The University of Sydney has partnered with the NSW Government to establish a second campus as part of the precinct in the heart of Western Sydney.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said bringing the top-tier university to the heart of Western Sydney would attract more than 25,000 students and further drive its vision for a world-leading health and education precinct.
The NSW Government announced it would be working with The University of Sydney after a three-month market sounding process.
“The University of Sydney has the academic and reputational excellence to anchor this world-class education precinct, which will inspire and work hand-in-glove with co-located health facilities and ground-breaking medical research,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This will further support the NSW Government’s vision for a world-class health and education precinct at the geographic heart of Sydney - fully integrated with the Parramatta Light Rail and Sydney Metro West, as well as medical, sports, arts and creative industries, and affordable housing.”
New primary and high schools will also be included in the precinct planning.
During the next 30 years, the government’s vision for the precinct is expected to create more than 20,000 new jobs, inject more than $1bn to the NSW economy and generate $3bn in exports.
Best and brightest
“The precinct will attract the best and brightest to Westmead and continue the jobs boom in Western Sydney,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government’s $1b Westmead Hospital Redevelopment – one of the biggest health projects in NSW – would transform health care in Western Sydney and beyond.
“When completed in 2020, Westmead Hospital will ensure Western Sydney’s growing population continues to enjoy world-class health care close to home and will further boost jobs and pioneering medical research and education opportunities.”
Vice-Chancellor of The University of Sydney Dr Michael Spence AC said the campus would have more than 25,000 students and 2500 staff by 2050 and provide affordable accommodation for key workers and students.
“Over the next 10 years, the campus will create 450 science and research jobs at the University and 3500 jobs in healthcare, education, biotechnology, manufacturing and other high-value industries. It will also enable hundreds of millions of dollars in third-party investment in local research and development,” Dr Spence said.
Member for Parramatta Dr Geoff Lee said he was delighted with this vision for Western Sydney.
“This will not just be a world-leading medical, education and innovation precinct, but it will create a wonderful, dynamic and vibrant place – a place that also preserves and showcases our heritage,” Dr Lee said.
Health Infrastructure NSW and UrbanGrowth NSW Development Corporation will now jointly lead a 24-month exclusive negotiation period with the University and community feedback will be sought during the master planning process.
