University of Newcastle officially opens new Gosford building

Thursday, 23 April 2026

Share this story

Federal Minister for Education the Hon Jason Clare MP and NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education the Hon Steve Whan MP officially opened the University of Newcastle’s Gosford Central building today.

Gosford Central was jointly funded by the Australian Government ($18 million), the NSW Government ($18 million), and the University of Newcastle ($31.3 million), using land provided by the NSW Government's Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation.

Federal Minister for Education the Hon Jason Clare MP said the University’s new building gives locals more opportunity to study higher education without leaving the Coast.

“I congratulate the University of Newcastle on this significant milestone. The opening of this facility builds on the University’s strong record of making higher education accessible to students who might otherwise miss out. This is the kind of investment that strengthens communities, supports regional growth, and changes lives.”

NSW Minister for Education, Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education the Hon Steve Whan MP said the facility was a game changer for tertiary education on the Coast.

“With access to a world-class university in the heart of Gosford, and TAFE nearby, Central Coast students can gain the skills and qualifications needed for the jobs of the future, and keep local talent in the region,” said Minister Whan.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said the facility had already begun transforming access to education for the Central Coast.

“In just its first semester, we have welcomed more than 1,200 students, and we’re seeing strong demand from industry and community partners.

“With plans underway to deliver affordable student accommodation nearby, we are creating a vibrant, connected campus that gives students every reason to choose the University of Newcastle’s Central Coast Campus as the place to start and build their future,” said Professor Zelinsky.

Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid MP said the new building was already reshaping the city.

“This state-of-the-art building is bringing new energy into the heart of Gosford, delivering a great student experience while creating lasting social and economic opportunities for the region.”

NSW Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch MP said it was wonderful to see the building officially opened and welcoming students.

“As a graduate of the fantastic University of Newcastle, I am overjoyed to see this investment in the Coast opening up new opportunities for locals in an absolutely stunning facility. I couldn’t be more proud,” said Ms Tesch.

Case study

Budgewoi resident Kirsty Boyle says she wasn’t a fan of school and left in Year 9 before training to be a chef at TAFE. After 8 years in that industry, Kirsty decided is retraining as a teacher in order to inspire kids to learn about food and how it can benefit you.

She said studying in the new building was already having an impact on how she connected with her teachers and peers.

“As a local student, having a campus in Gosford makes study so much more accessible. It’s central to everything and means I have the flexibility to study on the coast without having to travel far,” said Ms Boyle.

“The building itself is incredible. The learning spaces are modern, welcoming, and designed for the way we actually learn. My course is really collaborative, and the rooms allow us to roll straight from lecture to tutorial, which I love because it makes it easier to share ideas, engage with the lecturer and connect with classmates.

“Through the University I’ve received a Future Teachers Scholarship with the NSW Department of Education, which means I’ll graduate into a full-time teaching role. Being able to study here in Gosford gives me every opportunity to stay on the Central Coast long-term and teach in a local school, which is something I’m really passionate about,” said Ms Boyle.

Also in attendance at the official opening was The Hon Emma McBride MP Member for Dobell, The Hon David Harris MP Minister for the Central Coast, David Mehan MP Member for the Entrance, Adam Crouch MP Member for Terrigal, and Cr Lawrie McKinna Mayor of Central Coast Council.

Facts and figures

  • 1,200 students welcomed in Semester 1
  • 4,550 m² over 4 floors
  • 884m2 of teaching space
  • 762m2 of learning / social space
  • 315 m2 office space
  • Built to meet the highest environmental standards aligned with a 6 Star Green Star rating aspiration, including:
    • rooftop solar and battery storage
    • low-carbon concrete
    • mass timber elements to significantly reduce embodied carbon
  • Architecturally designed to reflect the unique cultural and environmental character of the Central Coast:
    • The building's facade represents a sandstone block sculptured by water, reflecting the community’s strong connection to local waterways.
    • Landscaped yarning circle provides a culturally grounded place of gathering and reflection
    • Salvaged bricks from the original Gosford Citrus Packing House incorporated into a boundary wall
  • Programs on offer respond to local skills needs and include: education, business, commerce, social sciences, social work and pathway programs.
  • Flexible seminar rooms, collaborative zones and student experience areas
  • Home to the Central Coast’s only registered Changing Places facility
  • Café, retail space and student social hubs

Contact

Related news