“Our Vision is that Macquarie University will be a model collaborative community demonstrating global leadership and innovation in the sustainable development of built and natural environments.”

– Campus Master Plan (2014)

In developing and implementing the Campus Master Plan, Macquarie set ambitious commitments to target the reduction of energy and water use, minimise emissions, and divert waste from landfill by 2030.

With 2020 being the 10-year milestone, the University has released its Sustainability Targets Tracking: 2020 Status Report, which provides an update on our progress.

The headline stats paint a positive picture, and with our recent switch to a 100 per cent renewable electricity source for the North Ryde campus, these figures are expected to improve even further in 2021.

^{(1) Excludes 100% renewable electricity supply, which equates to an approximate 92% reduction. (2) Against 2009 baseline (2007 baseline not available). (3) Against 2011 baseline (2009 baseline not available) .}

“Through the implementation and integration of sustainable principles into Macquarie’s core practices, we’re making significant progress against our targets,” says Mark Broomfield, Director of Property.

“And we’ve managed to achieve these results despite having grown significantly as a University – our Gross Floor Area has increased by 39 per cent since 2009, and our population – in terms of EFSTL and FTE – has increased by 40 per cent.”

Our progress also comes with benefits to the bottom line, with cost savings of more than $18 million.

“In this challenging economic climate, Macquarie continues to invest in these activities that not only reduce our ecological footprint but improve our operational performance and provide a financial benefit to the University.”

Learn more about our resource efficiency trends and our pathway to Carbon Neutral.

Professor Dowton noted that although the previous Hub building served the University very well, he acknowledged the enormous impact on learning and teaching the purpose-designed, future-proofed spaces in brand new buildings will have, and opportunities for celebration and social connection the graduation hall and courtyard areas will create.

It was fitting that a student at Macquarie, Sarah Treacy gave the event’s Welcome to Country address, as the Central Courtyard precinct has been designed around the student experience at Macquarie.

The VC was joined at the ground-breaking ceremony by many of the University’s senior leadership team, project architects and consultants plus a large contingent of builders, one of whom commented that the VC’s speech was a perfect reminder to many of the site staff of the importance of the facility they were building.

Head of Property at Macquarie University, Mark Broomfield said of the project: “After seven years of consultation and planning, it is so great to finally see this amazing project come to life.”

Overview: what’s happening?

Central Courtyard building

Previously known as ‘the Hub’, the new, five-level building is the largest element of the project and will be the new heart of campus with showcase design features and destinations:

• Basement level: Graduation hall and stage, function rooms, commercial kitchen and plant area.
• Ground level: 12 food and beverage retail areas adjacent to the new Central Courtyard; UBar and terraced area overlooking the lake; semi-covered/open-air communal dining areas with seating.
• Levels 1 and 2: 25 formal and informal teaching spaces.

Outdoor areas

• The Central Courtyard area will dominate the precinct, providing a central plaza space as before but with upgraded amenities, new trees and outdoor entertainment capability in a contemporary landscape design using quality paving, seating and pathways.
• A landscaped Residential Courtyard will service students living in the new residential towers and connect to the Central Courtyard.

Student accommodation (two buildings)

A first for Macquarie University, two brand new student residential towers with up to 342 beds will be built, with further residential towers planned for the precinct at a later date. The design caters for contemporary study and living needs. Ancillary and function spaces are also included. Given the proximity to Central Courtyard buildings and plaza-facing retail areas, the student accommodation is set to encourage night-time and student-led use of the new development.

Lincoln building, 16 Wally’s Walk

A campus architectural icon, the four-level Lincoln building will undergo an internal and facade refurbishment with the ground level converted into six retail food and beverage outlets that will open onto the new Central Courtyard area. Upper floors will be used for the Higher Degree Research Office and Research Services.

More information including plans and project documents here.

 Since its founding in 1964, our University has been renowned for its beautiful tree-scape, including the Lemon-Scented Gums in the Central Courtyard.

Planted in 1968, the Queensland gums have gained a special place in the hearts of many. However, their species type, the location and their age have combined to create an environment today where they are under extreme stress and dying with a high risk of falling branches.

This presented the University with an unacceptable safety risk in the Central Courtyard and, based on the advice of experts and the inherent increased safety risks, the courtyard was closed on 20 October. Our next step will be to remove and replace the trees, which will begin in the near future.

“At the request of the University, Australian Tree Consultants evaluated the Lemon Scented Gums in the Central Courtyard.  Nine trees were identified as being at a critical risk level, and their removal was undertaken. The remaining trees are also in declining condition due to less than optimal original planting techniques, reducing their functional lifespan. Retention of the trees will increase the risk to courtyard users and prevents installation of a more viable and sustainable planting,” says Hugh Taylor, Managing Director of Australian Tree Consultants.

The trees – which would have had to be removed regardless of the Campus Development Plan works – will be replaced as part of the Central Courtyard upgrade. Where possible, the trees that are removed will be repurposed for furniture and other campus structures. In consultation with Walanga Muru, a ceremony will be planned to commemorate the trees that are being replaced.

Ceremonies will also be organised for the new mixed native and deciduous tree-scape that will be planted in the Central Courtyard. The design will maximise summer shading and winter sunlight, and the types of species are being chosen in collaboration with Walanga Muru and external Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultant specialists in this area.

“We’re working on how we can best respect and honour the trees that are being replaced while working with the University to plan for the future green spaces on our campus,” says Dr Leanne Holt, Walanga Muru’s Director.

“The University is extremely proud of our beautiful green campus. We do not want to see trees removed from campus, but in this case it is necessary. However, the Campus Development Plan provides an opportunity to sensitively replace the removed trees. For the Central Courtyard, we are thinking carefully about the species chosen to replace the existing Lemon-Scented Gums and we will pick those that suit the Central Courtyard and are safer when mature. The trees on campus will continue to make Macquarie University a unique and special place to be,” says Leanne Denby, Director of Sustainability.

Macquarie is committed to replanting two trees for every one removed, taking into account the longevity of the trees chosen and the wildlife on campus who may use them. The University also plants 50 trees that are native to the local area every year and engages in programs of assisted natural regeneration and replanting.

We look forward to inviting staff, students and the community to ceremonies and replanting events as we go on this journey together and will share details as soon as plans are finalised. For questions, email campusdevelopment@mq.edu.au. 

Campus Common

Work continues to progress on this exciting new beverage and social precinct in the centre of campus. In a previous article, we promised to keep you informed about the tenants who will make their way into this new space when it opens in Session 2. You already know that Ubar will be moving over, but they will be joined by the following:

• Sambal, a new eatery to the University that focuses on Singaporean and Malaysian cuisines
• Sushi World, a campus favourite that provides high-quality quick and easy sushi products at affordable prices
• Doner Kebab, operated by the current owners of Doner Wrap but with a new twist on Turkish street food
• Lee’s Asian food court, serving traditional Chinese dishes
• Taste Baguette, offering Campos coffee and handcrafted baguettes, fresh salads and more food options with a French-Vietnamese flavour

Two more tenants will also join by the date of opening – stay tuned for more information soon.

Your feedback is essential in creating this new space – complete the survey now on what you’d like to see in this exciting new hangout. The first 1000 people to complete our survey will receive a $5 Campus Life food and beverage voucher. Vouchers can be collected from the Campus Engagement desk in MAZE (Level 3, C7A) from 16-20 October. Vouchers are redeemable at participating outlets on campus before the end of November.

Macquarie Active Zone Experience (MAZE) 

MAZE officially opens this week on Level 3 of C7A and is the new hub for student clubs and societies, as well as the new home of the Campus Engagement team and Accommodation Office.

The purpose-built space features multiple larger areas with facilities that student groups can book to facilitate teamwork and partnerships, as well as a variety of smaller meeting rooms.

It also features five new event spaces with brand-new AV equipment rounding out the amazing facilities on this floor.  As in the past, event spaces can be booked by staff through the Crunch Events and Catering team.

Questions or concerns? Email campusdevelopment@mq.edu.au.

As we know there are many questions about our beautiful trees and the fauna that resides in them, we sat down with Mark Broomfield, Director of Property, and Leanne Denby, Director of Sustainability, to get some answers as to what is happening with our landscape as we make way for development.

I’m concerned about tree removals on campus. What can you tell me?

The biggest thing that we want everyone to know is that flora and fauna have been and will continue to be a strong feature of our campus. We certainly understand the concerns around tree removal and realise its importance to the University community. We’re on this journey together as we redevelop our campus, creating a world-class and sustainable University. We value our trees – they’re a part of what makes Macquarie unique and only remove those that are absolutely necessary.

Why do some trees have to be removed?

We understand the emotional connection our community has with our beautiful campus. We care about respecting this connection and the flora and fauna that resides here. As much as we may not want to see a tree cut down, sometimes it is unfortunately necessary.

Currently, some of the trees have reached the end of their life and must be taken down to protect our community from falling branches. Regardless of the upcoming works, these trees would still need to be removed. During the semester break, nine trees in the Central Courtyard and some located near the Arts building will be removed. It was decided to action this during the break to limit disturbance to our teaching staff and students.

What happens to trees that are removed?

 We are always looking at ways that trees can be repurposed once they’ve reached the end of their life cycle on campus. We’re still working out all the details, but one example of this is how we’re working with Walanga Muru to repurpose trees for furniture and other structures on campus. This is something we’re really excited about and are looking forward to releasing more details shortly.

In general, what does the University do to maintain green spaces on campus?

The University takes pride in its beautiful green campus. Currently, we replant two trees for every one removed. We think about the longevity of the trees we choose and the fauna on campus who may use them.

To replenish trees that are damaged in storms or in decline, the University plants 50 locally native trees every year. In addition, since 2010, two hectares of bushland in and around the University Fauna Park have been under a program of assisted natural regeneration, which has resulted in hundreds of young trees coming up and reproductions of other ground and shrub layer species.

Our campus creeks have been replanted and naturalised with native vegetation at an enormous rate over recent years too. The wetland area behind Y3A is a wonderful example of this, as is the Bushcare@MQ site along Gymnasium Rd.

We’re committed to being open and transparent with communications and engaging with you as works progress. In the meantime, please email us at campusdevelopment@mq.edu.au anytime if you have questions or concerns.

Thanks for sitting down with us, Mark and Leanne! Do you have other questions for a future article? Let us know.

Why are we seeing more industry partners with buildings on campus?
We developed a plan in 2009 to enhance the University for both students and staff, in part by bringing industry partners onto the campus to engage meaningfully with them.

Greater collaboration with industry and business will not only enrich the Innovation District of which Macquarie University is central, but will also provide opportunities for commercialisation, student internships and real-world work experience.

Where will we park once the C1, C2, C3 and E1 car parks are closed?
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 do that is to ensure car parks are located on the perimeter.

In line with this vision, the X8 car park was originally designed to accommodate additional parking for staff and students. It will be expanded prior to the closure of C1, C2, C3 and E1 to provide an equivalent number of spaces. The expansion will commence later this year, with a planned opening in late 2017.

The University will also be increasing the frequency of shuttle buses from the X8 car park to assist those needing some form of vehicular access. In addition, changes will be made to car parking arrangements in the F5 car parks to provide additional parking for University usage.

How many car park spaces will there be when the Campus Master Plan is completed?
When the campus is fully developed, we plan to have nearly 11,000 spaces available for commercial tenant, student and staff parking. The number of spaces provisioned for the University use is maximised at 5,000 under the 2009 Concept Plan approved by NSW Department of Planning.

What will happen to the undercover disabled and motorcycle parking in E1?
We are currently looking at arranging alternative undercover parking in F5, the Australian Hearing Hub and other University-owned buildings.

Are there plans for shuttles and/or covered pedestrian walkways on campus?
There are plans to increase the frequency of the shuttle bus. There are no plans for covered walkways.

The executive working group will continue to evaluate all options for staff and students who park on campus to provide the best possible experience.

What parking options will exist for parents and carers with children attending campus childcare centres?
Existing car parking facilities will be maintained for those spaces in close proximity to the childcare centres, wherever that is possible. The drop off points will be retained.

What is the University’s plan to manage potential impacts from the train station closure?
The expanded X8 car park will open in late 2017, prior to the scheduled train station closure in late 2018.

In addition, we have established an executive working group that will lobby the government to represent the University’s needs and interests as it further develops the interim transport plan. The executive working group will provide regular updates to the University community at large.