UON's NeW Space reaches new milestone

Friday, 29 May 2015

The University of Newcastle (UON) today turned the first official sod as it moves towards construction of its landmark urban facility, NeW Space.

UON's NeW Space reaches new milestone

In the heart of the CBD, the $95 million NeW Space facility will deliver next-generation teaching and learning for UON students, and drive renewal in the city's emerging civic precinct.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, said this was a significant milestone in the project to create a world-class education and innovation precinct in the Newcastle CBD.

"NeW Space will create outstanding new facilities to deliver a truly cutting-edge educational experience for our students."

"Integrating technology into new forms of teaching and learning and research will place us at the forefront of flexible, student-centred higher education. NeW Space will lead this transformation in learning," said Professor McMillen.

The State Government granted planning approval for NeW Space in February, allowing development of the new facility to remain on track to open in 2017.

NeW Space will provide a base for UON's Faculty of Business and Law to deliver new academic and research programs, and develop the next generation of business leaders, lawyers and creative professionals that will drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the heart of the city.

NeW Space will contribute significant economic benefits and employment opportunities to support the Hunter, including almost $200 million to the regional economy during construction and a further $134 million annually flowing from the emergence of the CBD as a vibrant student hub.

UON Chief Operating Officer, Nat McGregor, said that following today's ceremonial sod turning, the construction on site would commence once investigations from the current archaeological dig have concluded.

"The University is committed to ensuring the NeW Space development is respectful of the land's cultural heritage and it has also been designed to reflect its civic location, providing a new view to many of Newcastle's iconic locations."

"The NeW Space precinct will also create a new hub for the University, business, industry and the broader community to come together," said Mr McGregor.

The project has also been awarded a 5 Star Green Star-Education Design v1 Certified Rating by the Green Building Council of Australia.

Contact

  • UON Media Team
  • Phone: 02 4921 5577

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