Official celebrations of a landmark education facility
They say a lot can be achieved in a year, and there is no better proof than the twelve months that have passed since the doors opened at NeW Space – the University of Newcastle’s landmark education facility.
The University’s Chancellor Mr Paul Jeans and Vice-Chancellor Professor Caroline McMillen today welcomed the Premier of NSW, Gladys Berejiklian and the NSW Minister for Education, Rob Stokes to officially launch the $95 million NeW Space facility, which was achieved through a funding partnership including the University, State and Federal Governments.
“Today’s official opening marks almost one year of operation for NeW Space, an education facility that has allowed us to explore and embark on new ways to teach, learn and engage with our communities and partners,” said Mr Jeans.
“What better way to celebrate all that has been achieved this year – design and architectural excellence, innovative modes of delivering education, and meaningful opportunities to partner with the Newcastle community,” he said.
The building promotes contemporary teaching spaces, which reflect new ways of learning focused on collaboration and group work, as well as harnessing technology. Standard lecture theatres have been replaced with flexible working spaces and booth seating. Scattered throughout NeW Space are social spaces and facilities for engagement with industry, business and the community.
Professor McMillen recognised NeW Space as the University’s first step towards realising a broader vision for developing, improving and delivering teaching, learning and research environments that cultivate the best for students – and, as a result, our graduate community and our community partners.
“The University of Newcastle is deeply committed to creating opportunities for students from all backgrounds to engage their minds in learning environments where they can engage, create and explore,” said Professor McMillen.
“NeW Space has realised this opportunity.”
“Our ambition is to deliver the highest quality education environments. In addition to NeW Space, we have plans to revitalise the Callaghan Campus through a new STEMM Precinct, as well as the longer term future expansion in the CBD with the Honeysuckle City Campus Development project,” she said.
NeW Space was made possible by Australian Government funding of $30 million through the Education Investment Fund Regional Priorities Round, NSW Government funding of $25 million, and $40 million invested by the University.
The facility is tangible evidence of what can be achieved when important partnerships are established and nurtured.
“NeW Space is a landmark community precinct that all partners, State and Federal Governments, business, and the broader community can share with the University,” said Professor McMillen.
“The building has made such a positive impact on the collective ambition the city shares to revitalise the Newcastle CBD. The University has also been able to reimagine and reinvent the traditional view of a university campus, by creating a space for the city as well as for our students that is genuinely vibrant and collaborative.
“For this opportunity, we are thankful as well as proud of what we have all delivered here together.”
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.