Sydney University: Wesley College to be upgraded in $4m plans

College life is set to get even better at one prestigious Sydney university, after $4m plans were released to upgrade a residential hub. See the full proposal.

Students at a University of Sydney college will soon have access to a new lift and a private student coffee lounge if a $4m development proposal is approved.

Students at a University of Sydney college will soon have access to a new lift and a private student coffee lounge if a $4m development proposal is approved.

Wesley College, a residential institute on the Camperdown Campus of The University of Sydney, has revealed plans for several development projects over the next few years, recently announcing plans for the installation of a new lift and multiple study spaces.

A planner for the project said the development aims to adaptively reuse the current roof space to make room for new student accommodation, as well as a study centre and additional bathroom amenities.

Students at a University of Sydney college will soon have access to a new lift and a private student coffee lounge if a $4m development proposal is approved.

“The roof space fit out provides more residential rooms for the college and thus additional income as well as a much needed communal study and recreational space.” a planner said.

“The rooms and the study centre will have access to the external environment via new dorma windows and doors to a new terrace.”

As for the lift, the proposed location will be in the rear parking area external to the college, providing easy access for wheelchair users and causing minimal impact to the existing internal building structure.

Students at a University of Sydney college will soon have access to a new lift and a private student coffee lounge if a $4m development proposal is approved.

Students at a University of Sydney college will soon have access to a new lift and a private student coffee lounge if a $4m development proposal is approved.

“The external visual impact of the lift installation is one that is intended to be of low impact being a neutral stand alone element not competing aesthetically with the existing building fabric behind.” a planner said.

“More importantly, it will promote delivery operations for furniture and the like for easy access to all floors via the lift. Currently as there are no lifts in the college these items have to be manhandled up and down stairways.”

The new works, excluding the external lift, are contained to the main wing of the building which will have its heritage elements maintained during the works, including the skirtings, plaster cornices and picture rails.

Wesley College previously lodged an application for similar plans in 2019, but was postponed due to COVID-19.

Plans are on exhibition until December 16.