Minister for Planning Pru Goward today announced approval of The University of Sydney’s concept proposal to cater for significant future growth at the Camperdown and Darlington campuses.

The Campus Improvement Program will generate almost $1.4 billion in investment, with up to 15,000 jobs created during construction, and an extra 400 full-time employees once the expansion is complete.

The concept plans include new education facilities to cater for around 10,000 extra students, and provision of extra campus accommodation for around 4,000 students.

“The University of Sydney is part of our $15 billion education sector, and is world-renowned for its quality education standards,” Ms Goward said.

“Our universities in NSW are in high demand, both domestically and from around the globe. It is critical that our exceptional education facilities can grow to cater for that demand.

“These expansion plans will do more than contribute to growth in student numbers, they will create almost 15,000 jobs during the construction phase, and 400 full-time permanent positions afterwards.

“This is great news for the NSW higher education sector, students wanting to study at the University of Sydney, and for the NSW economy.”

The Campus Improvement Program is a long term plan that will guide future development of new and existing education facilities, including lecture theatres, classrooms and laboratories, as well as administration facilities, student accommodation, car parking and public open space over the next decade.

University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Michael Spence said the approval will pave the way for substantial growth and improvement of the University.

“Our students, staff and the local community value our Camperdown Darlington campus as a place where excellent teaching and research is conducted through collaboration,” Dr Spence said.

“This plan maintains our heritage by ensuring buildings are protected and preserved, significantly increases affordable housing places for students, and addresses environmental sustainability through building height restrictions and a campus greening project.”

While only 21 per cent of journeys to and from the campuses are by private vehicles, the proposal includes measures to improve access and parking at the university, with modern, underground parking envisaged for many of the new buildings, as well as designated drop-off and pick-up points that can be used by private vehicles, as well as taxis and buses.

“The plans also include establishing pedestrian and cycling networks across the campuses, as more than a quarter of its students and staff either walk or ride their bike to the university,” Ms Goward said.

The Campus Improvement Program is also in line with the NSW Government’s recently released A Plan for Growing Sydney.

“The approval means the university can play a major role in providing the world-class education facilities that are essential to the competitive Sydney of the future that our metropolitan growth plan envisages,” Ms Goward said.