University in Blacktown CBD could soon be reality
BLACKTOWN mayor Stephen Bali says he has written to every vice chancellor in Australia trying to get a university campus for the suburb. He’s hoping for an agreement in 12 months.
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BLACKTOWN mayor Stephen Bali is heading a campaign to have a university partnership and building proposal confirmed within 12 months.
“I have written to several major Australian universities,” Mr Bali said.
“The response has been positive and a fair amount of universities are actually looking at western Sydney as a possible campus.
“The government is talking about a million people moving to western Sydney. So we need to make sure people here have fair and equitable access to university.’’
Mr Bali said there had been initial negotiations with four or five universities, which he was unable to name until confirmed, who “all seem to be acknowledging the fact that Blacktown is growing”.
Warrick Lane is one of the possible sites earmarked for the new campus.
The move is set to revitalise parts of Blacktown CBD.
Blacktown was snubbed last year when the NSW Education Department relocated to Parramatta despite a campaign led by the council calling for the department relocating some of its operations to Blacktown.
The council had earmarked a 3.5ha space at Warrick Lane for construction of office space to be used for government purposes in the future and commercial operations.
While Mr Bali admits the establishment of a university in Blacktown is still some time away, he says it is “not just a pipe dream”.
“In the new year we will be looking at feasibility studies, go to architects for plans and we will be closer to seeing more of a way forward,’’ he said.
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