WSU plans to open $260m Bankstown campus in 2022
Planning documents have revealed new details about a 19-storey university to be built in the heart of Bankstown.
The Express
Don't miss out on the headlines from The Express. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Western Sydney University could build and open its $260m vertical campus in the heart of Bankstown by 2022, moving its existing operations and shutting down its facility in Milperra in the next three years.
The news comes as plans for the new 19-storey campus go on public exhibition to seek feedback from the community.
“A new university, coupled with the existing TAFE will attract more students to the area and create a more vibrant CBD,” Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said.
“It would cater to 10,000 students and around 700 professional and academic staff across a range of disciplines including health, education, manufacturing and IT, with 2,000 students on campus at any time.”
This would be Western Sydney University’s third vertical campus, following Parramatta and Liverpool.
The Bankstown campus is being planned for a 3678 sqm site that stretches from 74 Rickard Rd to 375 Chapel Rd. This places it in walking distance of Bankstown’s Library and Knowledge Centre, Bankstown Central shopping centre and Bankstown Station, on land that’s currently used to park 59 cars.
The planning documents reveal new information on a project billed as driving the city’s transformation into an education and health precinct.
The lower levels of the 83-metre tall development will feature two retail tenancies (possibly shops or restaurants), an exhibition space and a versatile tiered theatre.
A student hub and terrace is planned for level three, while the university library would be located directly above on level four.
Levels five to 12 would accommodate learning spaces and staff workplaces, supported by a terrace on level seven, and balconies across levels seven to 12.
There would be a conference facility on level 13, and levels 14 to 18 would be dedicated to “university and education uses”.
Western Sydney University currently operates its Bankstown campus in Milperra. The university is aiming to transition its teaching, research and staff facilities to the vertical campus in 2022.
The proposal is seeking feedback from the public during its month-long exhibition until December 4. Submissions can be made here.
“The community plays an important role in shaping the future of their area,” Mr Stokes said. “I encourage everyone to take a look at the plans for this uniquely-designed building and tell us what they think.”