A framework agreement between the New South Wales Government and the University of Sydney is set to deliver a world-class multi-disciplinary campus within the Westmead Health and Innovation District.
The new university campus will build on the district’s role as one of the largest health, education, research and training precincts in Australia.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, said the agreement was an important step for the long-term future of the district.
“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,” Minister Ayres said.
He noted that over the next 30 years, the NSW Government’s vision for the Westmead Health and Innovation District is expected to create over 20,000 new jobs and contribute an additional $2.8 billion of economic output each year to the NSW economy.
“Having the University at the core of the Westmead Health and Innovation District will help transform the district into a powerhouse of invention, creativity, and commercialisation, and home to world-leading enterprises, start-ups, researchers and students,” he said.
Pending final agreement, the university hopes to attract more than 25,000 students and 2500 staff by 2055 and provide affordable student and staff accommodation.
Minister for Health and Medical Research, Brad Hazzard, said the NSW Government and the University of Sydney are committed to working together as health will continue to be a strong focus throughout Westmead and the future of the site.
“Westmead Health and Innovation District will continue to deliver world-class health services for the communities of Western Sydney by developing new and innovative models of health care,” he said.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education and Member for Parramatta, Geoff Lee, added that the agreement was a win for Parramatta and Western Sydney.
“Westmead is already the largest biomedical precinct in Australia. The commitment by the University of Sydney will transform the precinct by offering a comprehensive suite of university courses beyond health studies. Parramatta City has established itself to be the education capital of Western Sydney,” Minister Lee commented.
The agreement marks the next step in exclusive negotiations between Government and the University, which commenced in November 2018.
It confirms the University of Sydney as the ‘educational anchor’ for the Government’s planned innovation district, based on the University’s leading status as a top-100 global university.
It also confirms a site for the new campus in Parramatta North adjacent to the Westmead hospitals, and a process for ongoing engagement once land for the proposed campus becomes available for development. Further information is available here.