Balaclava Road, one of the University’s main gateways, is heavily trafficked with major bus routes, through traffic and University traffic. This completed project has reconfigured the one-way section of Balaclava Road to two-way flow and relocated the bus routes, the eastbound bus stop and non-University traffic away from the campus.

Streetscaping work has created a wide, shared footpath for pedestrians and bicycles, attractive landscaping, underground power and new street lighting. The works form part of a suite of public domain upgrades which are currently taking place across the University in order to improve the pedestrian safety and amenity of the campus.

The works will improve the pedestrian routes and safety, enhance traffic circulation, and provide a much-needed upgrade of the public domain at this main gateway to the University.

A new partnership will see the main oval at Macquarie University’s sports fields upgraded to elite AFL competition standard, following a $5 million grant from the NSW Government’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund.

Together with contributions from AFL NSW/ACT and Redlands School, which will both have non-exclusive access to the oval when not in use by the University, the joint funding will provide our community with a new $7.5 million facility suitable for a variety of sports. The funding will allow major upgrades to existing pavilions, a full upgrade of the playing surface and new lighting to allow for twilight and evening play, further enhancing the recreational facilities available to Macquarie University students and community users.

On 24 November, Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton was joined by New South Wales Minister for Sport, The Hon Alister Henskens SC MP, and Member for Ryde, The Hon Victor Dominello MP, together with City of Ryde Mayor Jordan Lane and representatives from the AFL and Redlands School to announce the partnership and view plans for the facility.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that Macquarie University has long played a role in the provision of sporting facilities in the region, with 750,000 visits by community members each year.

“I am delighted that we are converging around this partnership to support sport and recreation for the benefit of our young sportspeople – both at Macquarie University and the community at large,” Professor Dowton said.

Ms Tiffany Robertson, Head of AFL NSW/ACT, said the new facility would particularly benefit the increasing number of girls and women taking up the sport, with female-friendly facilities a key focus of the planning process.

“Participation in AFL has grown in record numbers in the past decade in NSW, with much of this growth attributed to women and girls,” said Ms Robertson. “The upgrades at Macquarie University achieve a level playing field for all users. This is an exciting project for footballers of all ages and abilities.”

The project is expected to commence in the first half of next year, with work likely to be complete in 2024.

And what did the young Redlands players – who eagerly took on the Minister for Sport in a friendly marking competition – think of the plans for the University’s new facility? A resounding “awesome!”.

Pictured right: Aiming high – Redlands players enjoyed a friendly game of AFL with the Minister for Sport at the funding announcement

In the two years to 30 June 2022, the University saved over 72,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, equivalent to:

• 14,189 petrol-powered cars driven for one year
• 12,813 homes’ electricity use for one year
• charging over eight billion smartphones

“We reduced our emissions from total electricity usage by 97 per cent during this period and we are well on the way towards net zero for our scope 1 and 2 emissions,” explains Nicole Marchhart, Head of Sustainability. She is one of the newest members of the Property Services team, led by Executive Director Juliette Churchill.

Macquarie was among the first Australian universities to commit to 100 percent renewable electricity, driven by our dedication to developing a vibrant and sustainable campus. Progress towards our energy efficiency goal was also boosted by the installation of solar energy panels on campus rooftops, with a combined generating capacity of 746kW.

Major campus development projects are being built to ambitious sustainability standards, with the Central Courtyard, Lincoln Building and Student Accommodation Buildings all individually awarded 5-Star Green Star ratings in design and construction by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).

The University’s 2021 Sustainability Tracking Report is available to view now, with the 2022 report to be published soon.

“Having just started at Macquarie, I have been impressed with the number of sustainable initiatives that are embedded into business as usual across the University,” Marchhart says. “We should be proud of what we have achieved to date on our sustainability journey, and we will be consulting the University community in the new year to seek input into our goals and initiatives as we develop our new Sustainability Strategy.”

There are some simple ways Macquarie staff can conserve energy, particularly as we approach the holiday period:

• Turn monitors and laptops off. Do not leave them on standby.
• In kitchens, turn off appliances such as the kettle and toaster at the power point, especially over Christmas.
• Turn off lights and air conditioning when you are leaving an office space.

Learn more about Macquarie’s commitment to sustainability.

Since joining Macquarie as Executive Director of Property Services three months ago, Juliette Churchill has been delighted by the spaces she has encountered.

“I have discovered so many spaces on the Wallumattagal Campus that are architecturally extraordinary – inspiring both in their sustainability achievements and in their successful creation of a deep sense of place and purpose,” Churchill says.

As a non-practising registered architect with a Master of Architecture from Liverpool University, Churchill brings to Macquarie a sophisticated understanding of the power of the built environment to cultivate ideas and connections.

Prior to joining Macquarie, she spent a decade as Director of Design, Engineering, Planning and Sustainability at the University of Sydney, where she oversaw the strategic planning, design, maintenance and project management of the University’s portfolio of 800 buildings across urban and regional NSW.

Particularly important to Churchill was cultural sensitivity in planning and constructing new projects.

“It became a real passion of mine to work in consultation with traditional owners to embed their stories into our buildings and landscapes,” she says.

As for her role in the Macquarie University story, Churchill will build on the legacy of Mark Broomfield who, over his 12 years as Director of Property, oversaw the most substantial transformation of the University’s campus in our 58-year history.

That renewal saw the creation and evolution of more than a dozen remarkable buildings, some of which Churchill will be profiling in an upcoming LinkedIn series, beginning with the Michael Egan Hall.

Having spent her initial time at Macquarie developing an understanding of our people and our ambitions as an institution strongly connected within Macquarie Park, Churchill’s focus now moves to the important work of evolving the University’s Masterplan.

“Our future plans for the campus will be informed by contemporary approaches to teaching, work and collaboration, and reflect the impact of the COVID pandemic on the way we use indoor and outdoor spaces,” she says. “Planning for the future needs of the Macquarie Business School and the University’s health precinct will be an area of focus, and of course, Macquarie’s commitment to sustainability remains at the heart of everything we do.”

There is also the not-insignificant task of delivering the new Michael Kirby Macquarie Law Building, as well as new spaces for physics, astronomy and engineering. No doubt Churchill will be singing Macquarie’s architectural praises for a long time to come.

This work will be conducted in stages. During construction, pedestrian pathways will be redirected with signage. Increased noise can also be expected during this time.

Parking spaces on Innovation Road between 7B and 6 Eastern Road will be temporarily closed to allow construction works to proceed.

The Property team asks that you abide by the directions of traffic management staff and signage and remain alert to construction workers and heavy machinery during the construction process.

If you have any enquiries regarding this project contact the Project Manager, Garvin Lau on garvin.lau@mq.edu.au or 02 9850 7118.

 The Green Star is an internationally recognised Australian sustainability rating and certification system founded by Green Building Council of Australia. Developed for the Australian environment, Green Star certifies projects that are reducing the impact of climate change, enhancing our health and quality of life, restoring and protecting our planet’s biodiversity, ecosystems and more.

Completed in 2021, The Central Courtyard’s development focussed on future sustainability. The Precinct has received a 5 Star Green Star rating in building design and construction, rating highly efficient in energy and emissions and recognising the planning and consideration of the space. The 5 Star rating has been awarded individually to the Lincoln Building, 1 Central Courtyard and the Student Accommodation Buildings R1 and R2.

“Sustainability is at the forefront of development at the Macquarie’s Wallumattagal campus, and projects are intentionally designed to contribute to a better future,” says Mark Broomfield, Director of Property.

“This 5 Star Green Star rating acknowledges the steps we have taken and continue to take to ensure the spaces in which our community gathers are sustainable.”

From those early beginnings it served as the University Library continuously until 2011 when the new Library was opened. After a period lying dormant it was reimagined with an experimental refit on the lower ground and ground levels and found new life as a hub for student administration and activities.

Fast forward to the present, and it’s time for this building to help meet the needs that align with both the Operating Plan and Professional Services Transformation (PST). The building – currently known as 18 Wally’s Walk – is set to become the central administration hub for the University, housing Finance, Group Risk, Procurement, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, Business Intelligence and Reporting, Global Engagement and Reputation, Dean of Students Office, Campus Life, Professional Services Transformation and Philanthropy.

The new space will bring professional services into the heart of campus, encouraging collaboration and connection. While most teams will be moving in at the end of this month, this professional and modern work environment is already being enjoyed by a few lucky teams.

The Sport Development team, along with other teams in Campus Life, moved to the new offices in March and report that their new home is filled with light and has great views of campus from all sides

The team didn’t have far to move, relocating down one level from the same building, but were previously based in the Sport and Aquatic Centre on the western side of campus until 2019.

“We manage the student-facing sport programs, so being closer to the middle of campus is a huge advantage for our team,” says University Sport Manager, Brett Morley.

“It also makes it easier to connect with different areas of the University,” Brett adds.

Grace Ross-Hubble, who has recently joined the team at Macquarie, is delighted with how it compares to previous workplaces outside Macquarie.

“As someone who has spent the last nine years working in a windowless gym, I love the natural light and all the greenery around the office,” says Grace.

Fellow new starter, James Tucker, says it has been great to come and settle into a modern office.

“There are lots of collaborative meeting areas which we look forward to using,” says James.

“We’re also excited to replace the sound of construction with the sounds of a busy office and meeting more teams and people as they move in.”

For those interested in the ‘behind the scenes’ elements, the refurbishment includes an upgrade to air conditioning, roof membrane and new elevators, bringing it up to 5-star Green Star certification.

It’s the first time in many years that the building looks different from the outside. The fit-out has included an external upgrade as well with sunshades and LED lighting on the façade. The western terrace is being reimagined with the relocation of Wally’s Walk Coffee Cart which will become Wally’s Toasties and Coffee and be open in time for Session 2.

Planning has also commenced to renovate the ground floor of the building to be the new Service Connect, an information hub for all students.

Once the building is fully operational there will be no shortage of reasons to come to visit your colleagues in their new home and see the building for yourself. There are breakout spaces and quiet pods on each floor – so plenty of room to meet up. There will also be several publicly bookable rooms on Level 1, and with the whole building adjacent to the Central Courtyard there is little more reason to visit.

Pictured above: Liz Yong, James Tucker, Brett Morley and Grace Ross-Hubble from the Sport Development team in Campus Life enjoying the new office spaces on Level 1 at 18 Wally’s Walk.

Pictured below: A sneak peek at some of the office facilities in the revitalised building.

Summary of changes

• Conversion of the current one-way section of Balaclava Road to two-way. This change will be between University Avenue and Eucalyptus Street (entry in to BaptistCare).
• The footpath on the north side of Balaclava Road will be converted into a shared path (pedestrians / bicycles).
• An additional pedestrian crossing and relocated pedestrian crossings.
• New road pavement, lighting, signage and line marking.
• Permanent relocation of the bus stop currently located on University Avenue (near Hadenfeld Ave intersection) to Balaclava Road coming onto campus (situated opposite the current outgoing bus stop).

Further details

This work will be conducted in stages and will mean that during construction pedestrian pathways will be redirected with signage. Minor traffic delays and increased noise can also be expected during this time.

The bus stop within the works area will be temporarily relocated nearby to allow construction works to proceed. Directional signage will be provided for bus passengers.

The Property team kindly asks that you abide by the directions of traffic management staff and signage. Please be alert to construction workers, heavy machinery and hot products during the construction process.

Please ensure that children in your care stay well clear of the work.

Property contact

If you have any enquiries regarding this project please contact the Project Manager, Garvin Lau on garvin.lau@mq.edu.au or 02 9850 7118.

Aboriginal artist Lara Went (main picture) brought her gifted Burrumering guardian spirit to life last month, creating three huge murals at the Sport and Aquatic Centre. She also visited children at Banksia, Gumnut and Waratah Cottages, guiding them through some art-making activities.

Two Indigenous Macquarie students, Dylan Barnes and Elijah Ingram – both respected artists themselves – collaborated with Lara to create a large Burrumering guardian spirit in the Sport and Aquatic Centre courtyard.

Inclusive science, for the win

During the October school  holidays the Australian Hearing Hub hosted another successful Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Junior Science Camp, in collaboration with the Junior Science Academy.

An example of a ‘gold standard’ for education accessibility, the camp provides a free, fun science experience for children with hearing challenges, encouraging their further engagement with STEM and aspiration towards tertiary education.  Families travel from all over New South Wales to attend, giving the children an invaluable chance to connect with peers.

The camps also give Master of Clinical Audiology students an opportunity to engage with the children and put their knowledge into practice.

Best water views in town almost ready to hit the market

Macquarie’s new on-campus accommodation in the Central Courtyard Precinct is almost complete, ready to house students at the start of 2021.

“While most staff had to take a break from campus earlier this year, we were hard at work building a new home for students at the heart of the University,” says Director of Property Mark Broomfield. “We’re excited to see the project edge closer to the final completion milestone and are looking forward to the final fit out and opening early next year.”

No international travel? No problem

International travel may be off the cards, but it didn’t stop 70 students from German Studies, Languages and Cultures and the Global Leadership Program getting an exclusive tour of a section of the Berlin Wall last month.

Ms Sonja Griegoschewski, Director of the Goethe-Institut, gave the students a virtual tour of a slab from the original wall that is on display at the organisation’s Woollahra headquarters, and shared her personal insights of life in Berlin before and after the fall of the wall.  Deputy Consul General Mr Klaus Steitz also gave the students a valuable ‘insiders’ look’ at the functions and priorities of the Council of the European Union, which is currently presided over by Germany.

The event was moderated by Associate Professor Ulrike Garde and organised in collaboration with the Global Leadership Program and the Bachelor of International Studies.

Construction on the project commenced on 9 May 2019 and was completed this August. The refurbishment encompassed the initial façade design phase, completion of the façade cladding, installation of the fit-out and finally, moving the building tenants into the space.

In comparison with the original Brutalist-style Lincoln Building constructed in 1972, the refurbished building’s internal design has provided a brightness and a sense of space. The new façade has highlighted and respected the striking original design and opened the building up to increased natural light.

“The intent of the new space has been to provide a new workplace noting the challenge of the existing slab to slab heights,” says Property Director, Mark Broomfield.

“A key consideration was maintaining the ziggurat of the original building while opening and activating the ground floor onto the courtyard as a food and beverage destination. This area will contain six retail and beverage outlets which we will see open in January 2021.”

The new tenants are the first to experience the new view over the Central Courtyard and have nothing but glowing reviews of the Lincoln Building space.

“My team was previously based in C5C [17 Wally’s Walk], so we like everything about the new building. The light, space, location, views across the new campus common and watching the new building take shape. It is a calm space in which to work and the layout facilitates interaction with colleagues,” says Simon Handley, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Higher Degree Research).

Mark is thrilled to hear the positive thoughts on the refurbished building, from both the building’s occupants and others passing by.

“The strategy, as part of the overall central courtyard revitalisation, was to refurbish the building to provide a further 50-year life as well as complement the other buildings around the courtyard, new and existing,” explains Mark.

“The design teams and builders have excelled themselves and recreated a landmark building at the University’s heart.”

Find out more about the new Central Courtyard Precinct on the Campus Development Plan website.