Tender process begins for Blacktown CBD university
IT IS a plan that underpins an ambition to revitalise Blacktown CBD, and it is closer to reality after the council officially called for expressions of interest to find a partnering university.
BLACKTOWN’S 18,000 university students soon won’t have to travel far to study, with plans for its own campus in the CBD now closer to reality.
Today Blacktown Council officially called for expressions of interest to find a partnering university for the project.
The campus would be located in the Warrick Lane precinct, which will be transformed into an education, residential and retail hub.
Mayor Stephen Bali said the council would seek “leading” Australian and international universities to find the best fit for Blacktown, “the state’s fastest growing region”.
He said there were 54,000 university students living within 30 minutes of Blacktown, highlighting their lengthy commutes to major universities in and around Sydney CBD.
“Establishing a Blacktown university campus is a major part of our vision for transforming Blacktown city,” Cr Bali said.
“Our vision is to see Blacktown city as a place where people can live, work, play and complete their education to the highest possible level without having to travel long distances … I want to tell our Year 7 students that they will be able to go to university right here.”
Cr Bali said previously the project had already attracted interest from several reputable institutions during preliminary talks.
The bid documents will be released on September 5 with tender applications to close on December 5. The council expects to announce the successful bid in early 2019.
Local business and services would be linked to the university to provide on-the-job experience for students.
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Greater Blacktown Business Chamber vice president Bob Turner said the campus would be a “win-win” for business and the community.
Anyier Yuol, named as the council’s Blacktown University Youth Champion, said having a local university would remove some barriers for those who decide not to pursue higher education, especially people from a multicultural background.
“Having a university near where students live and study will make them that much more motivated at school and give them belief that they can attain a higher education,” she said.