Parramatta’s New Engineering Innovation Hub Under Way
Plans for a new $280 million Engineering Innovation Hub are under way with the proposal now on exhibition for Parramatta’s new precinct.
The project is a joint venture development with the Western Sydney University (WSU) and UNSW Sydney in partnership with Charter Hall, which will also see the delivery of space for new shops, offices and public open space.
The proposed hub will include a 19-storey education building for engineering and architecture students from Western Sydney University and the University of New South Wales.
Tzannes + Blight Rayner were selected as the joint architects on the project in February this year.
The facility will cater for WSU and UNSW’s education and teaching requirements through the 28,500sq metre vertical campus along with office space for commercial tenancy, expected for completion in 2021.
The project site, located at the eastern end of the Parramatta CBD, is mapped as an area of high Aboriginal sensitivity under the Parramatta Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Study Review. The proponent is currently seeking authorised archaeological investigations to salvage artefacts and historical material that may be located within the area.
Skills and Tertiary Education Minister Geoff Lee says the new hub will bring leading research and support the state government’s goal of delivering 200,000 jobs in Sydney’s west.
“This is an exciting time for our community as it grows into a world-class hub for education and innovation and quickly transforms into Sydney’s second CBD,” Lee said.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes described Parramatta “as under transformation” with the addition of the Bankwest Stadium which recently opened.
“The future Engineering Innovation Hub as well as the Parramatta Light Rail and Metro West, Western Sydney Airport, Powerhouse Museum move are all great examples of the huge transformation underway in the area.”
The proposal is on exhibition for community feedback until Wednesday June 19.
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