HIGHER LEARNING SOARS IN PARRAMATTA

Parramatta’s transformation into a cultural, economic and education precinct is another step closer thanks to the NSW Government’s approval of a new Engineering Innovation Hub in the heart of the CBD.
 
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the new 19-storey education hub will be shared by Western Sydney University and the University of NSW.
 
“The hub will be used by 1,600 engineering and architecture students and will bring world-leading research and innovation to Sydney’s second CBD,” Mr Stokes said. 
 
“The hub will also create almost 1,000 construction jobs and more than 1,300 full-time ongoing jobs close to the ferry, train station, main bus routes and the future light rail.
 
“Open space in Parramatta will be improved with new public space in the form of terraces and a ground level plaza that connects Hassall Street to Lancer Barracks.”
 
Skills and Tertiary Education Minister and Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said education and innovation opportunities are soaring in Parramatta.
 
“This will be the third high-rise education building approved in the Parramatta CBD, following Western Sydney University’s campus at Parramatta Square and the nearly completed Arthur Phillip High School,” Mr Lee said.
 
“A shared vision and collaboration is crucial to delivering great results and this innovative partnership between two universities will see Parramatta continue to develop into an economic and knowledge-based powerhouse.”
 
Construction of the new education facility will continue from the early works approved by Council and is expected to be welcoming students in 2021.