Sydney universities’ multi-campus plan for State Government’s hi-tech Bays Precinct

EXCLUSIVE: Sydney’s ‘Big Four’ universities are planning a multi-university campus in the Bays Precinct to support the Government’s plan for a hi-tech knowledge hub.

Bays Bradfield, Artist impression, concept of Glebe Island Tech Park. Also know as White Bay.

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SYDNEY’S ‘Big Four’ universities are embarking on a joint proposal to deliver a multi-university campus in the Bays Precinct to support the State Government’s plan for a hi-tech knowledge hub already labelled ‘Silicon Harbour’.

Delegates from the University of Sydney, University of NSW, University of Technology and Macquarie University will meet next week to discuss the proposal which will be the first of its kind in Australia.

While the universities are remaining tight-lipped about the details, sources told the Inner West Courier the four-strong tertiary consortium would co-design and share the facility.

A UNSW spokesperson confirmed the move saying a number of universities and research organisations were currently exploring the best contribution they could make to the redevelopment of the White Bay Power Station site as an Innovation Precinct.

“Universities share the government’s vision for an Innovation Precinct and we believe our active participation to boost collaboration between researchers, industry, government and the public via the provision of an iconic venue for knowledge exchange is key to the project’s success.”

Cornell Tech campus is under construction on Roosevelt Island, New York.

Modelled on overseas campuses which support hi-tech business hubs such as the Cornell Tech Campus under construction on Roosevelt Island in New York and Silicon Valley University, the campus is expected to be research-focused and value-add to technology exports.

Requests for proposals for the White Bay Power Station by the State Government’s development arm UrbanGrowth NSW close on February 25 and will include Google’s bid to transform the industrial site.

Sydney Business Chamber executive director Patricia Forsythe said the idea of having a university campus alongside business and technology was an outstanding concept which highlighted the opportunities that exist for the Bays precinct.

“It’s an opportunity for the business and education sectors,” Ms Forsythe said.

“It is part of the vision for the site to have innovation hubs like those overseas which align business and universities together.”

Executive Director of Sydney Business Chamber Patricia Forsythe.

The Baird government’s vision, announced last year, described a vibrant waterfront destination that could be the regional headquarters of a global tech company, a campus for university or educational institution.

The former industrial precinct takes in White Bay, Glebe Island and Rozelle.

At the time, Mr Baird said the site could be a place where global giants of tech and innovation work with start-up entrepreneurs, business incubators and accelerators.

Glebe Island White bay promenade — part of the vision for the Bays Precinct

He highlighted the former coal-fired power station, which sits on a harbourfront 38,000 square metre site, as potential headquarters for a cornerstone company like Google Australia.

“A tech focus in the power station I believe will provide a catalyst for tech and innovation expansion through the bays precinct,” he said.

He also said that neighbouring Rozelle and the former ports site of Glebe Island would be perfect spaces for an innovation campus.

Local tech leaders welcomed the news after having long called for a Sydney tech hub like London’s Tech City and New York’s Roosevelt Island.