Thank you for your parking questions. We are keeping a log of the concerns you’ve raised and will provide information in due course as the Campus Master Plan develops. Stay tuned for more updates in future editions of This Week.

We know parking is a big topic among staff and students, so we sat down with the experts to answer some of your questions.

Will there be less parks on campus?

No. University staff and student parking numbers at the University are mandated by the Department of Planning and are capped at 5,000. The parking changes and projects, both planned and underway, will maintain that cap. There will no more or no less parking for staff and students in the future.

Why are these changes occurring?

The carpark changes are being undertaken to maintain the parking balance on campus when the South 2 carparks (C2, C3, E1) are demolished in early 2018 to make way for the new 8-10 University Ave building. To compensate for their demolition, the West 5 (X8) Carpark is being extended and the West 6 (X13) will be upgraded and extended to accommodate the same number of spaces as South 2.

Are these changes permanent?

The works being undertaken to the campus carpark arrangements are permanent for the foreseeable future and until funding is available to create the parking solution that aligns to the 2014 Master Plan which envisages multi deck carparks at the perimeter of the campus. Investigations are also underway to implement a ‘smarter’ parking solution that improves bay availability using new technologies, and a more equitable, simpler and sustainable alternative. 

Why are carparks being relocated to peripheral areas?

As the University expands, land closest to the centre of campus will be needed for academic expansion, and, as identified in the 2014 Master Plan, the University is focused on improving pedestrian safety and traffic management on campus. One of the ways to achieve these aims is to ensure carparks are located on the perimeter.

Will there be less parks on the eastern side of campus? If so, how will people who work/study on the eastern side of campus be accommodated?

The total number of parking spaces in East 2 and East 3 will not change. What will change is that all campus tenant parking and reserved parking is being consolidated into East 3 with boom gate access. The entire East 2 car park will be exclusively for staff and student permit holders noting that there is a number of spaces (Red lines) allocated to Science Department vehicles. The total number of spaces allocated to each user category will not change, however consolidating them into the separate carparks makes for easier and less confusing user experience.

For those who will park on the western side of campus, shuttle services to/from West 5 and West 6 carparks will operate to transport people who need assistance to the central campus.

What about people who have accessibility requirements? 

Accessible parking numbers are being maintained and improved across campus in most locations. Accessible parking in West 3 in particular is being made compliant and relocated for easier access.

The frequency of the shuttle bus services around campus will be extended for longer periods during the day. 

An app is currently in development that will integrate Co-Hop with shuttle buses. This app will enable live access to data and timetables for shuttle buses, and match with public transport times, routes and ride share buddies to go off campus. Stay tuned for launch, estimated to be by the end of Semester 1.

What alternatives are there to driving?

If you live within a few kilometres of the campus, cycling and walking are the healthiest, most convenient and cheapest ways to travel.

If distance or convenience is why you drive, consider carpooling or mixing your travel modes for part of the journey. To plan your trip to campus, visit co-hop.com.au for timetables and to match with other Macquarie University travel buddies. 

Car pooling staff are also eligible for a Carpool Parking Permit, giving them access to marked preferential parking spots around campus.