Sydney Uni could turn Badgerys Creek land into our Silicon Valley

EXCLUSIVE:THE nation’s own Silicon Valley could be developed on the doorstep of Badgerys Creek airport, as Sydney­ University decides what to do with its land bordering the site.

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THE nation’s own Silicon Valley could be developed on the doorstep of Badgerys Creek airport, as Sydney­ University decides what to do with its land bordering the site.

While a second campus is also a possibility, Sydney University vice-chancellor Michael Spence said high-level discussions were under way about plans for a hi-tech manufacturing hub where the best ideas of the university’s researchers are developed into consumer products.

“All of these options involve very important conversations at state and federal level,” Dr Spence said.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has committed $5.3 billion to build Sydney’s second airport and has ambitions of the precinct becoming an economic powerhouse and aerospace centre.

Sydney University’s land near Badgerys Creek.

Global defence giant Northrop Grumman was one of the first to sign up, committing to a $50 million centre of excellence employing 500.

Dr Spence said the university had rejected offers to buy the land — two separate parcels encompassing 780ha and including 340ha at the entrance to Badgerys Creek — and he was determined to maximise the benefits for the economy and the people of NSW.

“The last thing we want to do is flog it,” he said.

A manufacturing hub would bring the university’s best ideas to life, creating commercial opportunities from its world-leading research, Dr Spence said.

University of Sydney Nano Science Hub PhD students Jen Wakulicz (left) and Claire Edmunds. Picture: David Swift

But with thousands of students already travelling daily from the western suburbs to the Camperdown campus, Dr Spence said it prompted the question: “Do we build a campus?” A decision is expected later this year.

Sydney University PhD student Claire Edmunds, 23, said a hi-tech manufacturing hub would give her the chance to work in quantum mechanics in Australia, rather than going overseas.

“I really get excited to hear the idea of more manufacturing, I think that’s a great idea,” she said.