Revitalisation of Westmead campus to help generate the new knowledge jobs of the future

Western Sydney University is looking for an experienced development partner to transform the balance of its four-hectare Westmead campus into a vibrant retail, business and residential hub that will support the Westmead Precinct's future as one of Australia's most important health, medical and innovation districts.

Western Sydney University is calling for Expressions of Interest from developers to partner with them to co-develop Lots 2 and 3 of the campus, following the sale of Lots 4 and 5 last year for residential use. Expressions of Interest open Monday 31 October 2016, through the website https://www.tenderlink.com/westernsydney. 

The University's vision for the site is for a highly-accessible, transit-oriented, mixed-use development, that includes education, commercial, residential and community spaces. The entire project has a value of approximately $450 million.

Importantly, the co-development will allow Western Sydney University to create new funding streams, so it can reinvest the income back into its core business of teaching and research.

Strategically located adjacent to the Westmead Hospital, Westmead railway station and the rapid bus Transitway (T-way) service, the Westmead campus is a gateway to the busy Westmead Precinct – a global centre for health, education and medical research excellence and innovation.

Westmead is critical to Western Sydney's continued economic transformation, and is expected to generate up to 50,000 new knowledge jobs by 2036 - according to the Deloitte Access Economics report, Westmead Innovation District: Building Western Sydney's jobs engine.

"The redevelopment of the Westmead campus is an exciting opportunity to create much-needed commercial and retail amenities for the town centre that can support the Westmead Precinct's role as a world-leading hub for health, education and medical research," says University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover.

"The Westmead Precinct will grow significantly over the next 20 years – bringing with it more entrepreneurial start-ups, innovation and technology-based industries, and generating thousands more highly skilled jobs for the area."

With four major hospitals and three research institutes, Westmead represents the largest concentration of hospital and health services in Australia, and is a key community pillar serving Western Sydney and providing other specialist services for New South Wales.

Professor Glover says the University will retain ownership of the majority of the Westmead campus, and maintain a strong presence on the site.

"Westmead forms an integral part of our campus network, and will be an important site for the University's own world-leading, industry-engaged research and business incubation that is firmly embedded in the community."

The University has completed major works to establish the site for development, including bulk earthworks, construction of new public roads, open space and services infrastructure.

Following the EOI process, the University will evaluate the proposals over the period December 2016 to January 2017.

The final development strategy for the campus will be considered by the University's Board of Trustees in March next year, with the University to enter into detailed negotiations with preferred proponents as soon as possible.

ENDS 

31 October 2016

For more information or interviews, contact:
Amanda Whibley, Media Manager, Western Sydney University
Mobile 0418 438 399, Email a.whibley@westernsydney.edu.au