December 9, 2015

Master Plan to guide future of Wollongong campus

Wollongong campus master plan prepares for future growth over the next 20 years. 

UOW has begun its Wollongong Campus Master Plan project and engaged a multi-disciplinary team of consultants led by campus master planners, MGS Architects. The project will involve a detailed analysis of the Wollongong Campus and align planning with the University's vision and goals for future growth over the next 20 years. 

The project’s scope includes areas such as academic facilities and student/staff populations for future growth, facilities such as accommodation, cafes, sports, retail, student services, open space and public amenity, relationships with surrounding neighbourhoods and communities, environmentally sustainable growth, vehicle movements and parking, pedestrian pathways, access, signage and security and cycle access, storage and public transport. 

MGS Architects was awarded the tender through a competitive process, and were selected based on their proven track record across similar national and international university consultation projects.

Chief Administrative Officer of the University of Wollongong, Melva Crouch CSM, said: “The University of Wollongong is currently developing a new Strategic Plan for 2016 through to 2020 and this Master Plan will help ensure our physical environment responds to changing academic and research needs, growing student population and to guide management and development of our properties.”

Consultation with students, staff, local business, government and the wider community will form an important part of the planning process. A number of opportunities are planned to gather the views and ideas of the campus communities.

The eight month long project involves significant consultation with internal and external stakeholders and is currently focussed on reviewing existing technical studies, local Council and State Government planning frameworks and preliminary consultation with UOW senior leadership and key campus communities across staff and students.

Wider community consultation will commence in March 2016. 

“We will be hosting a series of workshops and setting up drop-in booths in Wollongong for students, staff and community members throughout next year. We are also taking feedback now via email and post and I encourage local organisations, community groups and residents to get involved and have their say,” Ms Crouch said.