Macquarie University releases plans for new high-rise astronomy, engineering hub

A Sydney university is set to fork out almost $50 million to build a major new physics, astronomy and engineering hub with a capacity for almost 2000 students. See what’s planned.

A concept image of the state-of-the-art development.

Macquarie University would fork out almost $50m to build a major new physics, astronomy and engineering hub at its Sydney campus.

The university has released an ambitious proposal to create a range of new high tech teaching facilities which would cater for 1930 students and 189 staff members, including 50 academics.

The development at Macquarie Park would stand up to six storeys tall and include a redeveloped school of engineering and a new home for astronomical research organisation Australian Astronomical Optics.

Plans show features of the development include new learning labs, workshops, maker spaces, project testing spaces, and research labs.

New landscaping works, outdoor learning spaces and pedestrian links would also be created as part of the $49.6m proposal.

A concept image of the development.

The development would stand six storeys tall.

The development would be built on the eastern side of the campus on the site of existing facilities used as teaching and theatre spaces – mostly for the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

The plans state the development would allow for the co-location and integration between industry partnerships within the campus.

The development would cater for almost 2000 students.

Plans have been lodged with Ryde Council.

“The building will incorporate a variety of diverse and complex spaces that will be designed to provide a highly interactive building with a dynamic intersection of academic, research and innovation uses,” the plans state.

“The development will also reinforce the university as an internationally competitive, health, education, research and innovation precinct.”

The proposal is the latest development planned for the campus which has seen more than $1bn invested in facilities and infrastructure over the last five years.

The university was founded in 1964 and has since grown into a large research university with more than 40,000 students and 2000 staff.

The university is aiming to open the new buildings next year.

The plans have been lodged to Ryde Council and have been referred to the Sydney North Planning Panel for assessment.