Thanks to everyone for sharing your views on this story. In recognition of the strong sentiment regarding potential impacts on parking, we have asked Property to provide a response (below). We will be addressing the issue in more detail – including the impacts of the train station closure – in next week’s issue of This Week.

In its latest announcement of the University’s unfolding Campus Master Plan, Macquarie has revealed its plan to develop two new office buildings at 8 and 10 University Avenue.

Adjacent to the new library, Cochlear Headquarters and the Australian Hearing Hub, the proposed buildings will further the University’s collaboration with commercial partners as part of a long-term vision to bring strategic stakeholders on to campus and establish an innovation nexus in one of Australia’s largest business park precincts.

The director of property at Macquarie University, Mark Broomfield, said the project would feature “vibrant atrium spaces and flexible floor plates, providing every opportunity to create and promote linkages between industry and the University.”

“The development will provide a dynamic, collaborative environment that will complement and enhance the Macquarie Park Innovation District being planned,” he said.

The proposed developments will each have a net lettable area of around 25,000sqm and each is being designed to minimum energy ratings of of 5-Star Green Star and 5-Star NABERS.

The project team, which includes an architectural collaboration between Kann Finch and Sissons Architects, has completed the concept design and is now preparing the detailed design to lodge a development application in the second half of the year.

Work could start on one of the buildings in late 2017 for completion in late 2019.

Prior to the closure of the affected car parks, existing car park infrastructure will be expanded to provide an equivalent number of spaces. This work is planned to commence later this year, and open in late 2017. In addition, Property hasconducted a complete review of the car parking management strategy to achieve a more equitable outcome for staff and students travelling to the University by car. A recommendation is being made to the Executive Group in the next month.

In regards to the train station closure, the University has established an Executive working group that will be identifying the impact of potential disruption to the University during the closure period while lobbying government for an improved interim transport plan while the station is closed.

-Mark Broomfield, Director of Property