The site, part of Parramatta City Council’s $2 billion Parramatta Square redevelopment, is Macquarie House on the corner of Macquarie and Smith streets.
UWS has signed a heads of agreement with Leighton Properties Pty Ltd to deliver the project
The proposed new campus, to be built and owned by Leighton Properties, would cover 26,000 square metres over 14 storeys, and be home to over 10,000 students.
“It will spearhead one of Australia’s biggest urban renewal projects and turn Parramatta into a true university city, UWS said.
UWS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover, said Leighton Properties was selected as the preferred development partner based on the strength of the building’s design, flexibility and prominence.
“This project forms a vital part of the university’s strategy to significantly expand its international student population, and will be a focal point for our postgraduate programs,” he said.
Lord Mayor, John Chedid, said he was “delighted” UWS had selected the first stage of the $2 billion Parramatta Square project – known as 1PSQ, or One Parramatta Square.
“As the first major tenant in Parramatta Square, UWS will help to boost private sector interest in future stages of the project,” he said.
Construction work is expected to begin in early 2015 and be completed for the first university semester in 2017innovative public domain facilities for community use.
UWS already has a small campus in the CBD as does the University of New England