Western Sydney University and UNSW Sydney engineer new opportunities for students

In an Australian first, a joint venture between Western Sydney University (WSU) and UNSW Sydney to develop a world-class Engineering Innovation Hub in Parramatta was announced today by New South Wales Premier, The Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP.

With development partner Charter Hall, the two universities are developing a custom-designed, 15-storey, 27,000 sqm vertical Hub at Hassall Street in the Parramatta CBD – to be completed by 2021 – to house a joint undergraduate engineering program alongside Western Sydney University’s architecture and business courses.

The Premier highlighted the collaboration between the two universities would fast-track the development of much-needed world-class engineering graduates in western Sydney.

“I congratulate Western Sydney University and UNSW Sydney on such a region-shaping joint venture. Not only will the Engineering Innovation Hub in Parramatta help generate thousands of knowledge-jobs, it demonstrates the power of universities being industry-engaged, which can only benefit the graduates of the future,” said Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

Vice-Chancellor of Western Sydney University, Professor Barney Glover, noted the engineering degree will bring world-leading research and innovation to the region, providing critical support to the Government’s ambitious goal of creating 200,000 knowledge jobs in the West.

(L-R) Professor Ian Jacobs, Vice-Chancellor and President, UNSW Sydney; The Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP, New South Wales Premier; Professor Barney Glover, Vice-Chancellor and President, Western Sydney University; David Harrison, Group CEO, Charter Hall.

“Through this joint venture, Western Sydney University and UNSW will harness emerging technologies and opportunities at scale to deliver a highly progressive, industry engaged engineering course in Australia’s fastest growing region,” said Professor Glover.

UNSW President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Jacobs noted the joint venture would create a new standard in engineering students.

“We are proud to partner with Western Sydney University to deliver a state-of-the-art facility for teaching, research and industry collaboration in the heart of Parramatta. We are aligned with WSU in our commitment to creating graduates with a global outlook who also have local links and connection to the community,” said Professor Jacobs.

The collaboration with UNSW also demonstrates Western Sydney University’s larger strategy of transformative educational infrastructure partnering with industry.

WSU is actively linking with partners, such as Charter Hall and KPMG, to create immersive university precincts, including the large-scale redevelopment of the Westmead Health and Education Super Precinct.

ENDS.

10 October 2018

Clare Patience, Senior Media Officer