The plans for the new campus, expected to be ready for teaching in 2017, include blending innovative technology with collaborative learning spaces for face-to-face teaching, and creating a lively, cosmopolitan campus atmosphere.
UWS Vice-Chancellor Professor Barney Glover says a multi-storey presence in Parramatta signals an exciting new era for UWS.
He says it will contribute to the University’s plans to significantly increase its international student population, expand its course offerings at Parramatta, and provide more flexible learning opportunities for students.
“With our existing Parramatta campus almost at capacity, we plan to significantly expand our presence in the CBD where we can be co-located with business and industry, and increase our connection to the social, economic and civic life of Parramatta and Greater Western Sydney,” said Professor Glover.
Several development sites within the Parramatta CBD are currently under consideration and the University will soon call for an Expression of Interest. A final decision is expected on the exact location by June 2014.
Professor Glover says the Parramatta CBD campus is just one part of the University’s regional development strategy, which includes the Werrington Park Corporate Centre, and the expansion of the University’s pathways college, UWSCollege, across multiple sites in western Sydney.
“With UWS developing a new suite of fully-online courses in partnership with The Open University UK, our new Parramatta CBD campus will also be an important base for online students to come together and share experiences, as well as providing a location for their tutorials and other face-to-face learning,” Professor Glover said.
