Proud staff prepare for NEW era
The University of Newcastle’s (UON) $95 million NeW Space facility will soon be welcoming students and the community, with staff moving into the building on Monday 3 July.
UON Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, said this first stage in the transition of staff and students was an exciting milestone for the University.
“Over the past four years, we have watched this remarkable building take shape in the heart of the CBD, visibly transforming the Newcastle skyline and contributing to the renewal of our city and region,” Professor McMillen said.
“Opening the doors to our staff on Monday is a proud moment. While a building may have ‘great bones’ and a strong physical presence, it is the people who work and study there who will deliver the full potential of its design for the benefit of our community.”
UON's Faculty of Business and Law and staff from the new School of Creative Industries will move into the city from Monday, with 320 staff working from the new city campus next week. Up to 3,000 students will study at NeW Space from the start of Semester 2, 2017.
NeW Space will deliver new academic and research programs in business, law and emerging fields including creative industries, innovation and entrepreneurship. The new campus will also play an important role in connecting the University with business, industry and community partners in Newcastle and the Hunter.
As part of NeW Space planning, the University has developed an integrated transport strategy to support students, staff and community members travel to and from NeW Space.
Transport options include new Callaghan-based park-and-ride facilities with over 300 parking bays available, a free UON-exclusive express shuttle bus service running every half hour during semester, and the introduction of a new Liftango ridesharing app to encourage ride sharing with 20 dedicated RideSharing car parks adjacent to The Conservatorium. 150 parking spaces with an independent parking operator have also been secured for staff and students in the CBD to support the University’s transition into the city.
UON Chief Operating Officer, Nat McGregor, said the University also strongly encouraged active travel and public transport.
“We are actively encouraging staff and students to consider a range of travel options, including more sustainable modes of transport, such as walking, cycling and public transport,” he said.
“The University also continues to advocate for better and more frequent public transport options for our students and staff. We are working closely with transport providers and those that are responsible for planning the future transport strategies for the city and the region to facilitate further improvements to service provision.”
Independent analysis show that NeW Space will contribute $1.3bn in economic benefit to Newcastle and the Hunter, including almost $200 million during construction and a further $134 million annually flowing from the emergence of the CBD as a vibrant student hub.
NeW Space was supported by Australian Government funding of $30 million through the Education Investment Fund Regional Priorities Round, NSW Government funding of $25 million and an investment of $40 million from UON.
Find out more on how to get to NeW Space.
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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.