It may have been a quieter time on campus for most as staff and students were on break, but a significant amount of work occurred as the University continues to progress the vision of its Campus Development Plan. And nowhere is that work more noticeable than the Central Courtyard.

Returning staff and students will notice that all the trees in the area have been removed due to safety concerns (read more), and the Campus Hub building that was closed in December has been completely de-constructed. Now, works have begun on the next chapter of this important central area of the University.

When complete, the new Central Courtyard and area around it will once again provide this important heart of the campus and prepare us for the next 50 years of our growth. Today, we release the first two renderings of what this area will become.

Populated by a selection of mixed native evergreen and deciduous tree species, with some non-native species lining the surrounding pedestrian thoroughfares, the tree-space will continue to play an important role in the Central Courtyard.

“The green spaces on campus are what distinguish our campus from other universities in Sydney, and that will not change as we work to create a new and safer Central Courtyard,” says Mark Broomfield, Director of Property. “We’ve worked closely with the Sustainability team, Walanga Muru and external landscape specialists to ensure we continue to respect the land, the original landscape design intent, and the University’s commitment to sustainability while also preparing us for the future.”

In addition to the updated tree-scape, the University is building new state-of-the-art facilities for staff and students to enjoy well into the future. Designed by leading design studio Architectus, the new buildings will serve a variety of functions, delivering new social and educational infrastructure at the very heart of the campus.

Existing structures will be redeveloped to be lighter and brighter than their predecessors, creating a new vibrancy and dynamism for all to enjoy. There will also be new on-campus accommodation for students.

“Our goal is to create a unique space unlike any other campus in Sydney where our University community can come together to learn and engage with one another,” Mark says.

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The first stages of the Central Courtyard project are currently scheduled to be completed in 2020. Stay tuned for more details as the project progresses.