to a tree ready to be potted

The milestone was celebrated with a formal ceremony at the 305 Mann Street site today, attended by government officials, university representatives, business leaders, community members, and building contractors.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO emphasised the importance of marking the progress of the new Central Coast Campus, reflecting on the achievements and delivering on the vision of providing more opportunities for locals to study close to home.

“Reaching this milestone is a testament to the hard work and commitment of all the teams involved in the project. Walking through the site and seeing the building take shape really sharpens the focus on what this campus will offer to our students, region, business, and community,” Professor Zelinsky said.

“This new, highly-sustainable campus promises to be a game-changer. It will not only enhance access to higher education but also spur regional growth by creating new jobs and driving economic development in the area.

“This year is the University’s 60th anniversary, and it’s a fitting reflection of how we’ve evolved to see this new campus – our university’s largest infrastructure investment since we built NUspace in 2017 – right here on the Central Coast.

“We’re thrilled to be reinforcing our legacy and long-standing commitment to the region with the development of our new Central Coast Campus, which will serve as a place for education, connection and success for the next 60 years and beyond.”

The University of Newcastle’s new Central Coast Campus is funded by the University of Newcastle ($31.3 million), the Australian Government ($18 million), and the NSW Government ($18 million) using land provided by the NSW Government's Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation.

Vice Chancellor Alex Zelinsky is wearing a high-vis vest and hard hat as he looks out into the construction site of the new building

The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025 and will be fully operational in 2026. The University is also in the final stages of determining the campus’ program offering following extensive consultation with staff, students, community members, business and government representatives across the Central Coast.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch recognised the milestone as an exciting step forward for the project.

“As a graduate of the fantastic University of Newcastle, I am overjoyed to see the future Mann Street, University of Newcastle campus coming to life,” Ms Tesch said.

“The official topping out of construction marks one step closer to the beginning of the new opportunities, growth and brighter future that this educational precinct has to offer for our Central Coast learning community.

“Located in the heart of Gosford, this new campus compliments the fantastic work of the Central Coast Research Institute, where education and innovation combine to create incredible opportunities for our future local graduates.

“I can’t wait to see the new campus in action.”

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said he was looking forward to seeing the project come to life and what the campus will bring to the region.

“The topping out of the University of Newcastle’s new Central Coast campus is a significant milestone for Gosford and the region,” Mr Harris said.

“When completed, this world class new educational facility will enable many more residents to study and work without having to leave the Coast.

“The Central Coast campus will create ongoing jobs and attract business and academic investment as a key component of the continued reinvigoration of our region and its capital.

“I look forward to the campus’s completion and seeing the first student cohort walk through the doors to a great new future on the Coast.”

Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP welcomed the latest construction milestone for the project.

“It has been fantastic to see the Central Coast Campus in Gosford progressing over the past year and a half. This project is breathing new life into Gosford CBD and once fully built will be a thriving hub for learning and opportunity,” Dr Reid said.

“I commend the University of Newcastle on its commitment to Gosford and our region and thank all the hardworking construction workers who have contributed to this project.

“I look forward to construction finishing in the second half of 2025, and the campus being operational in 2026.”

Patrick McAllister, Regional NSW Manager, Hansen Yuncken reflected on the work that has been achieved to date.

“We’re incredibly proud to have reached this significant milestone in the construction of the new Central Coast Campus for long-time client the University of Newcastle. The team has worked hard to deliver the work to date, and I would like to thank all our consultant and subcontractor partners for their dedication and support,” Mr McAllister said.

“Topping out represents a celebration of the teamwork and collaboration of all those involved in the project, and we are delighted to be partnering with the University of Newcastle and APP as we continue working towards completion of what will be a fantastic new facility for students and staff of the University.”

For more information about the University of Newcastle’s Central Coast Campus and updates on its progress, please visit our website:

Central Coast Campus / Development projects / Engage / The University of Newcastle, Australia

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