The University of Sydney will call Parramatta home, as a site for the new world-class multi-disciplinary campus is confirmed.
The campus is set to be located within the Westmead Health and Innovation District at the Historic Cumberland Hospital grounds in Parramatta North, adjacent to the Westmead hospitals.
The State Government and the University of Sydney have officially signed off on a framework agreement marking the next step in negotiations, which commenced back in 2018.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the agreement was an important step for the long-term future of the Westmead Health and Innovation District and its role as one of the largest health, education, research and training precincts in Australia.
“A globally recognised university campus in the central river city at the core of the Westmead Health and Innovation District will drive innovation and catalyse future growth, ensuring we become a world leader in lifelong education and research partnerships that save lives and cure diseases,” he said.
Mr Ayres paid tribute to the vision of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sydney, Dr Michael Spence, to expand the University’s presence in western Sydney.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education and Parramatta MP Geoff Lee said the agreement was a huge win for Parramatta and western Sydney.
“The commitment by University of Sydney today will transform the precinct by offering a comprehensive suite of university courses beyond health studies,” he said.
Pending final agreement around the size and timings of the campus development, the university hopes to attract more than 25,000 students and 2,500 staff by 2055 and provide affordable student and staff accommodation.
Executive Director of the Western Sydney Business Chamber, David Borger said “it will be a boon for the kids of western Sydney to be able to access a world-class university campus in the region rather than make the historic pilgrimage to Camperdown”.
However, given the historic value of the site, members of the North Parramatta Resident Action Group (NPRAG) are concerned about the impact this scale of development will have.
“NPRAG are disappointed the government has not included the community on future use of Parramatta’s most significant indigenous and convict heritage grounds,” NPRAG spokesperson Suzette Meade said.
“You can be sure the next announcement will be thousands of high density residential towers labelled ‘student accommodation’.”
A Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union green ban was placed on the entire botanic heritage site back in 2015 against unsupported development.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.